Live Event Tweeting: Holy Hashtags, Batman!

Idea Girl Media tweeted live from a New Media Dayton event about uses of QR Codes

Located in the US Midwest, concepts are generally slower to be accepted by the mainstream. Also true for social media! I do tweet live from events that I attend, and have suggested this to others as a way to promote their cause. I’ve been asked recently, “Why tweet live from an event?” For those that have done it, they ask: Why NOT tweet live from an event!!? So, one might compare it to riding a roller coaster — Until you ride, you’re not sure what you’re missing. But, once you experience it………you wanna ride again!! 🙂 Lets talk about that…

Reasons Not To Tweet Live From Your Event

Requires no additional planning.
Requires no adjusted coordination of staff.
Requires no change in approach to your event planning.
Information is conveyed as it always has been.

In short: Same ole’, same ole.

Reasons To Tweet Live From Your Event

Ignites enthusiasm before the event.
Aides preparation.
Enhances camaraderie among staff.
Increases the number of people affected by the event.
Allows reference to discussion.
Encourages awareness of your organization and the topic discussed.
Keeps the information discussed a topic of conversation afterward.

An analogy I’d offer: It’s like having a live action news team report on your exciting story! I’ve tweeted live from individual events, online conferences, and also en route to interesting places. Each time, this has resulted in new relationships, engaged a new audience, and changed my Klout analysis for the better.

Live Event Tweeting: Holy Hashtags, Batman!

The real gravity from live event tweeting comes from assigned hashtag. The what? The hashtag. Just last week I tweeted at New Media Dayton for an event, “5 Ways To Use QR Codes.” (see image above) They use the hashtag, #NMDayton. Participants of the group chat with it before, during, and after events. You can search for that hashtag any day of the week and see, in the Twitter stream, the latest conversation between members of New Media Dayton. So, using the Twitter hashtag also benefits:

Communication between events.
Planning.
Promotion.

This is true for small business, nonprofit, and business to business activity. For your organization, come up with a few desired #hashtag options, verify it is not already in use by looking it up in a hashtag directory, make the hashtag official within your organization, and then…..begin using it!

Inside The Batmobile

So, you want proof and example, eh? Lets take a look under the hood! Here is a transcript of much of the discussion from before, during, and after the New Media Dayton event: Within that curated collection of tweets you would find the following information:

64 tweeters participated in conversation (and their followers “heard” them).
4 tweeters from other international places chimed in.
6 images were shared by 7 people.
4 Facebook comments fueled additional discussion about the event.

Not bad, huh? Let me re-emphasize: Every time a tweet with the #NMDayton hashtag was made, that information went out to each individuals’ following — bringing greater attention and hopefully attracting new members! Batman Bonus: You can compare the transcript above with the transcript for the singular New Media Dayton Twitter account. Did I leave anything out? Will you use live event tweeting in the future? Tell me your curiosities in the comment box below… Image Credit: Rick Cartwright This article is meant to be shared – please feel free to pass along to those you feel would benefit! 🙂

8 Replies

By Julie Myers on 21st June, 2012

Keri, Absolutely loved this post. Love your humorous spin on it, too. But seriously, this is a great way to share highlights with others who can’t be there. And I love that I get others’ perspectives as well – when they pick up on an idea or point that I’ve missed or just giving their opinion about the discussion. And its a great way to make some connections; just like we’ve done via the Social Media Examiner Summits.

Reply to Julie
- By Keri Jaehnig on 21st June, 2012
  
  Julie, So glad to see you here! It was great to meet you via tweet at Social Media Success Summit (#SMSS12). Every once in awhile, I crack some humor, eh? All in good fun! Twitter and tweet chats have been an excellent source of connection, and I appreciate that you confirm that point. “So, I’d like to teach the world to tweet in perfect harmony…” 😉 Thank you for visiting, and for your comment… ~Keri
  
  Reply to Keri
By Laurinda Shaver on 20th June, 2011

Who would have thought that a lowly invention like the hashtag would connect people in so many ways. As a closet anal organization freak, I love this simple, but so effective way of following one conversation. And better yet.. from following #smss11 is how I met amazing people like you! Doesn’t get better than that.

Reply to Laurinda
- By Keri Jaehnig on 20th June, 2011
  
  Laurinda, Can you believe that when I first started tweeting I was annoyed by hashtags?? (‘Tis true) Now, I think they’re the handiest thing to connections! We *did* meet via #SMSS11 hashtag – really makes me smile!! 🙂 ~Keri
  
  Reply to Keri
By Janet Callaway on 19th June, 2011

Keri, aloha. Absolutely loved this post. Since I do virtually everything from home, I have not had the opportunity to tweet live at an event. That being said, I do watch hashtags pour down the stream when I know about an event–SXSW, for example. To me, it is like being there without leaving home. In this “day and age,” Keri to me doing an event without the tweeting is like saying “yes, I know there is a resource that can tremendously enhance the experience for all involved and even extend our reach, however, let’s ignore it because we haven’t used it before and our events were good. Besides, not everyone tweets and twitter may not be around next year so why start something new.” All I can say, Keri, is Holy Batmobile! Best wishes for a terrific weekend, Keri. Aloha. Janet

Reply to Janet
- By Keri Jaehnig on 19th June, 2011
  
  Aloha Janet, I’m home-based as well. Online conferences are easy — I relish when I can get out and take part in an event…and tweet! I too watch the Twitter streams. I was unable to attend SXSW, so being able to keep up on the topic kept me up on happenings in my industry. Just as it did for you. I also watch other hashtags. A few I watch now – thanks to you: #getrealchat #LinkedInChat #SMmanners And… #coffee & #latteclub. I have started hashtags – that deserves a separate post. For now, Janet, I agree completely with your statement above! Thanks for adding your thoughts!! ~Keri
  
  Reply to Keri
By Mattias Gronborg on 18th June, 2011

@connectyou:twitter Awesome now we have Disqus! 🙂

Reply to Mattias
- By Keri Jaehnig on 19th June, 2011
  
  Yes – I’m so excited! Thanks for your help and insight, Mattias!! 🙂 ~Keri
  
  Reply to Keri