An Overview of Using Social Media During Conferences
Social media can be instrumental while preparing for a large event or conference, but have you thought about the different ways social media can be used during a conference? Here are some innovative ways to incorporate social media into your next event.
Real-time social media tool Twitter is quickly gaining popularity with use in business. At your next conference, invite attendees to join a Twitter feed using the hashtag to designate your event, for example, #tbex12. This feed will allow all online users to easily communicate with one another and contribute their thoughts to the discussion. During a conference, use Twitter innovatively by taking questions from the audience via Twitter, or, energize attendees by offering prizes through social media (ex: first attendee to Tweet a picture of their neighbor will win a gift!)
Facebook pages are important tools that should not be overlooked. Use your Facebook page to get attendees excited before an event and work at growing your audience by posting interactive questions, taking a poll, sharing photos, or hosting contests. During an event, consider using your Facebook page during raffles. Make a list of your “likes” and in what order they are, and randomly select a number to give a prize away. You can also create a Facebook group made specifically for a conference, and allow participants to use the “chat” feature to discuss things with the group.
While Twitter and Facebook are heavy-hitters in the world of social media, try also to incorporate using other interactive websites, such as Foursquare, Google +, or MySpace.
For other creative ideas on how to incorporate social media into your next event or conference, call Meeting Services Unlimited at (317) 841-7171. Our friendly staff has years of experience in event planning and can help you make your next conference a huge success. Call today!