This document discusses using social media and mobile applications to promote networking at an event. It recommends capturing attendee information during registration to create profiles for pre-event networking and sharing on social media. During the event, a mobile app would allow attendees to exchange virtual gifts and contacts by scanning badges and checking into areas to earn more gifts. The connections made during the event would be saved in a networking database on the event website for attendees to access after the event to continue expanding their network. A social concierge using Twitter would also help attendees plan and ask questions before, during and after the event.

1. Event Networking Social Media Applications

2. Social Networking – Pre Event Event Website Connecting attendees prior to the event will promote easier networking opportunities during the event. Capturing as many details about attendees and simplifying the ability to share activities will foster active pre/during/post event conversations. This starts with the website and registration page. Registration: During registration we will capture as much business/individual information as possible in order to incorporate the data on event profiles. These will be used for pre/during/post networking opportunities. Social Buttons Google +1, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter buttons will be added to event updates and information for simple information-sharing for attendees. Mobile App/Event Map Tutorial Get a jumpstart on networking by becoming familiar with the event’s interactive app and event layout.

3. Social Networking – Pre Event Event Website As networking is a primary function of social media, pre-event networking opportunities need to be readily available for attendees. During the registration process, attendees will be asked if they want their RSVP shown publically on the event website and if they would like to tweet, share or post their registration activity. The expanded transparency will grow the pre event social footprint and will allow for users to prepare connections in advance.

5. Increase movement

6. Add fun competition

8. Social Networking – During Event Application The Details Virtual Gifts Each attendee will receive 1,000 virtual gifts to share with as many other attendees as possible. Sharing is easy; scan the QR code on the event badge to launch the event app and attendee profile. That’s it! The application will keep a running score for shared and received beads. Check-Ins Checking into designated areas around the event will get attendees MOVING! The incentive for checking in is more beads. Each time they check in at a different area, the application will award the attendee with 100 beads. Contact Exchange Lanyard QR scans will also exchange contact information including social profiles collected at registration. Contact information will be stored on the application and retrievable online at anytime.

9. Network Database – Post Event Networking Database Simple connections will be key to post event network viability. Through the event app, anytime an attendee scans a QR code, the connection is saved on the website cloud. At any time during or after the event, the attendee can see exactly who and when they shared a connection.

10. Social Concierge – Pre/During/Post Event With a packed itinerary for attendees, navigating the many activities can be a challenge. Providing a resource for planning will help direct questions and behaviors to desired outcomes for your event. Having a digital concierge in place to manage questions and motivate involvement from participants will wow the community and expand the localized message for area merchants. Using Twitter with a designated hashtag (#) for participants to ask any questions before during and after your event could be very helpful.