How to: Use Social Media to Network at a Live Event

Industry Events and Conference are a big opportunity to network. However, it is important to remember that using social media as well can help you to maximise your opportunities at a live event or conference. Don’t wait untill you are there. Start the moment you know are attending.

Network before the big day

Social Media can be used to connect with people attending and hosting events – in advance. Connect with people who are attending the event – in advance on their online space on social media. Do some online research so that you know what to expect and how to look out for on the day.

Write a pre-event list of people you would like to meet etc and who to reach out to.

Follow the Hashtag

If the event is a big enough event to have its own hashtag – follow it. Also, take the time to research the event a bit more and follow relevant content on social media and if you a twitter user, create a twitter list for the event.

Announce that you are going

Let people know that you are attending a particular event. Say when you are going, what you will be going, where you will be etc. This gives them the opportunity to make contact and/or check out the event if they are not already planning on going.

Arrange to Meet People on the Day

If you have connected with people online through social media in advance of the day or one of your connections has responded to the announcement of your attendance by saying that they are going too – be proactive and arrange to catch up/have a coffee etc. Don’t wait and simply hope that you bump into them.

Use Social Media On the Day

Use social media sparingly on the day and in downtime (you are there to network in person after all). However, do check in and do a few updates with the relevant hashtag as this is when more people will be actively using it. This will help you to find each other online.

As part of you IRL networking, exchange business cards or Social Media QR codes with people that you meet as appropriate.

Follow up After the Event

Like you did before the event, do some follow up after the event with attendees and sponsors.

Check out in full the activity that happened online while you were at the event and follow up with any missed leads or potential new leads on social media via the event hashtag or general content and conversation about the event.

Review the list of contacts and prospects and engage in conversation. Both with people you met and exchanged details with and those that you didn’t actually meet if you think it is appropriate.

Further Reading:

• Social Media Planner: Conferences
• Host a Conference (on any budget)
• Create a buzz before your conference using your conference hashtag
• Pre-Schedule Your Conference Tweets
• Create a Conference Hashtag