If you go to a tradeshow and don’t use the show’s hashtag, were you really there?
It’s a funny question, but in today’s world of virtual conversations you could be missing out on big opportunities, not to mention brand exposure, if you aren’t using the right hashtag in your message.
Tweeting stimulates specific, real-time conversations with a broad range of professionals in your industry.
Promote via hashtag: Many events and tradeshows establish a hashtag during pre-show promotions. Typically, the hashtag can be found on the event invitation, website or social channels.
To engage in conversations with other attendees, use the hashtag in your message. It will appear in the tradeshow’s newsfeed and be visible to anyone visiting that page or searching Twitter for that specific hashtag.
Example: “Excited for #BigConference2015 next week! Stop by booth 210 for a special giveaway!”
Live Tweet at the event: It can be tempting to put Twitter on the back burner during the height of tradeshow sessions and networking opportunities. However, it’s important to engage in Twitter-land during the actual show and, luckily, with just a couple minutes of effort you can amplify your exposure and join the conversation.
- Snap a picture of your booth and encourage people to stop by.
- Thank a guest speaker and share an interesting quote from his/her speech.
- Share your excitement about the day’s events and always use the show’s hashtag.
Engage and follow up: Twitter is a means of conversation and the best exchange involves a lot of talking but even more listening. Pay attention to what others are tweeting, favorite the comments you like, and follow people you meet. Even after a tradeshow is over, a hashtag can spark interesting dialogue.
-Lisa Allison is marketing communications manager at Milwaukee-based Vive LLC.
