Blog

The Wall Street Journals’ open call to join the conversation and tweet your own social media etiquette tips got us thinking about “going social” at events.

As event planners working in the tech space, we love this new era of social and digital events. Whether it’s a conference, dinner or even a wedding, we’re seeing more and more events extending the conversation on social media. Tweeting, posting, taking pictures and blogging are not only appropriate but encouraged at many events!

So in this new era of social and digital events, where is the line between strategic online engagement and tacky or rude use of technology? Here are some of our initial thoughts on #TechManners at events.

• Be discreet – You don’t need to have your phone out the entire time. Tweet, post or share and then put your phone away (although not too far that you can’t grab it next time there’s a worthy quote to share).
• Be present – It’s great to be engaging online as well as at the event, but don’t forget that the value of the event is in the speakers, organizers and other participants. Don’t miss out on networking opportunities or important points from the speakers because your head too preoccupied with Twitter.  
• Let your seat mates know – It’s always nice let your neighbors know you’ll be engaging online during the event.  Not only is it a great way to start a networking conversation or gain a follower on Twitter,  but it also lets them know you’re sharing  content from the event not just surfing the internet , checking email or texting. 
• Be quick about it – Do your homework ahead of time so you have the right hashtags, handles and followers so it is easy to push content out quickly.
• Excuse yourself– You can always take a few minutes to excuse yourself and leave the room to post your tweets. I reccomend finding a tweet spot in the hallway so you aren’t rude to the other guests.
• Be sensitive to off the record content– Sometimes people aren’t looking for their event to be public. If you have any doubt that the content, quote or picture should not be made public, then wait and get permission before posting.
• Know when to unplug – This sounds like blasphemy coming from a social media expert – but sometimes it’s okay to stop posting and sharing and enjoy the experience.

And finally, it sounds like a no brainer but make sure your phone is on silent! Nothing like a questionable ringtone to ruin the moment… #TechFauxPas

This month Curley Company traveled from coast to coast and everywhere in between to #JoinTheConvo with the Century Council during Alcohol Awareness Month. From Alabama to Arizona and Michigan to New Jersey, we used April to bring the Ask, Listen, Learn program to kids across the country, encouraging them to say “Yes” to a healthy lifestyle and “No” to underage drinking.

We’re proud to #JoinTheConvo through our events with superstar role models in schools across the country and also online through Facebook and Twitter! But we aren’t the only ones spreading the word!

Also choosing to #JoinTheConvo this month is Attorney General Luther Strange from Alabama, Tom Horne from Arizona, and Jeffrey Chiesa from New Jersey; Representative Kildee from Michigan, and Representative Himes from Connecticut;  and Olympic superstar Aly Raisman who is even taking a break from Dancing with The Stars to #JoinTheConvo.  

While April is a chance to kick Ask, Listen, Learn into overdrive, we’re just getting going! In the next few months we hope to spread The Century Council message and continue our jetsetting around the country. Some of our potential destinations include Washington, Nevada, Utah, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, and Missouri! Congrats to The Century Council for an amazing Alcohol Awareness Month campaign! We’re proud to partner with you!

We’re doing our part to #JoinTheConvo. Are you?! Visit www.asklistenlearn.com to find out more ways to get involved!

Recently, Karen Vitale wrote an article to her younger self. I was so inspired, I did my own version to my 22-year-old self, who was just starting her PR career. Here we go, younger Meghann…

• Stick to your knitting.

What they say is true: if you’re good at everything, you’re good at nothing. You may find yourself at a table where you’ll feel out of your league. Surrounded by people who are smarter, better, faster, more experienced than you? That’s fine: instead of freaking out, listen up and listen good. You have a lot you can learn here. Add value where you can, but do so authentically and from your expertise. Don’t try to play someone else’s game; understand yours. That’s what you’re there for after all. And, if you find yourself being the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.

• Beware the manipulators, the cheaters and the coasters.

This one is tricky because you may find these people lurking in the corners of any given organization. Most likely, these people are not around to help you. Instead of letting them drive you crazy because they won’t play by “normal people’s rules,” share your passion and enthusiasm with those who do. Surround yourself with like-minded people; they’re much more worthy of your time and talents anyway. That’s not selfish, it’s smart…which brings me to my next point.

•  Not everything is your responsibility.

Remember when Dad said, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t dunk its head in”? Yea, he was right, and it applies to change, too: You can’t force change, but you can try to shape it. Once you’ve figured out your knitting, try to really, truly understand how you can leverage it. And, if you find that you can’t influence positive change doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means you may need to read on to #4.

•  Moving on doesn’t mean the end.

You’re going to have to make some moves to figure out what you want. Not just the tasks or jobs you want, but what you really want out of life. You might bump your head, it might be a little messy, but hey, discovery is half the fun in life. Enjoy the ride because…

• …It will all work out okay.

Pay attention here, younger me. I know you’re hungry and ambitious and if this gig, or promotion or project doesn’t work out exactly the way you’ve planned, it’s okay. Take a deep breath. Chances are more projects, promotions and gigs will come your way. Just keep going. It’ll all work out. I promise.

Stay bold, PR girl.