Making Your Event Social | How to Maximize Twitter To Your Benefit

Photo from Chicago Now

I was recently asked to help a client determine what would be the best social media strategy for "Tweeting" their special event.  While all the "secrets" to really ramping up the maximum benefit are covered in our custom training (including Facebook tips), here are a few highlights by which you can make sure you are on the right track for Tweeting your event to make sure it is "social":

Before the event: 

1.  Already having a social media presence before your event is critical. With an estimated 55 + million people on the Internet on their mobile devices 24/7 and 12 million using  phones to access social media, connecting to your audience quickly, constantly and at no charge has never been so easy.  Starting a social media presence and campaign long before your event will start a momentum that is necessary "kindling" to your "fire" of "social media-ing" your event.
 

2. Before you send out invitations, come up with a Twitter hashtag for your event.  Hashtags (the # sign) with a word directly following it, such as #picassoartshow, automatically creates a link in Twitter that compiles all the tweets mentioning the topic.  You don't have to "register" your hashtag or anything, just start tweeting it. Note:  Hashtags count toward the 140 character limit on Twitter, so keep it short and clear.  Announce your hashtag whenever you promote your event and invite and encourage everyone to "join the conversation"  and follow your event.

3.  While promoting the event, anytime you talk about any changes or updates (for example, exciting new vendors participating, games or entertainment that guests will experience, specialty menus or celebrity appearances), make sure you hashtag the event as well in your mention.

During the Event 

1.  Encourage guests to tweet their observations, pictures and commentary during the event (again, using that hashtag you created).  Note: when someone tweets "live" from your event, they promote your event for people back in their hometown and all over who may want to sign up for your event in the future. Keep reminding people what the hashtag is for.  

2. Make sure you follow the feed yourself to get immediate, real-time feedback on the successes - and also possible issues- of your event so you can take care of them immediately. 

Post-Event

1.  Great PR opportunity!  Make sure you thank them for following the event on Twitter and let them know what a great success the event was.  You can talk about key speakers, celebrities, food and beverage highlights, specialty entertainment, how many people attended and much more.  If you have details for a future event, let them know at this time.

For more information on social media and marketing solutions for the wedding and event professional, visit Engaging Inspiration.