Posted 19 August 2014 12:00 AM by sitecore\rbillie
Association trade shows can be overwhelming. From the countless educational events to the networking and expansive rows of expo booths, it's hard to keep tabs on all the opportunities.
Enter social media.
Platforms like Twitter and Facebook are becoming increasingly popular at industry conferences and trade shows, with organizers saying social media is now a vital tool for staying on top of everything. And according to the Professional Landcare Network 's (PLANET) Director of Public Relations Lisa Schumann, even if you don't use Twitter, following the conversation is a best practice for attendees.
"I would definitely look at the hashtags," Schumann said. "For our event, the expo has a hashtag, and so does the conference. A lot of companies run promos and contests using the pre-determined hashtags, and when you're walking the floor, you don't always have to have a schedule and room information. Even if you don't tweet, I would follow the hashtags for information like, 'In five minutes, this class is starting.'"
Schumann added that using social media also helps attendees keep track of promotions, interactions with the media and more. That's why even those who don't have time to check Twitter or Facebook during the conference could benefit from doing so afterward at home.
Those who are already social-media savvy can use trade shows as an opportunity to build their own following. Sarah Kohler is an association coordinator for SmithBucklin, the association management and services company more organizations turn to than any other. Kohler says there's no better arena to build your audience and social network than at an industry event with engaged, like-minded people.
"Really utilize those Twitter and Facebook hashtags at the shows," Kohler said. "You can easily locate all of the trending topics at the trade show, see what people are saying and join in on the conversation."
Besides social media, there are other mobile platforms attendees should keep close.
PLANET's annual Green Industry Conference (GIC) draws thousands of landscape industry professionals from across the nation, combining part conference and part trade show. Schumann says many association events that large, like GIC, have a smartphone application, which is the easiest way to plan your stay.
"Many conferences now have a conference app, so that's the No. 1 thing you must have when attending," she added. "The agenda and all the information about the event - it's all on there. It makes it easy."
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