Learn how to use social media to network at conferences effectively and professionally. Discover tips and tricks to connect, engage, and follow up with your contacts.

Hashtags are also great for people to use when posting images after the event. It gives you access to a bunch of content to use, and it helps anyone who attended the event to keep in touch or follow anyone they forgot to exchange contacts with.

How can you use social media to network at conferences?

Networking at conferences can be challenging, especially if you are new to the field or shy by nature. However, social media can help you make connections, showcase your expertise, and follow up with potential contacts. In this article, you will learn how to use social media to network at conferences effectively and professionally.

1 Choose your platforms

Before you attend a conference, decide which social media platforms you will use to network. Different platforms have different purposes and audiences, so choose the ones that suit your goals and style. For example, you might use LinkedIn to connect with speakers, exhibitors, and recruiters; Twitter to join live discussions, share insights, and ask questions; or Instagram to showcase your personal brand, creativity, and behind-the-scenes moments. Whatever platforms you choose, make sure you have a complete and updated profile that reflects your skills, interests, and personality.

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Gordon Dymowski

B2B Content Strategist | Social Media Manager | Growth-Minded | Engaging Copywriter
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Two networks that I have used in conferences are Twitter and LinkedIn. Twitter/X allows for both hashtag tracking (useful for live tweets) and following presenters. LinkedIn also provides opportunities for networking both within a session and follow-up after connecting with other professionals.

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2 Engage with the conference hashtag

One of the easiest ways to network at conferences is to use the official conference hashtag. This is a word or phrase that is prefixed with a hash sign (#) and used to categorize and organize posts related to the conference. You can use the conference hashtag to find and follow other attendees, speakers, and organizers; to share your thoughts, feedback, and takeaways; and to join conversations, debates, and polls. The conference hashtag can also help you get noticed by influencers, media, and sponsors, who might reshare your posts or reach out to you.

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Laura Shepherd

Events Director at Couture Events Worldwide 🌎 Co-Founder of The WedEd 💫 Learn how to become an established planner 🚀
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Hashtags are also great for people to use when posting images after the event. It gives you access to a bunch of content to use, and it helps anyone who attended the event to keep in touch or follow anyone they forgot to exchange contacts with.

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3 Live-tweet the sessions

Live-tweeting is the practice of posting tweets in real time during an event, such as a conference session. Live-tweeting can help you network at conferences by demonstrating your knowledge, enthusiasm, and engagement. You can live-tweet the key points, quotes, or statistics from the speakers; your own opinions, questions, or insights; or photos, videos, or infographics that capture the essence of the session. Live-tweeting can also help you connect with other live-tweeters, who might reply, retweet, or like your posts, or follow you.

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Gordon Dymowski

B2B Content Strategist | Social Media Manager | Growth-Minded | Engaging Copywriter
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As someone who has live tweeted during a conference, I find that it can drive engagement during and after the session. One key thing to remember: this is something best one with a laptop. Using a tablet or smartphone to live tweet can be difficult due to the awkward nature of the keyboard.

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4 Connect with speakers and exhibitors

Speakers and exhibitors are valuable sources of information, inspiration, and opportunities at conferences. You can use social media to network with them before, during, and after the conference. Before the conference, you can follow them on their preferred platforms, comment on their posts, or send them a friendly message expressing your interest in their topic or product. During the conference, you can tag them in your posts, thank them for their presentation or booth, or ask for their contact details. After the conference, you can follow up with them, share your feedback, or request a meeting or collaboration.

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5 Create and join groups

Another way to use social media to network at conferences is to create or join groups related to the conference theme, industry, or niche. Groups are online spaces where people with common interests can interact, exchange ideas, and support each other. You can create or join groups on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or WhatsApp, and invite or accept other conference attendees, speakers, or exhibitors. Groups can help you network at conferences by expanding your reach, building relationships, and finding opportunities.

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6 Follow up and stay in touch

The last step to use social media to network at conferences is to follow up and stay in touch with your new contacts. Following up means sending a message or email to your contacts within a few days after the conference, thanking them for their time, reminding them of your conversation, and suggesting a next step. Staying in touch means maintaining regular communication with your contacts, sharing relevant content, commenting on their posts, or endorsing their skills. Following up and staying in touch can help you network at conferences by strengthening your connections, creating trust, and opening doors for future collaborations.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Laura Notarbartolo
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I find it useful to leverage Instagram stories and LinkedIn updates to share real-time insights and personal experiences from the conference. This approach allows you to showcase your participation and thoughts in a more personal and engaging way. For example, posting a quick story with a key takeaway from a session can spark conversations and instant engagement, setting the stage for deeper connections.

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How can you use social media to network at conferences?

1

2

3

4

5

6

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1 Choose your platforms

2 Engage with the conference hashtag

3 Live-tweet the sessions

4 Connect with speakers and exhibitors

5 Create and join groups

6 Follow up and stay in touch

7 Here’s what else to consider

Event Planning

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How can you use social media to network at conferences?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose your platforms

2 Engage with the conference hashtag

3 Live-tweet the sessions

4 Connect with speakers and exhibitors

5 Create and join groups

6 Follow up and stay in touch

7 Here’s what else to consider

Event Planning

Rate this article

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