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Special Events 2.0

Practical Uses of Technology in the Special Event Arena

Presented by Carlita Pitts

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TRADITIONS

• Mail

• Phone

• Email

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ASTONISHING STATS

• 83% of organizations currently are using one or more digital tools to market and execute their events, although most are not yet using those tools to their full potential.

• 66% plan to incorporate more digital tools and experiences into future events.• Social networks — Facebook (67%), Twitter (54%) and LinkedIn (48%) —

are the most common digital tools employed by organizations. – 69% of which cited shifting attendee behavior as the reason they are incorporating

digital tools into their events.• 18% of organizations have hired someone to manage their digital efforts.• 18% of organizations are seeing cost-savings from using social networks.• 33% of organizations have been able to reduce their use of direct mail because of

social media.• 28% of organizations plan to use digital event platforms and other event-centric

technologies in the coming year.• 70% of organizations are actively producing, considering or interested in pursuing

virtual events.

* Champion Exposition Services, Online Social Media Survey (October, 2009)

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ASTONISHING STATS

Facebook• More than 400 million active users.• 60 million activate their statuses each day.• 5 billion pieces of content (event invitations, photos, news, web links,

& notes).• More than 100 million users use Facebook through their cell phone.• The 55+ age group is the fastest growing group and make up 10% of

the popu;ation.• The 35 – 54 age group makes up 29% of the population and is the

second fastestgrowing group.

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ASTONISHING STATS

Twitter• 75 million users.• Largest group 35-49 and make up 41.7% of the population.• 25-34 is the second largest group and make up 19.6% of the

population.• Most people “tweet” from their mobile phones.• Celebrity “tweets” prompted significant increase in unique

visitors in 2009.

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WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?

If you are not convinced social media will impact your event, take a look at a few reasons WHY you might want

to look closer:

• Create Buzz.

• Boost Registration Numbers.

• Community/Connect People.

• Attract Sponsors / Exhibitors.

• Create Relevant Content.

• Feedback.COUNCIL FOR ADVANCEMENT AND SUPPORT OF EDUCATION 6

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• Connect People

• Showcase photos and videos of events– Website

• Provide a platform to broadcast live from events– Live stream video– Collect Tweets/Hash tags#

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• Digital Invites

• Custom Micro-Sites

• Interactivity

• Registration

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• Digital invitations

• Mobile Website

• Google Maps

• Widgets

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TOP SOCIAL MEDIA EVENT APPS(AND HOW TO USE THEM)

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Invitation Platforms• Doodle.com• Twitvite.com

Organization• Wiki’s• Google Maps• Slideshare

Online Marketing• Facebook Events• Ustream• Twitter

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Conversation Tracking• Visibletweets.com• Twitterfall.com

Full Featured Event Planning• Eventbrite.com• Amiando.com

Photo Sharing• Flickr (on most cell phones)• Facebook

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THE FUTURE

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THE FUTURE

Mobile Applications

Text rsvp’s

Live Events via Video Conferencing• Skype• Gchat• Toxbox

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QUESTIONS??

Thank You!!

Email Me!pitts.54@osu.edu

Friend me on Facebook!!Carlita Pitts

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