With the rapid growth of online communications, it can be a difficult task for small business owners who do not have the resources to hire Digital Marketers to grasp the latest strategies and trends. Conner Galway, Digital Marketing Director of Junction Creative and Bosco Anthony, Founder for Tribe1, both experienced entrepreneurs and experts in online marketing, stress the necessity for businesses to embrace the digital world. “The mad men era of marketing is starting to phase out and we are embracing a new concept of creating, sharing and engaging content through digital platforms and channels,” Anthony says. Not only does this mean that opportunities for interaction and targeting continue to grow, Galway explains, “it is now expected that businesses are present, visible and interacting in the digital world.”
Attending conferences can be an effective way to learn these skills and gain insight from expert speakers. However, as social media has become a hot topic for business growth, it is important to be able to identify the ones that have a greater return value than an investment value. Choosing the wrong conference to attend could lead your business down a path of unintended results, wasted time and missed opportunities.
Three Qualities to Look for in a Social Media Conference
1. The Speakers are Current
Speakers are the core of conferences. Whether they are keynotes or panelists, they deliver the lessons and frame the conversations. It is important for you to know the value you’re looking for when attending conferences. This can range from industry lessons, technical information, inspiration, motivation, or a fresh perspective. Most importantly for the topic of social media, trends and strategies are always changing so it is crucial to attend conferences where the speakers focus on what’s current.
2. Networking and Engagement Opportunities
Listening to experts present their knowledge is an essential at social media conferences, but prioritizing networking opportunities for attendees to grow their network of contacts is a plus. Conferences can be one of the best places to meet like-minded people who have faced and overcome similar challenges. Their stories and perspectives can be enriching to your own business strategies. The opportunity to interact with speakers also adds immense value, allowing you to ask specific questions about your particular situation.
3. Online or Offline Materials and Resources
Sometimes it can be difficult to absorb all the content you learn at a conference. If online or print resources is provided for you to take away, it is much more likely that you will be able to properly implement what you have learned by having a tangible reference point. Taking notes can be useful but it sometimes hinders full engagement.
The OMG Social Media Conference
The OMG Social Media Conference happening November 20th will ensure all three qualities will be covered. The event will provide opportunity to learn and network with 200 attendees and 14 expert speakers. A workbook will be given to each attendee to ensure every person who attends leaves with a ready to implement online marketing plan. For more information, visit omgsocialmedia.ca.
Ticket Giveaway
For a chance to win tickets to the 2014 OMG Social Media Conference, share this article on Facebook and Twitter including our handle @smallbusinessbc and hashtag #OMGConf.
One winner from each platform will be randomly chosen on November 17th, 2014 to receive a ticket to attend one of Vancouver’s most talked about social media conferences.