The Future of Event Planning and Social Media

I came across this article on Mashable.com and found it particularly relevant since I want to be an event planner. This story highlights the ways in which event planners are using social media to promote and organize events of every size. Facebook Events is a common and easy-to-use planning tool but now there are so many more resources available to the public to spread a message.

One innovative way event coordinators are using social media is by making social media a part of the event itself. For example, using geolocation by partnering with a site such as Foursquare to create a badge that acts as an invitation to an exclusive after party. Social media is also used to communicate with event guests by creating a special venue on Foursquare and offering tips to attendees such as recommending they try a unique drink or appetizer.

I think having people check-in at an event is a great way for coordinators to promote themselves as well as the charities/companies they represent. Anything that helps guests feel more involved is a great thing. It is imperative to create your own image and specific brand. People will remember your company and the innovative techniques you implemented.

Another goal is to encourage conversation before, during and after an event. Promotional videos can be sent out before the event to be get people talking.  It is a way to get people involved and excited for the upcoming occasion. Social Climbing, a charity rock-climbing event, encouraged people to log their climbs on a social media site during the event. Each climb translated directly into donations for the charity.

I think this makes the attendees feel more connected to one another and promotes unique social interaction. It is important to get people talking about your event and using a modern technique such as this almost guarantees that people will remember your event long after it is over.

At this point, Twitter is arguably the most useful and widely-used social media tool for event planners. Twitter is an invaluable resource when searching for reputable vendors for an event. It is also crucial when planning a destination event because an event coordinator can interact with social networks in that location to secure vendors. Twitter can also be used to promote other companies who, hopefully, will promote your company in return. It is useful in solidifying your reputation and it is a great way to enhance and grow your networking capabilities.