Turn Your Event Attendees into Marketing Minions

Originally posted on Social Tables by Shira Gorsky

In the not-so-distant past, marketers had to rely on traditional media and reporters in order to get their news out... now everyone can market their event or conference via social media and even transform their attendees into undercover marketers. The difficult part is how to motivate these guests to use their social networks to expand the reach of your event.

Here are some tips and tricks:

• Facilitate Sharing - Create awesome photo opportunities through photo booths, décor, and especially fun presentations of food that are among the most shared photos in the social media world.

• Start Sharing in Advance - Alert your attendees early that the event will be active on Twitter, Instagram, etc. and even share instructions on how to use these platforms for newer users.

• Share the Hashtag - All event correspondence should include the event's established hashtag. Not only will this subtly remind attendees to share but all posts will be able to be tracked and in the same feed.

• Display Social Feeds - Make Twitter, Instagram, and other social media feeds that include the established hashtag around the event a part of the event's interactive design.

• Encourage Participation - Create contests and give prizes to the most socially engaged participants!

• Integrate With Your Event App - Make sure to include social media channels into your event app to make it easy for users to check-in, update followers, and share pictures of the event.

Not only is social media beneficial for event planners in getting the word out, but guests are able to easily network and connect with other attendees. So while your primary goal with social media may be to market your event, remind your attendees of the professional benefits that they should be taking advantage of to help build their own personal brand.