The Real Benefits of Social MediaPaul Furiga

WordWrite Communications • March 29, 2010

Where we’re going today1. The "politics" of each SM network and how to use

them to achieve your goals

2. Using social media to increasemeeting attendance

3. Using SM to add valueand excitement to meetings

4. How meeting planners and suppliers can work together on better-run meetings with social media

5. A "to do" list that you can use the moment you return to the office.

First, some perspective.In the beginning . . .

There were meetings!

Also known as: The original social networks

Today . . . “social” means media

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Social Media for MPI: Road rules1. It’s all about your “story” —

so what’s right for you andyour organization may be differentthan for the person next to you

2. We’ll be moving fast,hitting the highlights

3. You can return againany time you want

4. First figure out where you’re goingand how to get started

The “politics” of each social network

1. Facebook: Fans and friends only!

2. Twitter: It’s real time

3. YouTube: The #2 Internetsearch engine — if a pictureis worth 1,000 words, then?

4. Flickr: Speaking of pictures . . .

5. LinkedIn: jobs and sales

6. Foursquare: the future (creepy?)

7. Your web site: home base for success

Using social media to increase attendance

1. Increasing attendance is about marketing

2. Twitter is well suited for event marketing

3. Create a unique Twitter ID for your event

4. Engage “champions” to help you populate it before, during and after the event

5. Assign a small team to “prime the pump” and monitor activity during the event

Increasing attendance: venues, suppliers

1. Try show and tell: video

2. YouTube links can be e-mailed, texted,Tweeted, etc.to increase views

3. Ask your convention/meeting host to be in a personalized video before the event

4. Bonus for meeting planners: Link to or create video from some of your speakers to entice attendees

Using social media to add value and excitement

1. Use a blog as “official” home for event details

2. Use Twitter for instant updates (food, check-in, surprises)

3. Encourage “hashtags” #MPIPittsburgh

Social media value and excitement, part 2

1. Run a live Twitterfeed during anevent

2. Take speakerquestions on Twitter

3. Live stream the eventon uStream

4. Post presentations on Slideshare

5. Set up the room to encourage social media interaction (large screens, etc.)

Social media value and excitement, part 31. Try Foursquare to connect people

2. “Location-based” apps are the future:

1. Connecting

2. Planning

3. Categorizing

4. Responding

5. Improving

Planners and suppliers: Working together

1. “It’s OUR event”

2. Plan social media the same way you plan other aspects

3. Share responsibility for content, monitoring and response

4. The event can now extend beyond the walls — and continue in the future

Examples from WordWrite

Client example

Are you ready for your to-do list?

Your (real) to-do list for today!

– Audit (yourself, your organization, competitors, "clients")

– Pick your social media tool– Implement it for you, then your

organization– Experiment!– Check your handouts

Questions? Comments?

Twitter:@paulfuriga / @wordwritepr

Online:www.wordwritepr.com

www.wordwritepr.com/blogstorytelling