Social media is a thriving business driver for New Zealand enterprises and one that was the topic of hot discussion at the Social Media Conference 2017 – The Evolution (#SMCNZ17) over the weekend.
The event saw 23 experts in the social media space descend on Auckland for two days, giving the local and international audience new insights and tools to drive business growth and extend their influence online.
Three international speakers – Ireland’s Samantha Kelly (Tweeting Goddess), social media award winner/TEDx speaker/social media strategist John Kapos, aka Chocolate Johnny (a third-generation chocolatier who owns a successful chocolate store in Australia and took his brand global through social media platforms), and esteemed US author/speaker/business consultant Vicki Fitch – brought new perspectives and were a great hit.
Local expert speakers included Auckland adman/M+AD contributor Amar Trivedi (aka Mr Madness).
“We engaged Tweet Binder and Talk Walker –social listening tools to measure the engagement and reach of the conference,” said organiser/speaker Wanita Fourie, of the Online Business Academy.”
“Topics were Facebook chatbots, Facebook advertising, livestreaming, social listening & buying, branding, measuring, social media channels.”
“SMCNZ17 was trending No.1 in New Zealand and Australia and 3rd in Ireland,” Fourie said. “More than 34 million people had seen the hashtag internationally with top engagement in New Zealand, USA, Australia, and UK.
“Delegates who were both at the conference and on livestream were treated to sessions on everything social media, with some key digital areas included,” Fourie said. “Some of the topics covered were Facebook chatbots, Facebook advertising, Livestreaming, social listening and buying, branding, measuring, all social media channels and so much more.
“We put the focus on the evolution of social media – looking at where we’re going and how to best use it to our advantage and leverage it for success.”
Fourie started the Social Media Conference four years ago. This year, the event has support from Business Mentors NZ, Network NZ, Net Branding, Videos Productions, Recurpost and GetFitBusiness.
“Feedback from the event has been incredible and people can follow the hashtag #SMCNZ17 across all social media channels to listen to what people are saying,” she said.
“While this annual event provided unlimited networking and learning opportunities, the biggest opportunity was for participants is to garner the latest skills and knowledge to grow and market their businesses in most effective ways possible.”
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