Conference Planning

Here are eight simple tips you can consider during the event planning process:

• Use Google Maps to direct people to your event. Be sure to include parking info on your event web site.  Set up carpooling as well and post links to public transportation schedules and fares. Include this information in event reminder emails to attendees sent the day before the event. This can really help limit attrition at events.

• Set up Flickr tags and inform your participants so they can use them when posting their own event pictures.

• If appropriate, recruit bloggers to live blog the event. And always contact influential bloggers in advance with event information.

• Set up a YouTube channel for videos of your event.

•Many events are using live video tools like Ustream.tv, which lets you broadcast and chat online with a global audience. It's completely free, all it takes is a camera and Internet connection.

• Go beyond traditional wire services by tapping into the neo-PR world of Pitchengine.com. Founded by social media pioneer Jason Kintzler, PitchEngine is shaking up the PR industry by making it possible for PR pros, brands, and agencies to build and share digital, social media releases with their contacts for free.

• Ask your speakers or presenters to use hashtags. Invite the audience to tweet in real time using the hashtag created specifically for the event.

• Use Twitpic or Twiddeo to tweet pictures or video links of the event. Invite key influencers to tweet event info prior to the event. Twitpic lets you share photos on Twitter. Twiddeo is a powerful but simple service that let's you Twitter updates with Video. Upload from the web, your camera phone and record from your webcam.