A campaign rally is an event where a politician addresses a crowd to get them excited about their candidacy. Rallies happen on a federal, state and municipal level. They may be organized by the candidate, their supporters or their opposition. They are often accompanied by musicians and speakers that reinforce the candidate’s message and help draw large crowds.
During the early primaries, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren and other Democratic candidates routinely filled high school gyms and town halls across the country. Donald Trump, on the other hand, found psychological sustenance in raucous campaign rallies and drew crowds large enough to fill a movie theater.
But what exactly goes on behind the scenes at these wildly popular events? What makes a political rally work, and what can go wrong?
To organize a successful campaign rally, start with a well-defined list of goals. Identify your team members and their roles and responsibilities. Typically, you’ll have an event manager who oversees the big picture and coordinates with the venue. You’ll also need a logistics lead who handles all of the smaller details like setup, breakdown, signage, equipment and volunteer shifts. Finally, you’ll have a communications and media liaison who manages press, public announcements and flyers.
Plan out the agenda for your event, including who is speaking and when. Don’t forget to consider any special requirements for your location or the size of your audience. For example, some venues require permits for noise, assembly or amplified sound. You’ll also want to ensure you have a backup mic and some visual branding — banners, backdrops, campaign signs, flags or a step-and-repeat wall for photo opportunities.