DISQUS

Corporate Magician & Infotainer, Marcel: Are South African Event Planners Missing An Opportunity?

  • guymclaren · 4 months ago
    South Africans are just not getting the web thing especially in outlying areas like Nelspruit. Email is still considered high tech, and you think event planners that don't even get facebook are going to use all these tools that are available free?
  • Marcel · 4 months ago
    @Guy: Thanks for your comment all the way from Nelspruit! Outside of the major cities of South Africa, the use of the technology I've suggested above is limited. But just because event planners don't "get" Social Media, doesn't mean that they should not be using it. Many people don't "get" Twitter, but that doesn't mean it can't be used as very effective tool: I've attended two events in Cape Town that successfully used Twitter to augment the presentations and make them more interactive. What I am suggesting is that the "barrier to entry" here is not necessarily the cost, but rather the education of how and why Social Media can be used to easily enhance an event.

    If you look at what's happening in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) industry in the US and Europe, the trend towards actively incorporating Social Media into your event is being adopted very quickly. It's just a matter of time before we see South African event management companies who are looking for an effective integration into their events.
  • nicolaomolony · 4 months ago
    Hi Marcel

    I haveonly recently joined LinkedIn and have found your article very interesting. I would very much like to receive more information on how to use Social Media in Event Management and Donae and I would also be interested in attending your one day conference. I look forward to receiving the info from you!

    Many thanks
    Nicki from ECHO Events
  • Marcel · 4 months ago
    Hi Nicki!

    Firstly, it's so nice to see one of my regular "business partners" here :)

    I will be in touch with you in this regard - I think the opportunities for event managers to put the "social" back into "social media" in South Africa are massive! Keep working with LinkedIn for now as it can prove to be a very useful tool ...

    Best wishes & in thoughts,
    - Marcel