Although publicity is just one aspect of planning for a health fair, it's arguably the most important. Even the best-planned fair won't be successful if no one knows about it.

Use a variety of methods to publicize your fair:

• Prepare press releases for local newspapers and public service announcements (PSAs) for local radio stations.

• Contact local companies to see whether someone in their PR or communications area could help you get the message out. Many companies have internal newsletters which they use to communicate with their employees.

• Use community calendars and newsletters to promote the fair.

• Design fliers and posters that not only inform people about the fair but motivate them to come. (Ask art students to help with designs.) Hang fliers or posters in stores, libraries, banks, restaurants, childcare centers, clinics, hospitals, physicians' offices, and churches. Put them anyplace where a lot of people in your target audience might see them. Ask schools to send fliers home with their students.

• Organize a press conference to promote the fair. TV stations and newspapers might even cover the story during the fair, giving it a little post-event publicity.