Let’s be honest – we cannot imagine our lives without social media. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, FourSquare, and LinkedIn are used on a daily basis. Aside from the private pleasure we obtain by using social media, these tools still play an important role in the business world. After the emergence of these outlets, the possibility to reach a targeted yet international audience significantly increased. The key is to use them right.
There are numerous ways to use social media at events, depending on the stage: pre-event, during the event and post-event. Therefore, we would like to provide you with some tips.
Pre-Event
Set-up a Facebook page – this can be useful to interact with your delegates. Delegates can ‘like’ the page and comment on your wall. You can provide information about the upcoming event, such as where to stay or what to see while they are visiting the city i.e. tourist attractions. This can enhance and broaden their experience. Through Facebook, delegates can also easily find out who else is attending. Make sure the Facebook page is linked to your Website, as well as all your other social media channels, such as Twitter. Before the event, create an unique Twitter name and hash tag (#) for delegates to share ideas and information with others who may be attending, or provide you, the event organiser, with advice about what they would like to see. Get your delegates excited!
During the Event
Throughout the event, delegates can share their experiences via Twitter. For instance, they can express their opinions on the speaker or presentation topic, or even share information on the subject(s) addressed. This informs other delegates, even if they cannot attend every seminar or workshop.
Speakers can also be announced via Twitter to gain more attendance. It can also be used to attract delegates to quieter areas of the event. During the event, Twitter enables you to be aware of what is happening on the floor and respond and interact immediately to small problems that might occur. Problems like running out of toilet paper can be fixed within seconds (if someone Tweets it, of course). It is recommended for numerous persons to monitor the social media campaigns, as you can gain more of a genuine and fresh perspective by keeping track of the conversations. This also gives you the possibility to improve the next day or for the closing ceremony. Collect feedback and use this for post-event analysis.
Post-Event
After the event is complete, social media continues. Post videos of the event on YouTube and Facebook to show how the event turned out and to make delegates curious about the next event. Also include photos and presentations, if you have these available. Blogs can be used before as well as after the event. Write about the experience, information presented, number of attendees, and favorite speakers, for example. Blogs can be promoted through all social media channels. Also try surveys using ‘Facebook Questions’ or ‘Twitter Polls’ to gather delegate reactions and feedback. Every opinion counts – it’s one more potential delegate for next time.
Interesting Social Media Facts
Please keep in mind it is very important to avoid duplication or confusion, as well as keep your social media up-to-date. Spend sufficient time per day interacting with delegates. Also, don’t forget to enjoy the experience. The key? Communicate and listen – two very important traits that will create an even more successful event next time!
Sources
Social Media In Business
Mashable
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