Using Social Media to Engage an Audience

Every event is different, but to maximize impact, it's important to use Twitter before, during and post-event.  Here are some helpful tips. 

Establish a hashtag

Do this long before you start promoting the event and make sure it one that is not currently in use.  The hashtag should be easy to remember, short and relevant. This will be key in incorporating Twitter into your event. Your event specific hashtag should be included on everything from the Invite / Evite to the Facebook page to signage at the event, and possibly even on your title slide.

Create buzz before the event

Tweeting to the masses pieces of information and things to get excited about pre-event will ensure that the enthusiasm carries over to the actual event.  Be sure to include polls, contests, reminders, and event advice.  

Host a live stream

During walk-in or scheduled downtime, replace your on-screen presentation with a live stream. A live stream could also be incorporated at all times on a projection screen. If you are announcing winners or honorees, use Twitter to share the big news. Keep your audience actively engaged by tweeting trivia questions and giving an award to the first to tweet the correct answer.

Engage with your audience

Allow attendees to ask questions via tweet.  Follow the hashtag stream and be sure to respond to these inquiries, engage guests, and update them on event changes. 

Be visual

Take pictures at the event to engage the audience in the room (trust me they will look for themselves) and let the guests that didn't attend know what they are missing. 

Incorporate social media into the event

Using live tweeting for an event?  Consider TweetWall Pro.  This organization helps to generate more interaction during your event, promotes visitors to tweet at your event, creates visibility on your social networks, helps with branding and live moderation allowing you to feature select tweets.   

You may also consider displaying tweets on your main screen, using projection blending.

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