• Web site. The newly redesigned Web site launched in July, and led to a 64 percent increase in hits in August. We utilized the Web site in providing downloadable PDFs and more information on the conference and seminars, as well as a way to register online.
• Blog. There is an official conference blog on the Web site where we’ve been posting some conference information. Also, an AFPPA member is blogging her thoughts as well while she’s attending.
• Facebook. I recently launched the AFPPA Facebook page. While this is a page for membership and not specifically for the conference, I’ve definitely been keeping it updated with conference information. The page literally just launched last week, but we already have a small following that has been steadily growing since the conference began yesterday.
• Twitter. This is my absolute favorite! We set up @AFPPA on Twitter, and have been tweeting updates along with people at the conference. Like with Facebook, the Twitter feed has a small but growing following – and they have been very interactive and entertaining! One follower in particular has been very enthusiastic in conversing with @AFPPA, and also is graciously posting pictures he is taking at the conference.

The great thing about all of these tactics is that they will translate very well beyond the conference – Twitter and the blog will be a feed of important association and medical news while Facebook will be a great tool to quickly communicate with members.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am obsessed with both Facebook and Twitter, and I truly  believe that they are great ways to make your conference/convention an interactive and engaging experience for all of your attendees.

Have you recently attended a conference that utilized social networking in a positive, effective way? What were the challenges?

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