Join the Increasing Popular Conference Blogging
Are you ready to live blog while at your next conference? If you're not sure, you can always delegate this task to a staff member or a team of staff members to share in the writing. Blogging at conferences is a great way to promote your conference, and to keep your blog readers up to date on latest conference events and topics. It also gives future attendees a chance to sample the conference through your perspective. I bet I know what you are thinking... "Does blogging a conference hurt conference attendance?"
No, it's just the opposite. It builds hype and creates awareness about your organization and your cause. It gets people "talking" about your conference, and it opens up the door to more feedback and enthusiasm. It's one of the many ways Web 2.0 is changing our lives.
Before you Blog your next Conference
Decide if you want to be a "live" blogger or if you want to report back to your blog. A "live" blog is one that is done almost in real time, and posted within minutes after the session. It also generates the most buzz. It requires a great deal of planning and paying attention to the speaker. If you decide to write your blog right after the conference you still need to plan on taking thorough notes and pictures during the presentations.
Learn From the Pros
I've found two sites that provide excellent tips and tools for successful conference blogging. The first one is a six page booklet in pdf format by LunchOverIP's Bruno Giussani and Ethan Zuckerman from www.EthanZuckerman.com/blog. You can download it here.
He covers tools, preparation, location, software, speakers, style, quotes, audience, context, linking, tagging, timing, mistakes, collaboration and digestion. In other words, he covers it all.
The next one is a blog titled, "How to Blog a Conference," by Josh Hallett. He covers the same basic topics plus podcasts, video blogging and interviewing attendees and speakers between sessions. It's also worth the read.
Technorati
The best site to research other conference blogs before you begin is technorati. Here you can follow current conference blogs.
Here's an example of blog from the Pucon Keynote session from the Online Marketing Blog.
As stated in the in Josh Hallet's article mentioned above, "You'll want to use Technorati or some other blog search tool to track any conversation surrounding the conference."
Are You Hosting a Conference?
Provide your conference goers with a Pre-Conference Blog. Start the blog before the conference begins by providing reminders and agendas. Post pictures of the conference venue and local activities. During the conference update your blog to include the highlights of each day with specific details and funny moments. Upload pictures of the speakers, award ceremonies, exhibition hall, etc.
Before your conference starts invite attendees to create a live blog during your conference.
Here is an example of a pre-conference blog.
Are You Prepared for Live Bloggers at Your Next Conference?
Make bloggers feel welcome. Tell them where they can sit for the best access to electrical outlets, or if the room size permits, provide tables for bloggers. Let them know if you plan on having free wifi at the conference, tell them what information will be provided in their welcome packet so that they can add biographies and links from the keynote speakers. Add a "Bloggers Corner" to your conference website so that the bloggers can get acquainted with other bloggers before the conference. Have a table of refreshments for a "Bloggers Break." Help the bloggers create a buzz around your conference. Promote blogging.
Need A Visual Reference?
Please follow this link from the World Health Care Congress.
"If you blog they will come."
