How to Leverage Hashtags at Your Conference

Hashtags are popping up everywhere. #hashtagsaretakingover. Okay, I just had to do that, because creating a hashtag is just that simple.

A hashtag is composed of a single word or phrase beginning with a “#” and with no spaces or punctuation. Hashtags were originally created by Twitter users and have now been adapted across all of social media.

You can start to leverage the power of hashtags when planning your next conference.

Before the conference:

Include the hashtag in all of your printed and online materials. For example, the event program, handouts, sponsor package, and PowerPoint slides.
Update the social media profile for the organization or event to include the hashtag in the profile description.
Use social media to bring awareness about the event and include the hashtag in all posts. Remind your event team, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers to spread the word using the hashtag.
Promote your events using hashtags by having contests and give-aways. Partner with sponsors for a win-win on both sides. This will generate interest and buzz around your event.

During the conference

Remind attendees from the stage (during breaks, before lunch, etc) to tweet or post their pictures and favorite moments of the conference using the hashtag.
Display posts and tweets from attendees with the hashtag during breaks.
I always include the hashtag of the event when I am graphic recording. For example, here is an image I created real time at a Small Business Think Tank hosted by Dell. I included the hashtag #smallbizphilyy. If you are using a Graphic Recorder, ask them to include the hashtag in all the visual summaries for your event.

#thatisall… Of course, I have to end this post with a hashtag.

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Lisa

Visual Thinker | Graphic Recorder | Sketchnote Artist at See In Colors

Lisa Nelson loves combining art with life. She is the Founder and Chief Visual Strategist of See In Colors where she leads a team that designs, facilitates, and captures conversations with hand-drawn pictures. By blending the power of visuals, communication and project management, Lisa helps organization have impact for social change. See In Colors is based in the Washington, D.C. area and serves clients world-wide.