Hey conference planners, it’s time to rethink your social media conference. I think we’re all tired of going to conferences and finding the same topics rehashed. It’s time to move beyond speakers and bloggers throwing up their presentation decks that can be found on Google. So how do you fix your social media conference? Here’s a list to get you started:
Give Me an Experience
If I could be streaming your conference and it’s the same experience as those attending the conference, then coming to your conference is a waste of my time. Make your conference an immersive experience.
Deliver Original Content
If I could get your presenter’s information through a google search or reading your presenter’s blog, then it’s not worth my time. You need to deliver original, exclusive content.
Put the Social in Social Media
If your conference has “social” in the title, then I expect there to be a live social element to your conference. I’m not talking about a #hashtag tweet conversation, I’m talking about a real conversation between a group of people.
You Need to Talk to Your Attendees
If you tell the attendees that you need to listen and interact with your audience, and your conference doesn’t do that, then you’re hypocritical. Conferences have to learn to be flexible and change with needs of the audience. This requires listening.
Don’t Say “Think Mobile” and Not Do the Same
If you tell people it’s a mobile first world, then your website has to have a mobile version. This is non-negotiable.
Conference planners, throw out your previous schedules and do what you preach. Engage your audience, listen to them in real time and give them a true mobile experience. I’m not describing the future, I’m describing the present. It’s time you joined us.