HOW do you attract the attention of the tech media? Do you hold a DIY firework display or lure them out with food as if they were shy badgers?

If you’re someone with a product worth shouting about, some of these people will be on hand on December 1 to give you an idea of how best to prick up their ears – and the turn-offs to avoid like the plague.

The Codeworks Connect event will take place at Gateshead Town Hall and will feature UK freelance journalist Stuart Dredge, The Next Web’s European editor Martin Bryant, Ignite programme manager Paul Smith and The Journal’s John Hill.

It is being run in association with Ignite100, the mentor-led accelerator programme which is currently putting teams through their paces in Newcastle city centre.

The panel discussion will focus on the tips and tricks behind contacting tech journalists and look at the best way to pitch your stories. Stuart Dredge regularly features in publications such as The Guardian and the Sunday Times and has appeared on Music Ally, CNET and What Mobile.

Martin Bryant’s work at The Next Web has allowed him to take a closer look at European apps and start-ups and he co-founded the Social Media Cafe events in Manchester.

Paul Smith is known to some as the Twitchhiker – the man that travelled the globe relying on the generosity of people who popped up on Twitter.

He’s also the man behind photo challenge app Appysnap and is herding some talented teams through the Ignite100 accelerator.

Ignite 100 has been launched with funding from angel investors IP Group and Northstar Ventures

The event will run from 6pm. Go to www.amiando.com/TechMedia.html  for more info.