WHY EVERY EVENT NEEDS SOCIAL MEDIABY SARAH KELLEHERClients sometimes enforce a strict no cell phone policy during events to

ensure that special moments remain private and intimate, in fear that

millions of flashes will take away from the scene and will transfer the focus

elsewhere.  Whether the bride is walking down the aisle, candles are being

blown, or an important speech is being given, that moment should be

documented without being intruded on.  

Social media was once thought as just a corporate tool to connect large

conferences and business meetings, but is now very prevalent at social

events and gatherings.  Utilizing social media helps you capture every

moment of the event and allows your loved ones to reminisce and share the

moments with each other.  Rules can still be applied when using these tools,

so make sure guests know when it is an appropriate time to start snapping.

Spontaneous pictures often lead to capturing some of the best candid

moments of the event.  There are ways to incorporate social media into your

special day that helps savor the memories made and creates lasting buzz

surrounding the success of the event.

Twitter – If a person will be responsible for live tweeting during the event,

make sure to include the Twitter handle on the event invitation and remind

guests when they arrive to start following the account if they have not

already.  Create a hashtag that you incorporate in every single tweet or even

just hash tagging the event or company name at the bottom of every post.

Encourage guests to do the same, so that when you want to go back and

view all the tweets surrounding your event, they will be organized and all

under the same hashtag to easily find.  Post frequently during the event,

commenting on the main points or highlights.  Guests are more likely to

check the feed when posts are funny and light and comment on funny

moments that happened, so keep it casual and real.

Instagram – Instagram is a must for any social event.  Allowing guests to

snap photos result in angles and shots that even the photographer couldn’t

capture.  Create a hashtag that guests can use when uploading to avoid

missing any special moment.  Some of the best wedding photos I’ve seen

have been taken by guests mid partying!  Plus, all the variation of photos

from the guests combined with the professionalism of the photographer,

make for a stunning array of photos and the best event albums.  Social event

hashtags can be simple i.e., #j&cgethitched #kellys30birthday, or just the

name of the company or company event for corporate settings.  Make sure

to incorporate the location tag as well on Instagram, so when others click on

the location, all event photos will synchronize.   

Social media is a fantastic way to market your event and planning skills.

Your guests reveal so much information and buzz without even realizing it

and it is a great way for people to stay connected and look back on the

event.  Encourage guests to take as many pictures as possible so you have

as much of the event captured as possible.  You won’t have to worry about a

photographer cramping your style on the dance floor to get that perfect shot.

It is always a good idea to get people talking about your events to get tips

for next time and see what ideas people responded well to.