Note: This article was originally published by Wisconsin Meetings, written by The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club team.
It’s official, the date is set and the event venue has been decided. What’s next? Now is the time to strategize ways to build a strong, shareable social media presence for your event. Creating share-worthy experiences helps build a sense of community for your attendees while showcasing the event to your online followers.
Choose A Hashtag
Before you do anything, make sure to pick a simple and easy to remember hashtag to allow attendees to engage in discussion. Use your hashtag to build anticipation by providing behind the scenes footage, sneak peeks, and hint at big announcements leading up to your event.
Initiate The Countdown
One interesting feature you could take advantage of is the Instagram Stories countdown sticker. This is basically a branded calendar notification, where subscribers to your story would get a notification when the clock runs out or they could share the countdown to their story. This is a good way to promote upcoming deadlines for event registration, contests, or upcoming news.
Say Cheese
At your event, make sure to place a memorable photo op. Floral walls, swings, archways, neon, and props have been all the rage lately. Make sure you showcase an experience fitting your theme so guests will find the photo worth taking and worth sharing. You could even incorporate your hashtag into a sign or frame to remind your guests to use it.
Put A Filter On It
Another great idea is a custom-branded AR filter for Instagram or Facebook through their free tool, Spark AR Studio. Snapchat also has a free creators’ platform called Lens Studio 2.0. Special filters are always a big hit and can help build user-generated content. Make your guests want to “do it for the ‘gram,” and give them every chance to!
Photo-worthy Food
Provide unique and interactive food experiences that are diverse, colorful, and local to the area. Chef Charles and our Catering Team at The Madison Concourse Hotel provide a variety of several reception displays, many featuring local Wisconsin cheeses.
Gamify Your Event
Set up a scavenger hunt and post the clues on social media! This would help drive foot traffic to certain locations that are easily missed. Offer a chance to win a grand prize for those who find the answers and post them online using your hashtag. Share other special raffles or opportunities to win one-of-a-kind prizes.
Your Next Event Venue That Will Get Everyone Talking
Your event location is a huge factor in social media shareability. When you host your event in Madison, Wisconsin, your guests will love sharing photos of the beautiful Wisconsin State Capitol, historic State Street, and stunning lake views.
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club is at the center of it all in fabulous downtown Madison. With 27,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and 373 guest rooms, our venue and team of experts can help make your next event a social media shareworthy success!
To learn more about hosting an event at The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club, visit our meetings & events page and contact us to get started.