The BIG Idea File: See You @ The #Hashtag – How to Use Conference Hashtags to Maximize your ROI Pre and Post Event

Going to a conference?

Chances are if the organizers are at all social media savvy that conference has an official hashtag. Check the conference to find the correct or official hashtag and start tweeting! Aside from giving conference-goers an opportunity to brag about their attendance, it is a valuable networking tool.

What Exactly is a Hashtag?

A hashtag is any string of characters or keywords proceeded by the hash mark (#) on Twitter. For example, MOMeo Magazine uses the hashtag #MOMeo to identify remarks related to the publication.

10 Ways to Use a Conference Hashtag to Maximize your Networking

Pre-Event

#1: Connect with attendees – Search the conference hashtag to find out who else is going to be there and start pre-planning your networking.

#2: Jump into the conversation – There’s no sense waiting for the party to start- get the party started! Start or jump into the conversation about the event. Use Direct Messaging to discuss what you’d like to talk about.

#3: Stay on top of updates – Get the lowdown on the ‘unofficial’ conference calendar, including tweet-ups, invite-only parties, and sponsored events.

#4: Find discount codes – Use the event hashtag to get discount codes for the event and other special offers on flights and accommodations.

During the Event

#5: Share – Share those little pearls of wisdom by live tweeting the keynotes and sessions. Even share photos of the event in realtime.

#6: Find people – Where is that great contact’s booth again? Who has a big sale, contest, or special offer at their booth? Find them with the event hashtag!

#7: Locate tweet-ups – If you aren’t the type who organizes everything in advance or you tend to forget important details like where and when, tune into the hashtag buzz to find the event tweet-ups (a face-to-face casual meeting of people who originally connected on Twitter).

Post-Event

#8: Reach out to attendees who you missed – Follow up with a ‘sorry we didn’t connect’ and extend an invitation to connect over the telephone.

#9: Find and follow – Searching the hashtag buzz is a simple way to find that person you had the fantastic conversation with, but can’t remember their Twitter name.

#10: Continue the conversation – The buzz continues for a week or two- sometimes as much as a month afterward- with people posting their take on the event, tagging albums, or sharing news related to the event.