Build Engagement at Your Next Event with These 5 Tips to Harness the Power of the Hashtag

Olivia Kuban

The Basics

Hashtags are a useful and simple tool for encouraging engagement and promoting an event before, during and after it takes place.

A hashtag is a word or phrase followed by a “#” symbol used to mark a post to a specific themed topic. Tagged branded and event-related social media posts allow audiences and event planners to view the posts in one place. This is helpful for grouping the images, raising awareness and it allows event planners an easy way to repost audience-generated content.

 

Tip 1: Match the tone of the event

When deciding what to name the hashtag, the tone of the event should be kept in mind. If the event is serious, make the hashtag follow suit. If the event is more upbeat, the hashtag should be as well. 

 

Tip 2: Make it #catchy

While keeping the tone in mind, make the hashtag easy to remember and unique to the event. Alliteration is great for hashtags as is a simple phrase. It is best practice to keep the hashtag between 15 and 21 characters. 

 

Tip 3: Place the hashtag on and near photo-ops

Wherever the event has a location where attendees are likely to take a photo, feature the hashtag there. This strategic placement will promote the event through the image once posted on social media. 

Great areas for this are mirrors (great for selfies!), photo booths and highlighted displays. 

 

Tip 4: Provide incentive for using the hashtag through gamification

 A great way to boost engagement is to encourage attendees to use the hashtag through prizes and contests. Event planners can choose posts that feature the hashtag and select a winner based on a random draw or through game rules. Mention the opportunity throughout the event to remind attendees to post. 

Another incentive is to feature social media posts that have been tagged on-screen throughout the day. Make sure to screen the posts before displaying them to ensure they are event-appropriate.

Tip 5: Display the hashtag. Everywhere!

Include the hashtag on swag given out to attendees, place them on screens, handouts, banners and verbally endorse its use. When promoting the hashtag, make sure each word begins with a capital letter to help with legibility. 

Visit Premiere Speaker’s event planning YouTube playlist for more tips.