Events, trade shows and product launches can be the perfect opportunity to display user-generated photos from Instagram based on specific hashtags. Events are about learning and meeting new people, but more than anything else, they are about experiences that trigger action. Whether it's an amazing keynote speaker, new friend, or a great meal, a shared experience can go a long way to sparking action at your event (like snapping a photo and uploading it to Instagram). - http://www.postano.com/blog Unless you have been living under a rock, you probably know that social media sites like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn (just to name a few) are gaining momentum in almost every industry, from travel to event planning and more. There is no shortage of social media channels event organizers can use to organize, promote and communicate with attendees. Social media sites allow for conference attendees to enhance their event participation by connecting with one another and sharing their experience with photos, videos and personal updates. In addition, social media gives event organizers the ability to effectively communicate with conference attendees as well as increasing attendance and public awareness. Here is an example of an organization using Twitter to promote their event. Notice their hashtag: #APWAExpo The 15th Annual Oregon National Guard Hoopla event organizers are also leveraging the power of social media (which caught the attention of pro basketball player, Patrick Mills)! Bravo! Event recently shared a helpful checklist from Jordan Schwartz, president of Pathable on their event planning blog: Tips For Planning Your Event – Adding a Social Media Plan that is worth sharing again: Choose Your Tools Define your goals- increasing attendance? Create buzz? The tools you use will depend upon your goals If your attendees are business colleagues, set up a LinkedIn event page If your attendees are related socially, set up a Facebook event page If your attendees enjoy trying out new things, set up a Twitter account If your attendees want to keep in touch after the event, set up a private social network Blogs will help spread the word and information Google Alerts can be used for notification Promoting your Event Choose a Twitter hashtag and put it on your website Encourage attendees to retweet by offering Twitter-only discounts Find LinkedIn groups relevant to your audience and join them Invite Facebook friends and groups to join on Facebook event page Help to build buzz by linking to the communities you have built Use bit.ly and Google Analytics to find out what is working and what isn't Communicating with the Audience Communicate as a person, not a corporation Ask attendees questions through the online communities, get them inspired Respond to your audience when they speak on your behalf During the Event Provide Wi-Fi and power so your attendees can communicate about your event (blogging, tweeting, etc) Project Wiffiti on stage to attendees can see what is happening Encourage bloggers to “live stream” your event by providing “extras” Mobile friendly version of your website with access to schedules, maps, etc After the Event Publish photos of the event to Flickr Encourage attendees to continue the dialogue started during the event Use online surveys to collect feedback photo credit: Rosaura Ochoa via photopin cc
