A haunted house but one in which everyone is “absolutely humbled”, “beyond proud” and “deeply honoured” to be there. Graham Goodkind, founder and chairman at PR firm, Frank.

“I quite dislike the overuse of these sycophantic phrases in our industry, normally used to reference a new client win or an award.”

A haunted house but it’s an inbox full of coverage requests for Wired, the FT and the Economist. Chris Owen, general manager UK at PR firm The Hoffman Agency.

“I try to push my way in through the front door, but it won’t budge. There’s something on the other side – something big. I put my shoulder into it and the door gives way – and I see what was blocking the way. It’s five hundred requests to get a byline in the FT and for a profile in the Economist. I shudder. The ghosts of PR Past, PR Present, and PR Future sit at my feet. 'These things don’t exist,' I say. But my screams are met with silence."

It's a press event but none of the media have turned up. Maggie Stewart, account manager at PR firm Tangerine PR.

A haunted house but you’re with a client who you accidently left cc’d into an email moaning about the action they had for you. Briege Elder, senior account executive at PR firm The Heard Agency.

“As we know client relationships are the anchor to any PR Agency. It’s so important to keep our relationships with our clients fruitful and to have an ‘anything goes’ ‘can do’ attitude, So for a client to open up a frightfully horrifying email from someone, not only questioning them and their request but potentially moaning and for that someone to be someone they are paying - is no trick or treat matter. At the end of the day, our clients pay our way therefore some may argue they pave the way for us as PR’s to do what we do. Tarnishing any relationship with a client is scary, never mind in such a chilling way.”

A haunted house but it’s full of clowns reciting awkward media pitch calls. Gemma Eccleston, founder and consultant at PR firm Hendrix Rose PR.

A haunted house but it’s a launch event on a Monday night in November, it’s raining cats and dogs, the event is in deepest Hackney and the client wants ‘top tier’ coverage. Nic Forster, managing director at PR firm Thinking Hat PR.

“Unless you have something original or valuable to offer at a launch event, think inspirational guests/A-list brand ambassadors, ground breaking research or a much sought after product, we generally advise clients to put their budgets elsewhere. Gone are the days when media can take time out freely unless it's worthwhile for the beat they cover. If you genuinely feel you have a need to host an official launch, we always advise to hold it in a convenient location, midweek onwards, and never view it as a coverage driving activity. It should be viewed as an opportunity to meet key stakeholders in person, have meaningful conversations and educate on your business or product mission.”

It’s a haunted house but the ghosts are all journalists you’ve pestered. Tristan Vandenberg, account manager at PR firm Spa Communications.