After about 18 months of virtual conferences, meetups, and endless Zooms, we’re back to in-person events! Whether you’re joining in-person or online, it’s important to keep the conversation going on and maximize your social media channels. Here are 6 tips to make sure you’re connecting with attendees and sharing your experience! 

1. Use the Event’s Branded Hashtag

Want to find out what’s going on and engage with other attendees? Research the conference or event’s hashtag. Remember to put it on all your related posts and follow it! This is a great strategy when trying to build relationships with like-minded industry folks and get your name out! 

While hashtags on Instagram Stories are no longer optimized for reach, Twitter is a great place to live tweet, comment, retweet, and quote retweet the important moments and great quotes from speakers. 

2. Share Your Handle and Tag Other Social Media Accounts

Sharing is caring! Make sure your @ handle is on your business card, included when you share your contact information, or immediately follow their account when you meet someone new. When you tag people in your posts, it gives them a notification and hopefully, they will engage and reshare, expanding your audience. 

Brands LOVE when you tag them in your personal content (user-generated content). Make sure to go through the expo hall, pick up some cool swag, and share it! They’ll most likely reshare your post. 

3. Take LOTS of Pictures and Videos

All social media platforms love graphic elements to posts. Either take a bunch and save them to post later or post them in the moment. Make sure to post what is important and relevant to the audience you’re trying to reach. 

*Tip* Take photos and videos vertically. Why? Because Stories and Reels/Tiktoks are high-performing pieces of content right now and it’s easier to trim a vertical image into a square than the other way around. Keep in mind what platform you want to use for posting and optimize your content to fit it.

4. Engage!

The point of social media is not to be a megaphone, but a conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask open-ended questions about a particular speaker or topic. Take every opportunity to participate in an online conversation about the event you’re at. You would be surprised how many online connections become relationships in person! You never know who you’re going to run into at the lobby bar. 

5. Utilize the Event’s App or Find the Official Facebook Group

Most larger events and conferences now have apps where attendees can find schedules, speakers, and connect with others. Make sure to add your @ handle in your bio so people can find you outside of the app/event. 

Another way to participate is to find a Facebook Group or Event that is related to the event you’re attending. It’s a great way to connect with people on a platform that you’re already using! I personally love Facebook because I can find their picture, company, and location right away. This helps me match faces to names and keep in contact with them between events. 

6. Strategize

Think ahead about what platforms you want to use to share your experience. Create a mini strategy so you don’t feel overwhelmed at the event. 

Do you want to share what’s going on while it’s happening? Use Twitter and Instagram Stories. These platforms are perfect for sharing quotes and quick moments. 

If you want to do daily recaps, Instagram and Facebook give you plenty of options to post videos, albums, and longer copy. 

If you plan on doing one, big recap, I suggest an Instagram/Facebook post, video, (or even a reel!), and a post on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the perfect place to reflect on an industry event and show your commitment to your profession.

The most important tip is to have fun! There are endless opportunities to network, take photos, and share what you’re up to. Utilize social media by showing what the event or conference is from your point of view. Just don’t forget the mobile charger😉

Quick Conference Check-List:

✅Business Cards (paper or digital)
✅Notebook and Pen
✅Mobile Charger!
✅Charging cable or squid 
✅Comfy Shoes
✅Bag/Purse/Backpack
😁Smiles!

For more Instagram Story tips that will help you when you’re out and about at these events, check out my series here. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @marasullivanconsulting