At the very beginning, we knew that this comic con would be like no other. When it was announced that there was a Comic Con Iphone app, the technology bar for conventions and conferences was raised.
As many event planners and leaders struggle to adopt social media and other technologies, big time conference organizers have taken the helm to show how it’s done.
First, let me say that most of us in the industry would love to have crowds, fans, and budgets the likes of Comic Con.
Even if you don’t have these types of crowds, there are lessons to be learned on how to create and captivate your audience.
So you say you don’t think that your attendees will want to dress up like Dr. Harold Norwenksy at the annual dentistry conference. No worries, there are still ways to create excitement among your attendees.
Here are 10 lessons learned from Comic-con:
1. Create a Hashtag
Twitter hashtags have become the must have accessory for live, on the spot convention and conference coverage.
Hashtags not only drive the conversation for your event, they also provide instant feedback to you and your organization. (The good, bad and the ugly)
2. Use an online registration system
Using an online registration system will speed up your registration process; reduce the amount of paper you have to print for ticketing and attendee profiling.
Plus, it gives your attendees a very early connection to your event.
Most online registration systems offer bar coding similar to those used by Comic Con.
No, you may not have attendees taking photos of your registration badges, but what this will do is show your attendees that you are efficient, professional, that you care about their time, and of course the environment.
3. Verify wireless internet access (Provide it for free if you can)
Regardless of the size of your event, you must have some type of wireless internet access for attendees. The number of comments from attendees regarding their internet access; or lack there of, is staggering.
Don’t let all of your hard work, and money spent be over run by these types of comments.
3a. If the cost is too much, find a sponsor to provide wireless access
Check with the hotel/conference center regarding their wireless access. If they are in a dead zone, contact the wireless carriers to find out what other options you have.
4. Bring out the Stars, but make them stick around a while
So many planners, pay big money for speakers/presenters to give a one hour speech, and then bail immediately. I understand that more time equals more money, but if they stick around for panel discussions/autograph sessions, you will gain so much more equity from their appearance than you would if they do the "get in get out nobody gets hurt" method.
If you have a speaker/presenter who is not comfortable connecting with or taking questions from your audience, it’s time to find a new speaker.
5. Showcase the latest & greatest in a big way
Partner with your exhibitors. Give them creative suggestions, or be open to their creativity. Even the newest lounge chair can be presented in a way that people will go nuts over!
6. Use your website to keep the event interactive and connected to both attendees and non attendees
Don't put up the "gone fishing" sign, this is your opportunity to use the tool you have spent tons of time and money creating. Make it work for you.
7. Take risks - be innovative
Extend your exhibit space to include the great outdoors.
8. Bags are still a great way to showcase your brand, try including a call to action
If you’re going to do bags, let the bag make a statement about your brand, its always a good idea to have a call to action (i.e. Now Playing, purchase by Dec. 31st, etc.)
I can just see these in the grocery stores now.
paper or plastic? neither -- Potter :-)
9. Use Social Media to promote and lure attendees to specific areas
BandaiAmerica: Don't forget to Twitpic us your Bandai America bag from comic-con! 1st gets another toy. Get one @ the Namco Bandai booth #sdcc #comiccon
Visit @atomictiki + show this tweet (see coupon http://tiny.cc/f7UK5 ) at Small Press booth M14 for 50% off GNs! #SDCC #CCI Comic-Con
9a. Don't be a Social Media failure.
Unfortunately, some promotions don't work. Just ask Electronic Arts. The backlash from their "Sin to Win" promo quickly earned them the dreaded #EAFAIL hashtag.
An apology letter was issued before the weekend was out.
10. And last but certainly not least! Thank the people who made your event a success!
I've only touched on the items that stood out most to me as a fan of the genre and a self proclaimed event and social media geek.
If you'd like to learn more, or do your own research, I suggest checking out two tweeps that covered the convention very well. @Comic_Con and @comiccon .
To learn more about me, visit my web site at www.theperfect-date.com
To learn from me, click on the community education link in the about us section.
Until 2010 may the force be with you!
Cheryl Lawson
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