Christina Hernandez
Christina Hernandez is new media coordinator at GES, where she manages GES’ corporate blog and their social media community.
Coachella 2013: 5 Social Marketing Tips for Events
May 24, 2013
When I say I felt privileged and pretty darn lucky to attend Coachella in 2012, I’m not exaggerating. This year’s festival sold out in 24 hours. People come from all over the world to experience Coachella and it’s one of the most unique events I’ve attended. Yes, I’m a music junkie. Everything from electronic dance music to indie and even hip hop, I love it all. My first concert (in fifth grade) was N’Sync and they literally brought tears to my eyes.
Nothing can replace the memories you make at an event, and what better way to extend that experience than through social media? Coachella isn’t just great at social media marketing; they reign supreme.
Here are five ways Coachella uses social media to extend the attendee experience and build a following with those unable to attend. All of these can be applied to just about any event.
1. Multiple Channels- With more than 150,000 music fans roaming the festival grounds, you can only imagine how many people who couldn’t attend “follow” the event. Having such a large audience means that there are all types of individuals who interact differently online. Coachella uses multiple social media channels and publishes a mix of content which allows them to reach a larger audience.
Here’s links to their sites:
· Website
· Google+ (Log into your Gmail account to view this link)
· YouTube
· Tumblr
2. Practical and Social Mobile Apps- Not only did Coachella use their iPhone and Android app to centralize all logistics and push notifications, but they also used it to allow attendees to create custom line up schedules, locate food, check out what’s going on in the social world and even map out the festival grounds. This is a great example of taking your simple app and making it an important tool.
3. Digital Memorabilia- Forget the traditional souvenir shop; digital memorabilia isn’t only easy for festival goers who don’t want to carry things around, but also for on-the-go attendees. It lets them express themselves and spread the word with little effort. Coachella’s mobile app has a feature where users can create a digital postcard and send it to facebook, twitter or email.
4. Live Streaming- When you decide to stream and record specific portions of your event, you not only extend the experience, but also allow people who couldn’t attend to join the festivities. Coachella also used this to gain a key sponsorship with State Farm. They capture the best performances and encourage attendees to “relive Coachella,” using display ads. Don’t forget to tune here, for weekend two’s key performances!
5. #Hashtags Make It Official-There’s only one way to follow all conversations, guest appearances, etc. if you’re at the event or couldn’t make it – an official #hashtag. Each #hashtag used by Coachella has a record amount of retweets each year. Follow #Coachella and #coachellalive for live updates this weekend!
I get excited talking about the social marketing surrounding Coachella, but not because it’s one of my favorite events. It’s because they know what they’re doing and that inspires me. Trade shows and corporate events can better capture their attendee’s attention if they socially engage with them through a variety of channels. Hopefully I’ll see a few of you at the Polo Fields in 2014 (crossing my fingers that I get through and get my ticket for next year)!
Is there an event or trade show whose social marketing inspires you? Share your experience by commenting below.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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