As I have provided in my previous posts, how can the 34th International Geological Congress (34th IGC) implement some of the social media tools such as blogging, wiki, Facebook and Twitter in a successful way to gain the benefits of using them in the congress. In this post I will provide some steps and tactics for INB student in how the social tools helped/can help with conference management.
34th IGC has large conference and they expected around 5000-7000 delegates to attend from over 100 countries. Using social media tools in an effective way will help the 34th IGC to successfully manage their conference. Conference management is the process by which an event is planned, prepared, and produced. As with any other form of management, it encompasses the assessment, definition, acquisition, allocation, direction, control and analysis of time, finances, people, products, services and other resources to achieve the organization objectives and goals.
Nowadays, many organizations are using social media tools to enhance their conference management, the following are some ways of how these tools have helped with conference management:
Using social tools to creates online community environments helps connecting and engaging the attendees. An important part of any conference experience is connecting with other attendees. By using the social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter connecting with potential corporate partners and build relationships between stakeholders and delegates become much easier. However, the online communities need good management to ensure they are productive and organized.
Encourage attendees to share information and collaboration via the social media tools. Using Facebook and Twitter as open forums help to gather feedback and recommendations from the audience. Also, it helps the audiences to receive and share information about particular speakers, what they think about the event and keep them updated with the news. They also can share general information such as accommodations and transportations.
Social media is the best to use for broaden participation. Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin help to increase collaboration and contribution between audiences. It’s also allows the audience who cannot attend to become a part of the event by regularly checking new and up-to-date photos, videos and other content being shared in these social tools.
By understanding these steps and tactics the INB student will improve their knowledge in how social tools can help to manage the 34th IGC conference.
Muaath Aljamah 