The Event Space Blog Event Trends for 2014: Social Media

With take-up and usage of Facebook on the decline (mostly thanks to parents jumping on the bandwagon), smaller but rapidly growing outlets such as SnapChat & Instagram are set to change the game this year. Users are gravitating toward platforms that offer engaging social media content in real-time - and SnapChat is one platform that does exactly that.For those who aren't familiar, SnapChat is an app that lets you take a photo or video, send it to selected recipients who can open it for up to 10 seconds, after which time the image disappears and cannot be viewed again.SnapChat is a marketing dream for two reasons:1) You're communicating with an audience that has searched for and 'opted-in' to receive your content - they're interested.2) The fact that content can only be viewed for 10 seconds and is then inaccessible, means that users are actively engaged during this time - they're actually paying attention to your message.For the events industry, this is an exciting medium which can be utilised to increase buzz and engagement around events. Here are just a couple of ways that SnapChat can add value pre, during and post-event:- Sending 'Snaps' in the lead-up to an event... progress of show setup, presenters and entertainers in rehearsals, 'green room' exclusives etc.- VIP invitations and instructions to find exclusive, premium areas within an event- Encourage guests to SnapChat their experiences or feedback in return for discounts or prizes.We've already seen a few brands cleverly using this platform to engage with their audiences - Taco Bell, MTV UK and HBO show 'Girls'. It will be interesting to see how else SnapChat will be incorporated into social media campaigns and events in 2014.