The old days of only using paper survey sheets are gone
The days of handing out survey forms after events as the only measurement to the success of an event are long since gone. Now we can get a flavour of what is trending in real time. Social Media is now an increasing aspect of most events so how can we gauge what is happening, and how can we look back at what happened?
5 tips for enabling the social buzz at an event
1) Create engagement options that encourage social sharing and word of mouth buzz.
- These can take many forms, like mobile photo booths, live demo situations that have an element added to encourage sharing. Other ideas include interactive walls, mini-studios etc. Try and use tag lines like “Snap & Tag & Share” etc.
2) Give attendees the content while it’s happening
- Most people don’t post because they don’t have decent assets. This means planning ahead and deploying a photographer/videographer with a same-day Dropbox/QR gallery. I have memories of working with a really supportive photographer/videographer from an event I was MC for in Madrid and he was so responsive. I used high quality images in my social media posts within hours of them being taken.
- Create on-site brand / event templates that are great for story updates and also LinkedIn post prompts.
- Here is a suggestion related to the presenters. Getting them to share “best quotes” cards during keynotes/ presentations.
3) Think about tools and assets that can make sharing simple, like a “Social media sharing kit”.
I have done this once or twice in the past to help non-digital savvy colleagues be able to share on social.
- One QR code everywhere (badges, screens, tables) linking to:
– Event hashtag + official handles (copy button)
– Pre-written captions (1 line, 3 lines, longer LinkedIn)
– Speaker tags, agenda image, brand assets, Wi-Fi password
NOTE: UGC permissions note (“By tagging, you agree…”) if needed
4) Activate people, not just channels – This is a good one to try
- Brief speakers/exhibitors with 2–3 suggested posts and timings
- Recruit 10–20 “insiders” (staff, partners, customers) as social champions. I have used interns to “work the event floor” as roving reporters. Good education moment for them and it is often fun to do.
- Reward participation: shout-outs on screens, “post of the day”, VIP meet-up etc.
5) Run a light, live content system (so it stays consistent)
- One person capturing, one editing, one posting, one community replying. I have often done this by myself and it is not recommended. I saw it as a challenge but that is just me 😉
- Post in “chapters”: arrival → highlights → key takeaways → networking → wrap
- Repost attendee stories fast (people love being featured. Great way to get brand buzz and connections).
Infographics About Using Social Media For Events
- Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday: How a Jingle Became a Viral Social Trend - August 3, 2025
- The Future of AI Avatars in Marketing - June 23, 2025
- Avatars Are More Than a Trend - April 20, 2025