How to be “social” at ILGC

I’m attending the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism next week and, like with any event, will be using social media throughout it. Feel free to join in!

Twitter

If you have a twitter account, follow the #ilgc hashtag to see the twitter conversation revolving around the conference.

What’s a hashtag? A hashtag is a word or phrase following a # sign in twitter. When you click on it, you’ll be taken to a list of all tweets that include the hashtag. It’s an easy way to follow any conversation. Whether you’re using twitter.com, tweetdeck, hootsuite or a mobile device to tweet, set up a search for the #ilgc hashtag and save it as a column for easy access. If you’ll be tweeting from your laptop, I still recommend using tweetdeck or hootsuite if that’s what you’re familiar with but another great option is tweetchat. Head to the #ilgc tweetchat room and login with your twitter account. It’ll add the #ilgc hashtag to all of your tweets.

Want to share your photos via your twitter stream? Create a twitpic account! It will give you a personalized email address (save it in your phone) and when you email photos to this address, they’ll automatically get posted on your twitter account. Enter your photo caption in the subject line of your email and don’t forget to use the #ilgc hashtag!

Have you ever been to a tweetup? If not, here’s your chance to connect and “geek out” with other twitter users! At Wednesday’s Icebreaker Reception, write your twitter name on your name badge (or on the back of a business card and place that in your badge window) so everyone can easily follow you on twitter! Geeky conversations about social media strategies, tracking and #SoMeT are sure to be heard.

Facebook

Use the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism Facebook page as your personal conference page. Write on the wall, saying what you like (or don’t like) about the conference. LIKE things and add your comments. Share your photos on the page’s wall and don’t forget to tag your friends.

Foursquare

If you have a smart phone, it’s time to start using Foursquare. Foursquare is a location-based app where you “check in” at various venues via your cell phone. The more times you check in, the more points and badges you can earn. For instance, if 50 people check into the same place (like Wednesday’s Icebreaker Reception), you would earn the Swarm Badge. Be sure to search for the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism venue on Foursquare.

Setting up an account is easy. Check out this video for more information:

Networking IRL

Social media provides a great platform for people to learn and participate in a conference without actually attending it but conferences are most productive when you meet, network and brainstorm IRL (in real life). So who am I most excited to see at #ilgc? Many of my previous colleagues and industry professionals make the cut but on the top of the list are two very important social media superstars: Dave Serino and Heather Wilkins. Dave is the man behind SoMeT and his enthusiasm is highly contagious. I always learn a lot and have a great time whenever he’s around. Heather is a Route 66 brainiac and inspires me both personally and professionally. I absolutely cannot wait to see both of them next week!