Unlock the Power of Social Media to Elevate Your Events
Did you know that today’s audiences, especially Gen Z and Millennials, turn to social media not only for entertainment but to discover new live experiences. According to Big Red Group’s 2024 report, 89% of Gen Z say they uncover new destinations and events on TikTok, and 40% go on to book those experiences directly through the platform, making it a critical opportunity for event professionals to take advantage of. The goal isn’t whether you should incorporate social media, but how you do it in a way that feels authentic and impactful. We’re breaking down actionable strategies across the event lifecycle, so you can create moments that don’t just happen, but make a lasting impression on guests.
Build Pre-Event Buzz
Creating excitement before your event starts is the first step toward success. Influencers play a huge role here, especially when they belong to engaged communities. According to Aspire, a leading influencer marketing platform, brands like Poppi have shown how inviting influencers to branded “houses” during festivals like Coachella can generate hundreds of millions of views and a meaningful sales lift. Social media platforms thrive on anticipation, so releasing teaser videos, countdowns, and hashtag challenges helps plant your event in people’s minds early. Crafting authentic, tailored content ensures you reach potential attendees where they already spend their time.
LiveStream to Amplify Event Engagement
Livestreaming is a powerful way to capture the energy of your event and share it beyond the venue walls. Platforms like TikTok Live, Instagram Live, and Facebook Live offer interactive features, like Q&A, polls, and giveaways, which make viewers feel involved in real-time. Studies show that viewers are more likely to engage with brands using live video, and many make purchases after watching. Having influencers or charismatic hosts take over the livestream adds authenticity and boosts interest. Beyond the screen, designing photogenic “social moments” onsite of the event, such as photo booths, AR filters, or branded games, encourages attendees to capture and share content, multiplying your event’s reach.
Leverage User-Generated Content
User-generated content is a goldmine for building trust and keeping your event top of mind. Since 75% of consumers value authenticity, and 60% trust user-generated content more than traditional ads, encouraging attendees to post their own photos and videos helps your brand appear more genuine and relatable. Running contests or giveaways tied to your event hashtag motivates participation and creates a stream of fresh, shareable content. Engaging smaller influencers with highly engaged audiences also helps spread your message with real passion, often outperforming celebrity endorsements in driving meaningful connections.
Turn Social Engagement into Sales
Social commerce is transforming how brands monetize event excitement. TikTok Shop and similar features enable viewers to purchase products instantly, with conversion rates significantly higher than average e-commerce benchmarks. Treating your social media campaigns as both entertainment and a retail opportunity allows you to capitalize on the enthusiasm generated during the event. Limited-edition product drops or exclusive bundles available only during live broadcasts create urgency and exclusivity, boosting sales while keeping your audience engaged and invested.
Keep the Momentum Going Post-Event
Your event’s story shouldn’t end when the last guest leaves. Post-event content like highlight reels, attendee testimonials, and best-moments compilations helps keep the buzz going and reach people who couldn’t attend. Tracking key metrics, such as livestream views, hashtag usage, and social commerce performance, provides insights to improve your strategy for the next event. Leveraging this data makes sure each event builds on the last, creating a cycle of continuous engagement that grows your brand and maximizes ROI.
When done right, social media has the power to transform your event into a shared experience that lives on, creating a lasting impact and meaningful connections. To get started on your next event, contact the event experts at Wizard Studios today!