3 Reasons You Should Use Hashtags At Your Events

Have you attended an event recently and noticed somewhere on the screen there was a symbol that looked like this: “#wcagls”?  That’s called a hashtag, and it is used frequently on Twitter.

Twitter defines hashtags the following way: The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet. It was created organically by Twitter users as a way to categorize messages.

Most events don’t utilize hashtags correctly.  Here are three reasons why you should:

1. More Social Interest In Your Event.  People can follow along with your event by searching on Twitter for a particular one.  This is a great way to see what others are saying about your event.
2. Encourages Tweeting.  When I attend an event, I love to share with my followers great content.  If I see a hashtag used, I’m more likely to Tweet more and get involved.
3. Allows Other Attendees To Interact With Each Other.  Social media is a great outlet to meet other people.  Hashtags are a great way for people to meet other event attendees.

It is important to register your hashtag.  The last thing you want is to use a hashtag that has been used with another event.  Registering is very easy.  Visit http://twubs.com and follow their simple instructions on registering your events hashtag.

It is also important to publicize your hashtag.  I would recommend starting with early publicity material.  This would start the social conversation before your event takes place.

But it’s also important to publicize your hashtag at your event.  Put it everywhere:  tickets, banners, on the screen, lanyards.  You get the idea.

Hashtags also allow you to show Tweets on the screen.  This is a great way to engage your attendees.  Everybody likes to see their name on the screen.

How have hashtags worked for your event?