EPG Spotlight
An Eventful Blogosphere?
It may seem like you can’t pick up a magazine or newspaper without coming across an article about blogs and their influence in business and pop culture. If you aren’t as familiar with blogs, short for ‘Web-logs,’ they are a web-based journal that allow writers to post chronological entries and invite readers to comment. Think of it as an online journal or conversation. While there is considerable discussion about their use among select sectors such as politics and the communications/public relations world, blogs are not nearly as debated in the event management field.
Could this new social media possibly have an impact on the planning of annual meetings, conferences and other events? Potentially so... people are connected like never before and are now actively participating in the media – creating their own destinations. While this article won’t explore actual blog software, it will indeed take a brief look at the concept of establishing a blog to assist in the event planning process.
Here are some ways a blog might serve as a potential solution for meeting and event planners:
A Twist to the Committee
For many organizations, meetings and events are often planned via committee. In some instances, committee members may be spread out across the country or potentially the world. While many organizers often communicate via list serves or simply email, the blog could easily assist with topic development and related discussions. Different categories of discussion could be created, and designated individuals could provide comments and overall solutions. These comments could also have the ability to be turned on or off should the need arise.
Getting the Right Speakers – The First Time
Many organizers are often plagued with mounds of pitches and paperwork from potential event speakers. Instead of sifting through this material, speakers could submit their proposals to a blog allowing for attendee comment. Sound like a potential nightmare? The art here would be in narrowing the focus, especially for large programs. Perhaps start small with one session or track. Keep in mind, however, that the event is being built for the attendees. They may have previously heard a prospective speaker or they simply may have other, and potentially better, recommendations. Listening to your audience helps immensely in providing the best learning environment – and a blog could potentially facilitate this process.
Tell Me About It
In advance of a meeting or event, a blog can be a great way to encourage interactivity and promote attendance. It essentially can become a “newsletter” about a pending meeting or event. However, don’t post a bunch of “reserve rooms now” type listings. Instead, post a preview of the event’s content – i.e. the meat of the program. Gather attendee comments about select planning aspects. This allows for attendee to ask questions and become engaged in the process before the event.
Tell Me About It – In Real Time
Consider inviting select members or staff to post about their experiences during the event. And be sure to promote, promote and promote the blog so that attendees not only visit but add comments as well. This is a great way for those who can't attend to get a sense of what was covered. It also gives those who are currently or were in attendance the ability to conceptualize what they learned and articulate take-aways. From an adult learning perspective, the ability to express lessons learned is a critical step to processing knowledge. In addition, if you have any pictures of the event, placing them up can help immensely in keeping select event aspects in proper context.
The End is Just the Beginning
Once the event concludes, the blog can still serve as a valuable communications tool by offering recaps of sessions, downloadable versions of materials, post event surveys and other information. Some of the speakers may also serve as ‘guests’ to answer any additional questions or provide further follow up. For those that were not able to attend, reading the blog and seeing what they missed may help in spurring interest to attend the next one. Just be sure to continue promoting the blog so that it remains top of mind for your target audience.
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