Progressions

How to Use Social Media at National Conference

The benefit of social media making a huge impact in the way we communicate is the way it has revolutionized events. One of the best ways to connect with people around you during an event is to utilize the social media available to you, especially at the PRSSA 2012 National Conference this year in San Francisco. So how do you use these platforms to make the most out of your National Conference experience?

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”26″ size_format=”px”]Facebook[/typography]

• Connect to other people who are attending Conference prior to your arrival on October 12. Take a moment to ‘like’ the “Public Relations Student Society of America 2012 National Conference” fan page and meet who else is attending, learn what is around the Westin hotel and discover where to eat when you’re in town.

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”26″ size_format=”px”]Twitter[/typography]

• This may be the most-used social media platform during PRSSA National events. It is also smart to use since most attendees will include the #PRSSANC hashtag in their tweets, not only will you be able to connect with other attendees, but you will have a categorized list of notes and comments to look back on or share with Chapter members who weren’t able to attend the Conference in person. Tweetwally is a tool that allows users to create a wall of tweets under a certain hashtag that can be projected onto a screen or shrunk down to an iPhone. Watch the handles @PRSSANational and @PRSSANC for updates before and during Conference.

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”26″ size_format=”px”]Foursquare[/typography]

• Checking into San Francisco is going to be even more exciting when you can check-in at National Conference. I’m always excited about the new badges and points I accumulate during trips. You can check-in and find out if other members at Conference are at the same places you are and share your updates with Facebook and Twitter as well. Also, you can add tips to your check-ins to let people know what food is good, what hashtag to use or general updates if you find something you want to share. (Bonus: Airport check-ins gain huge points!)

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”26″ size_format=”px”]Instagram[/typography]

• The best part about Instagram is that you can post to Facebook and Twitter just like on Foursquare but without the check-in and the pictures can look better. Instagram allows you to use hashtags and tag other users as well and will sync with Twitter hashtags, like the National Conference #PRSSANC.

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”26″ size_format=”px”]Blogging[/typography]

• Often the best way to recap an experience is to blog about it. If you are really motivated, you could create a journal-like method for your blog posts, updating your readers about your experience each day. Writing a post to outline your goals for National Conference beforehand might be a good idea, too.

There are several ways to engage with attendees through social media before, during and after National Conference, as well as with those who couldn’t attend. Other websites that offer event sections include LinkedIn and Google+, as well as Flickr – where you can view pictures posted by the PRSSA National account as well as contribute your own.

It has become normal to see students on their phones at PRSSA national events,since  we’re all tweeting and sharing the information we’re learning. I have made many connections through social media and PRSSA events that have turned into friendships and professional relationships. I look forward to connecting with you via social media surrounding the PRSSA 2012 National Conference!

This is a guest post by Vice President of Public Relations Lauren Rosenbaum 

[highlight]How do you use social media at events? What mobile applications do you prefer to use while you’re attending sessions and events?[/highlight]