Using Social Media Websites to Increase Awareness of Your Meetings
March 18, 2009Those who know me know I’ve been an advocate of social networking since the early days of the Internet. In the 1990s, I became part of my first electronic community—a writer’s group on AOL. Then, in 1999, the “MIMList” listserv began and from that MiForum Listserv evolved. I continue to moderate the MiForum and also review hotels, moderate a discussion board, and blog at www.meetingscollaborative.com. With the dawning of web 2.0, I began to tweet (at twitter.com) and am an active user of Facebook and LinkedIn.
The meetings community is becoming more aware of the value that these electronic communities offer. Many organizations are using wikis and YouTube to promote meetings and discuss content before people arrive. To get more insight on how to best use these tool, I asked Jim Spellos, CMP, whom I regard as an expert on this topic, to identify key points to keep in mind as you venture into Web 2.0. Jim said:
There is far more “noise” coming in over our electronic pipes than ever before. Make your electronic communication stand out; don’t be afraid to take risks to get noticed.
Older members or your organization may not be as ready to adapt to online communities as your younger members. “Gen Y” or “Millennials” are more in tune with Web 2.0; and most of them been on Facebook since they have been in college.
When new technology becomes available, organizations have to be both on the cutting edge and make sure not to leave their audience behind. Finding the balance between showcasing new tools, creating new learning environments, and still providing more traditional educational and networking approaches is a challenge. One of the best uses has been by the American Library Association. They’ve incorporated Wikis into their meeting promotion and attendee tools for their annual events. Check out this page from this year’s annual meeting to see how they’ve integrated it.
http://wikis.ala.org/annual2008/index.php/Main_Page
So, what can you do to harness Web 2.0 tools to create greater awareness of and involvement in your meetings?
Learn the how to use some of the easier tools:
Wikis, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and listservs. Begin integrating them into communications in general with your potential audience,members, and vendors. For example, for an article written in a printed or electronic publication, have the discussion electronically, allowing differing opinions and points of engagement.
Look how companies and associations have marketed their meetings using YouTube.
E-mail the planners and ask them what worked and what didn’t. Then, experiment with online communities to build interest in your meetings. Printed brochures work for some audiences; electronic communications can be more effective because it can highlight different aspects of the meeting.
Keep at it!
I remember the first time (in the 1980s) I put my hands on a keyboard – I was sure it would blow up and take out everyone in the room! People need encouragement to use social networking - your audience probably already knows more than you think. Get them involved in the development and spreading the word electronically and you will build a stronger community and a greater following for your meetings.
*To read more from Jim Spellos:
http://www.meeting-u.com and his blog at
www.fabulousspellosbrothers.typepad.com