5 tips how to use Vine for events, conferences and trade shows

It is one of those crazy success stories: Born in June 2012, acquired by Twitter in October 2012, and now it is April 2013 and the hype around Vine peaks!

What is this all about?

Vine is a smartphone app that allows the users to edit, publish and embed short 6-sec videos on various social platforms. Doesn’t sound spectacular, does it?

Still, there were many attempts so far to bring social video to a next level, most of which have failed. With Vine, it could be different, as the early indicators show. In February, Vine went up to # 97 in the AppRank, while other services like Socialcam went down. Click on the image below to get more stats from Onavo.com.

As the BBC put it, “What would be agonisingly boring for three minutes, or even 30 seconds, on YouTube is an entirely different proposition at six seconds.” The strong backing from the mother Twitter will push the service quite significantly.

And of course the first events are quickly jumping on the opportunity to test what Vine can do to create a buzz around the show!

No big surprise that SXSW is once again among the first to tap into the potential. Here’s some interesting Vines from SXSW visitors that have been featured on Mashable, like the one with Danny Boyle and the Grumpy Cat!

So this is Danny Boyle with @film_girl. Next to Grumpy Cat. In the #MashSXSW tent. Only in Austin. vine.co/v/bwi3dJtd2FP

— Jeff Lind (@jefflind) 9. März 2013

So, what’s in it for events and conferences?

Provided you have a social media savvy and enthusiastic audience (well, who wouldn’t these days? 😉 ), here’s some tips on what Vine could do for you.

1. Viral marketing

Due to the viral nature of Vines, brands and marketing agencies around the world are busily creating 6 sec videos. Here’s the chance to create an elevator pitch for your show with the potential to be widely shared.

See what Youth Envoy @ahmadalhendawi told young people at #InnovateYourFuture event in this @socialgood vine vine.co/v/bjJBWVaBY6Y

— United Nations (@UN) 28. März 2013

2. Present your team It adds a personal touch to present your team members and contacts on the web. Why not do it with a 6 sec vid rather than a static pic?

3. Engage your audience Encourage your participants to create Vines during the event using the event hashtag, and then share them on a screen in the lobby or another suitable place on the showfloor. Like this:

Ad tech San Francisco 2013 vine.co/v/btbAB1lar9g — David McInnis (@giantcranberry) 9. April 2013

4. Prepare your attendees

Here’s how the George Washington University educated the attendees at the Spring Career Fair about how to best prepare for the show:

Hey #GWU – here’s 3 top tips to help you prepare for the #GWSpringFair on Vine: vine.co/v/b6ihO6rBllQ

— GW Career Center (@gwcareercenter) 19. Februar 2013

5. Pre-trade show marketing: Product previews in 6 seconds

Ask your exhibitors to share Vines about upcoming products. They’ll not be revealing too much, but they can generate interest in what is there to see at the show!

I am sure there is no limit to creative usage. Have you experimented with Vine already? Have you come across nice stuff produced around events? Feel free to share it here!