Text Messaging is STILL the Best Conference Technology for Engaging Your Audience
Engaging your audience is crucial for the success of your event. One of the most effective ways to do this is by leveraging text messaging technology. In this article, I will explain why text messaging is the best conference technology to use to engage an audience and provide examples of how it can be used.
Why Text Messaging is the Best Conference Technology
There are many reasons why text messaging is the best conference technology to use to engage an audience. Here are just a few:
Nearly Everyone Knows How to Use SMS
Text messaging is a technology that is nearly universal. Virtually everyone has a cell phone and knows how to send and receive text messages. This means that there is no need to download any apps or learn how to use a new technology, making it incredibly easy for attendees to participate in the conference.
High Open Rates
Another reason why text messaging is the best conference technology is because it has a high open rate. According to a study by OpenMarket, text messages have a 98% open rate, compared to just a 20% open rate for emails. This means that if you send a text message to your attendees, it is almost guaranteed to be read.
Real-Time Engagement
Text messaging allows for real-time engagement with your audience. Unlike email or social media, text messages are delivered directly to the attendee’s phone, and they are likely to read it within minutes of receiving it. This means that you can use text messaging to facilitate real-time engagement, such as polling attendees, asking for feedback, or starting a discussion.
Examples of How Text Messaging Can Be Used
Now that we have established why text messaging is the best conference technology, let’s look at some examples of how it can be used to engage an audience:
Q&A Sessions
During Q&A sessions, attendees can send their questions via text message instead of waiting in line at the microphone. This allows for a more efficient and inclusive Q&A session, as attendees who may not feel comfortable speaking in public can still participate.
Live Polling
Live polling is an excellent way to engage your audience and get real-time feedback. Using a text messaging platform, you can send out a poll question, and attendees can respond by sending a text message with their answer. The results can be displayed in real-time, providing valuable insights and facilitating a discussion.
Announcements
Text messaging is also an effective way to make announcements during the conference. Whether it’s a schedule change, a reminder about a session, or a call to action, text messaging ensures that attendees receive the message in real-time and can act accordingly.
Surveys and Feedback
After the conference, you can use text messaging to send out surveys and collect feedback from attendees. This provides valuable insights into the success of the conference and areas for improvement for future events.
How to Implement Text Messaging at Your Conference
Implementing text messaging at your conference is easy. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Choose a Text Messaging Platform
There are many text messaging platforms available. Choose one that fits your needs and budget. Mosio Q&A specializes in corporate events and conferences, so hopefully we’re a match for your needs.
Promote Text Messaging to Attendees
Before the conference, promote text messaging to attendees by including instructions in the conference materials and on the website. Encourage attendees to opt-in to receive text messages.
Use Text Messaging Throughout the Conference
During the conference, use text messaging to engage attendees in real-time. Whether it’s for Q&A sessions, live polling, or announcements, text messaging can help you facilitate a more engaging conference.
In conclusion, text messaging is a powerful tool that event producers can use to engage their audience and create memorable experiences at conferences. With a high open rate, real-time engagement, and widespread familiarity, text messaging is an easy and effective way to communicate with attendees before, during, and after the event. By implementing a text messaging platform and promoting its use to attendees, event producers can facilitate real-time engagement, such as Q&A sessions and live polling, that can help create a more inclusive and engaging conference. Ultimately, text messaging is an essential conference technology that should be used by all event producers looking to take their events to the next level.