Today we’re launching the InkList series to bring you PR, social and digital insights packaged together to help streamline and drive your marketing teams forward.
We often help our clients develop strategic thought leadership summits or user conference strategies, land panel and speaking opportunities or secure attendance at key industry events. Whether you’re attending CES, RSA or planning for the Fast Company Innovation Festival, here’s everything you need to know for your next conference.
It’s easy to get lost in developing brand collateral and social hashtags, but the most successful conferences are ones that include buttoned-up and polished logistics. Make sure to lock down your booth location, staffing needs and meeting rooms so you’re not scrambling the week before the conference.
More than attention-grabbing signage, your conference design assets must align with your overall goals. Who is your audience and what do they care about it? Can you use a video to tell a customer story? Do you need to include leave-behind assets? Cohesive branding across signage, videos, social media and even business cards will elevate your brand awareness to support broader business goals.
Integrating a social strategy into your conference plan will ensure you’re targeting the people that matter most, whether that’s attendees, analysts, media or other business leaders. Start generating relevant content as early as six weeks before the conference, to ensure you have a steady drumbeat of amplification.
Beyond a press release announcing a product update, your PR assets must drive your conference strategy. Consider who is speaking at the event, if there are open award submissions, which spokespeople are available to speak with press and analysts, and make sure to prep your team so they are well-prepared for media briefings. Finally, conferences are a great opportunity to host a media dinner with press friendlies to share major company updates, a vision for the future or even to maintain strong rapport and relationships with key reporters.