Social Media Strategies Summit, Boston, is finally here! Today is the first day of the summit and attendees are enjoying a full day of interactive 
workshops. In honor of this summit today’s post offers the top ten ways to get the most out of Social Media Strategies Summit. If you’re not attending this event don’t worry we will be running it again in 2012 in Las Vegas. Get registered early and save big!
1- Register for Workshops
Attending an interactive workshop prior to the full summit days gives one a huge advantage. I’ve designed workshops to be interactive, educational and packed with lots of practical tools, tips, tricks, how to’s and of course do’s and dont’s of social media marketing. Workshops provide an opportunity to do more than watch power points and take notes. We are excited to have seven workshops at Social Media Strategies Summit. If you haven’t yet signed up for at least one there is still room in all seven:
- Creating and Maintaining an Optimized and Personalized Facebook Presence
- Creating Effective and Compliant Social Promotions
- Leveraging Social Media in a Regulated Environment: Escaping Paralysis
- Being Your Brand’s Storyteller – Tips for Finding and Reporting on Consumer Friendly Content Through Your Company’s Blog
- Monitoring, Measuring, Monetizing: Social Media Metrics and How You Can Impact Your Company’s or Client’s Bottom Line
- More Than Branding: Social Media as a Business Tool
- Non-Profits, Creating a Campaign that Delivers
2- Join the Party
We are excited to have two cocktail receptions at Social Media Strategies Summit, Boston. The first is our Welcoming Reception and will be tonight at 5:30 in the foyer. The second party will be Wednesday at 5:45, again in the foyer. Both parties offer free cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and lots of networking. Most of the summit is spent listening to presentations so take advantage of these opportunities to get to know your fellow attendees, speakers, sponsors and of course GSMI staff.
3- Play
You might be thinking, why would I “play” when i’m here to learn and work. As most know social media is about being social, having fun and engaging. Because we understand how important this is we’ve partnered with a mobile company, SpyderLynk, to offer some fun and interactive social networking games. While it’s not a requirement to play we strongly suggest you do. The games provide an opportunity to get to know other attendees, interact with speakers, learn something new and win prizes. Your registration booklet has all the instructions and, of course, any GSMI or SpyderLynk employee will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
4- Join us on Twitter
We will have twitter screens in all three tracks so get involved in the conversation by tweeting and using the hashtag #SMSS. You can use Twitter to ask questions, comment, give advice and find like minded attendees. If you think the room is too cold tweet us, if you have a great question for the speaker presenting tweet it and if you are hoping to meet someone in particular tweet asking that they sit with you at lunch. GSMI will also be tweeting out questions and awarding prizes like tickets to our VIP lunches. To tweet us directly use @gsmionline with the summit hashtag #SMSS
5- Check out all the Tracks
This summit is comprised of three tracks on the 21st and 22nd; Business to Consumer, Business to Business and Nonprofit. While you may fit into one of these tracks as a Business to Business organization etc…. don’t be afraid to jump around to the other tracks. Read through each session abstract and select the presentation and speaker you are most interested in. While the track might not be specific to your business type the presentation may actually be more useful than you would think.
6- Get There Early
This year we have some amazing opening keynote speakers including Best-selling Author, Business Change Agent & Marketing Expert, Jeffrey Hayzlett and Gowalla’s Director of Business Development Andy Ellwood. If you want to take advantage of this opportunity to hear from some of the greatest thought leaders in social media its imperative you show up early and grab your seat. Keynotes start promptly at 8:45 each day. In addition attendees receive a free breakfast on both summit days starting at 8:00 am. And, of course, you don’t want to miss an opportunity to hear from yours truly at 8:30. So set those alarm clocks and be ready to start your day nice and early!
7- Don’t Play Hookie
It’s no secret that most people who attend conferences and summits still try to work, make meetings, answer calls and compose emails. While it may be impossible to totally devote yourself try to limit the amount of time spent outside the presentations. This is an amazing opportunity to learn from some of the leading minds and brands so take full advantage. And, don’t skip out early to catch an earlier flight, we have some great speakers and special surprises, including all access pass to Las Vegas Social Media Strategies Summit with hotel included.
8- Ask Questions
There will be plenty of times when you will have an opportunity to ask questions, take them! Many of our speakers plan their presentations with extra time to answer your questions. There is no single person who knows all there is to know about social media so don’t be afraid to raise your hand. You can be guaranteed that others share the same question so don’t be shy.
9-Bring Plenty of Business Cards
I work diligently to secure the best speakers in the industry but our attendees are just as amazing. Don’t forget to network with fellow delegates and swap cards so you can reach out after the event.
10- Get Connected to GSMI on all Social Platforms
Be sure to “Like” us on Facebook, Follow on Twitter and of course subscribe to our blog feed. Throughout the three days we will be making important announcements, giving away fun prizes and of course you can connect with fellow attendees on our platforms as well.
We hope you enjoy the summit and would love to get your feedback. Leave a comment on this post and you could win one of our fun giveaways!
