• 68% of missing person tips come from the public — not law enforcement.

• Events and awareness campaigns are responsible for over 80% of media pick-up for long-term cases.

• Visual campaigns (such as t-shirts or signs) increase recall by 400% compared to verbal messaging alone.

• Communities are more likely to share posts after attending a real-world event or seeing physical signs.

• Studies show that people are 3x more likely to act when asked to do something in person.

1. Begin Early (3–6 Months)

The more time you have, the more help you can gather — and the less stress you’ll feel as the event approaches.

2. Start With a Goal

Ask: What do I want this tribute to do? Raise awareness? Generate tips? Celebrate a birthday? Comfort a family?

3. Don’t Go Alone

Every great event has 3–5 key people helping behind the scenes. Recruit early and delegate clearly.

4. Build the Event Around the Missing Person’s Story

What makes them unique? What did they love? How can we humanize the case so people remember them?

5. Simplicity is Powerful

A heartfelt flyer and 25 candles can be more effective than a 6-hour program with no focus. Stick to what matters.

6. Make Space for Emotion

Tributes are tender and personal. Prepare tissues, support people, and a calming environment.

• 6 Months Out: Choose date, tribute format, and key message. Confirm family participation and tone.

• 5 Months Out: Outline team roles. Begin contacting potential partners or venue hosts. Draft donation wishlist.

• 4 Months Out: Secure permits if needed. Start early flyer design. Identify speakers, musicians, or readers.

• 3 Months Out: Confirm venue. Create planning document. Request in-kind donations from local businesses.

• 2 Months Out: Begin social media campaign. Create Facebook/Instagram event. Reach out to media contacts.

• 1 Month Out: Finalize timeline. Confirm volunteer assignments. Order tribute items (shirts, candles, flyers).

• 2 Weeks Out: Print materials. Test tech. Assign setup crew. Confirm attendance. Prep for emotional support.

• Day Of: Arrive early. Set up tribute table. Run show smoothly. Document with photos or video.

• Afterward: Share photos, post a recap, send thank-you notes, and reflect on impact and feedback.

✅ Make it visual: Use photos, signs, shirts, or candles to make people stop and look.

✅ Keep it personal: Share real stories or memories — this creates empathy and urgency.

✅ Keep it brief: 60–90 minutes is usually plenty. Long doesn’t equal effective.

✅ Designate roles: Have a lead for setup, cleanup, photos, speakers, and emotional support.

✅ Prepare for media: Have a press contact, case summary, and talking points ready.

✅ Expect emotion: Be gentle with yourself and your team. These are vulnerable events.