Events have always been a staple of doing business—from networking events to sharing information at conferences to coaching summits, like The Champion Women’s Summit I attended earlier this month to capture live on social media.

While events aren’t new, how we promote them has transformed dramatically with the rise of social media marketing.

I mean, have you ever heard the saying, "If it wasn't posted online, did it even happen?" For a lot of us, the answer is a resounding "no!” That's how integral social media has become to our experiences.

Believe me, the right mix of images and videos isn't just nice to have—it's essential. These compelling visuals are what will capture your audience's attention and could be the deciding factor in making your event a memorable success.

In this digital era, mastering social media marketing is crucial for any event's success. As both a social media consultant and an event planner, I'm here to guide you through my process of creating content that sparks engagement online.

Behind-the-Scenes Shots:

Give your audience a glimpse behind the curtain by capturing candid shots of your team setting up, organizing, and preparing for the event. These images humanize your brand and show the effort that goes into creating a memorable experience. (Don’t forget to continue to take candids as the day continues.)

Venue and Décor:

Showcase the aesthetics of your event venue and décor with captivating images. Whether it's a stunning backdrop, intricate decorations, or a unique setup, visually appealing images of your venue help set the scene and generate excitement among your audience.

Keynote Speakers:

Highlight the expertise and talent present at your event by capturing images of keynote speakers or performers in action. These images not only add credibility to your event but also provide valuable content for sharing insights or performances on social media platforms.

Sponsorship Activations:

Showcase the involvement of sponsors by capturing images of their activations or branded elements at your event. These images not only recognize and appreciate sponsors but also provide valuable exposure for their brands on social media.

Interactive Activities or Workshops:

Highlight the interactive activities or workshops at your event by capturing images of attendees participating and learning. These images demonstrate the value of your event in providing hands-on experiences and valuable knowledge.

Happy Faces and Testimonials:

Seek out attendees who are enthusiastic about your event and capture their happy faces or testimonials. These images serve as social proof of your event's success and encourage others to attend future events.

Food and Beverage Offerings:

Highlight the delicious food and beverage offerings at your event by capturing mouth-watering images. Whether it's gourmet dishes, signature cocktails, or themed treats, these images appeal to the senses and generate excitement among your audience.

Attendee Interaction:

Showcase the excitement and engagement of your attendees by capturing photos and videos of them networking, participating in activities, or enjoying the event. These images convey the energy and atmosphere of your event, enticing others to join in.

Just be prepared that some people may ask you not to take photos, so make sure you have a plan in place for how you want to handle that situation should it arise.

Networking Opportunities:

Highlight the networking opportunities available at your event by capturing images of attendees connecting and exchanging contact information. These images emphasize the value of networking and relationship-building, encouraging others to attend future events.

Closing Moments and Thank You’s:

Wrap up your event on a positive note by capturing images of closing moments, such as group photos or thank-you messages. These images express gratitude to attendees and leave a lasting impression, fostering goodwill and loyalty toward your brand.

Make Sure To Post A Event Recap or Highlights Reel:

After the event, create a visual recap or highlights reel featuring the most memorable moments and key takeaways. These images serve as a compelling summary of your event and encourage engagement and sharing among attendees and those who missed out.

Embracing the right images at your event gives you more storytelling opportunities to create a buzz around your event, not only this year but for years to come. It’s all about the visuals, with quality and authenticity as your main goals.

After all, these aren’t just pictures! They’re your chance to shape how people see your event, stir them into action, and make them think, ‘I have to be there next time!'

That's the power of meticulously chosen images and videos. Without them, you're missing out on crafting that 'must-attend' allure.

Want to find out more about how you can make your event a success? Book your discovery call today!

10 Must-Have Shots for Viral Event Coverage