BarCamps, ProductCamps, unconferences and mini-unconferencesare user generated conferences - open, participatory workshop-events, whose content is provided by participants. These gatherings usually include both face to face (f2f) and virtual interactions including online presentations and discussions. The first BarCamps focused on technology but this concept is morphing rapidly and being applied to conferences on products, services, movements and more. Key characteristics are user driven themes and agendas, very informal settings, low cost and rapid deployment on fairly short time horizons.Their growing popularity offers opportunities for the meetings industry - a point of view that might not be the first conclusion of meetings professionals.
Last week I participated in a Twitter chat moderated by our colleague Joan Eisenstodt. This particular discussion was focused on association meetings. Meetings professionals participate in these chats every week by logging in to tweetchat.com using their Twitter account login and password and entering the group name #assnchat. Many use free thirdparty web-based tools to view the activity of their selected groups. The topic a week ago was “how to use social media tools to create communities around individual event agenda items.” The question was driven by the never-ending search for ways to increase interaction among meetings participants as well as registrations and attendance. In the course of an hour, there were about 200 interactions among the 20 or so participants. It was an excellent example of how Twitter and other SM tools can be used to conceive and produce more engaging f2f meetings.
Social media (SM) is a topic enjoying a lot discussion these days. Tools (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) that enable people to connect to form relationships sound perfect for meetings right? Well you better believe it. MCMag.com reports that a majority of respondents used Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to market meetings.
This is a terrific set of step by step instructions by Lara McCulloch-Carter on how to get involved in Twitter chats with Tweetchat. The specific example used in this video pertains to the Eventprofs chat held Monday 9-10 PM EST / 6-7 PM PST and Thursday 12-1 PM EST / 9-10 AM PST.
Using Social Media to Promote Events
David Meerman Scott's keynote speech at the Convention Industry Council CMP Conclave June 7, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas. The audience was professional meeting planners and David shared how to use The New Rules of Marketing & PR to promote events.
The hotel’s convenient location on Brickell Key – an island enclave located in the heart of Miami’s business and financial district – makes Mandarin Oriental, Miami the perfect selection for your next meeting, while offering easy access to all airports, attractions and amenities of Miami and South Florida.
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in Post & Seek Jobs by JoanEisenstodt, 06-11-09 03:56
