By Niamh Waters – @niamhywaters
It’s now just under two weeks until Social Media Marketing World 2015 takes place in San Diego, California, and we are counting down the days in the TravelMedia.ie office.
As a first time international attendee, I have been busy connecting with other attendees, researching speakers and getting involved in conversations within online groups.
Last year our own Michael Collins attended and had an absolute blast. Michael was a first time attendee last year, so I have picked his brain over the last number of weeks to ensure that I am fully prepared. Here are some of the top tips that Michael has shared with me which you may find useful:
1. Make friends in advance
Did you know there is a Facebook group that has been setup specifically for international attendees? Search for ‘International Social Media Examiners’ and request to join. As well as this, there are also a host of other ways to connect with attendees and speakers – although these groups are not exclusive to international attendees, they are still extremely beneficial for networking. Check out the event page on Facebook, the attendee group on Linkedin, the speaker list on Twitter and download the event app – get ready to get connected!
2. Use hashtags and shout about where you’re from
Want a quick and easy way of connecting with people? Tell people that you are attending! Use the conference hashtag #SMMW15 and include information about where you are flying in from. Also use the @smexaminer handle where appropriate.
Are you attending #SMMW15? Where are you travelling from? I’m making the long journey from Dublin, Ireland. Can’t wait!
— Niamh Waters (@Niamhywaters) February 23, 2015
3. Share what you do
Tell people what you do and what your area of expertise is! This is the best way to meet like-minded individuals. There is a thread in the conference Linkedin group where attendees are posting where they are from, what their area of expertise is and what they are hoping to learn. If you haven’t got involved in this group yet then make sure you do it today!
4. Attend the pre-networking party
Arriving on Tuesday 24th? Make sure to attend the cocktail party in the Manchester Grand Hyatt Lobby Bar. This informal gathering of attendees, speakers and staff offers a relaxed atmosphere to network in and according to our past attendee Michael, is VERY beneficial. Find out more in the video below:
5. Say Hello to the speakers
Don’t be afraid to approach the speakers and say hello to them. Remember – one simple hello can lead to a thousand things! I have been following Mari Smith since I was a college student so I will be making sure to say hello to her. Make sure you are following all of the speakers on Twitter before the conference. Here are our top ten picks:
1. Pat Flynn
2. Ted Rubin
3. Ian Cleary
4. Joel Comm
5. Chris Brogan
6. Mike Stelzner
7. Mari Smith
8. Kim Garst
9. Jay Baer
10. Sue B. Zimmerman
So, there you have it. The top 5 tips from a past attendee of Social Medial Marketing World! Are you attending? What are your top tips? Tweet us @TravelMedia_ie and let us know!