A year ago, I didn’t have a clue what a “Tweetup” was, even though I have a couple of backyard bird feeders. Now that I am a cognoscenti of social media (though, sadly, not yet a guru!) I’ve tasted the real-world side of online networking—accompanied by a pint of Guinness.
Tweetups vary, from informal get-togethers at the local pub (see above) to organized fundraisers and technical conferences. They are the latest tool for political, corporate and social organizations to recruit and schmooze.
Smart phones buzz notifications and updates before and during meetings, hashtags aggregate the chatter, post-event tweets debrief … in 140 characters or less, of course. Perhaps it’s Twitter’s brevity that fits our age of hurry, but don’t discount Twitter’s power of deeper correspondence.
Social media news source Mashable offers the following tips to organize a Tweetup:
- Utilize your Twitter network as a way to drum up support, ideas and to create buzz.
- Actually visit the venue.
- Plan for more people to show up than you think. It’s Twitter.
- Ensure a few core people/speakers are at the event.
- Use Email to communicate with core group [Yes, Email].
Nothing beats real social interaction. The power of its virtual equivalent lies in the speed of dissemination in realtime—RSVPs at the touch of a keypad.
Can the death of the invitation card industry be far behind?
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