Every day there are business and non-profit events. These events usually strive to not only inform but also to connect people so they can continue their conversations. One of the best vehicles for event marketing is social media.

Social media is great for events because it allows a very efficient means to distribute information. Moreover, it allows people to connect with one another. Here are some tips we feel should be used at any event to widen its base. On-site attendees can use these tips. Also, those who aren’t able to attend but still want to participate can use it as well.

How to use Social Media at Events

• Emphasize Check Ins via Facebook and Foursquare. Encourage people to check in at the event using Facebook or Foursquare. One of the best ways to encourage people is to run a sweepstakes. Then use the check-in as a means of entry. The beauty of using either Facebook or Foursquare is that it allows people who are connected on either service to know they are at the same event and can possibly meet up later.
• Encourage the use of hashtags. As people go to scheduled presentations and meetings, encourage the use of #hashtags on Twitter to ask questions of the moderator or participate in online chats about about the subject matter being discussed.
• Pull it all together on your even website. Every event has a website. It’s easy to pull the information off of Facebook or Twitter and put it on the website. This will provide people both on site with smart phones or off site, with the latest information and buzz
• Broadcast Live or Later. Make sure every event to either broadcast live via UStream or its recorded and uploaded to YouTube for others to view at their leisure or for attendees to revisit when they return home.

Using the above tactics will allow your attendees to be more informed and connect them to each other and the conference. A lasting connection through Facebook, YouTube and the website can only make the event much more sought after and important in the years ahead.