Is your event social-media friendly?

Over the course of a typical year, I will attend several conferences, speak at a couple, and participate in others on behalf of clients – producing content, particularly podcasts. Since I’ve been in this arena for a few years, I’ve come to observe organizations that “get it” when it comes to employing social media and new media tools before, during and after an event. This "social-media friendly" list is by no means  exhaustive, but it can serve as food for thought when you’re planning your next conference.

• Is there an event blog and podcast? Have you produced audio and video content before the event, to build excitement? Do these include interviews with key speakers?
• Are you as the organizer posting updates on Twitter before, during and after the event? Are you encouraging registrants to do so as well?
• Are you creating audio podcasts and shooting video at your event? This can enhance the experience of those who are at the event, and help you to create marketing materials for next time.
• Have you considered using a tool like CoverItLive to encourage live blogging?
• Did you create a unique hashtag so that bloggers and Twitterers can use a uniform tag to refer to your event?
• Does the venue have strong, freely available wifi?
• Are there electrical outlets where attendees can recharge their laptops and other devices?

Please contribute your own comments!
You can find more content like this at PodcastYourConference.com.

Comments

[Michelle Gillies]

This is a great list. It is so easy to forget something,but I would say this is a definative list on how to make any event social-media friendly.I will use it.
Thanks.

[Joseph Wurcher]

Your list covers the "HOW" - just as important is the "WHY". What am I (as event owner) trying to achive by attendees (and non-attendees) using a hashtag? Seeing my event hashtag on twitter a thousand times will have what impact.

Since SM is primarly an online experience, my take is that you have to build an event that lives in that space and SM provides the human element where as the event organizer provide structure and content.

[Donna Papacosta]

Thanks for the comment, Michelle. I'm glad you found the list useful.

[Donna Papacosta]

Yes, Joseph, you’re right. My post is about how, not why. (Coincidentally, I led a Webinar last week on the topic of why AND how to use social media to make the most of an event.)

Some people believe that there is value in creating a sense of community around your event – before, during and after. Using a hashtag helps everyone find everyone else’s comments and feel part of the group. Plus, the event organizer can get a reading on both positives and negatives being said about the event – valuable feedback, no?

Ideally, the buzz you create before your event – with podcasts, tweets, etc., -- will help to build interest, spur registration numbers, and get some good conversations going.

Nothing will ever replace the warm human interaction that goes on at a live event. But the use of SM can enhance the event experience, both for those who attend and those who didn’t get there this time (but might in the future, because they’re enticed by your content).

[32gb ssd drive]

The list is indeed so useful! Thank you so much Donna for sharing this.