How to meet reporters face 2 face

In response to Abby's post:

Local PRSA chapters usually have events/programs that help PR professionals meet journalists. I'm a member of the PRSA Miami Chapter. Every month they host a "Lunch n' Learn", a program that focuses on one topic (Hispanic Communications; Leveraging Sponsorships; Meet the Editors, etc.), more often than not they focus on media. A panel of a few editors/reporters of dailies, community papers, TV, magazines, etc. meet with us during "lunch" time and give us information on the best ways to pitch them and what they look for. After the event, you can introduce yourself to the panelists and trade business cards. I went to an event last month that toured the Miami Herald. It was great! I was able to introduce myself face-2-face with a few reporters and editors and even managed to get my client included in a prominent business story. If your local PRSA chapter doesn't host events like these, feel free to email the president and request/suggest them.

As for advice that's non-PRSA related. My PR mentor and agency supervisor both suggest you invite the journalist to meet with you to discuss what they're looking for. This way you don't waste their time with irrelevant information and useless pitches. If you have more than one PR pro in your office you can invite them to come meet everyone. If it's just you, ask if you can meet for coffee or at their office. Just remember to specify that you want to meet them to find out what they need from PR pros in order to make their lives easier.