Got an event? Tips and tricks every social media manager should know

Nigerian artiste Patoranking performs at Radio Maisha’s Choma Na Ngoma music extravaganza on the eve of Madaraka Day. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

May was wrapped up in style last weekend at the second edition of Radio Maisha’s Choma Na Ngoma festival at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

Nigerian Suh Different-hit maker Patoranking was the main act of the music extravaganza alongside boy-band Sauti Sol, Willy Paul, Alicios and Hart the Band.

From the stage set-up, dance floor and sumptuous food, the concert was a success and revellers had the time of their lives.

Just how did the organisers strike gold through social media management – a job that was non-existent 10 years ago?

Here are some tips and tricks we picked up from Choma Na Ngoma for the perfect event coverage on social media.

Get your gadgets together (Preferably in one bag)

They say it takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan. If you wish for your event to be a success, you have to plan early. Gather all the gadgets you need i.e. cameras, smartphones, power banks and charging cables and make sure they are fully charged prior to the event.

Have an extra power bank at hand to recharge your smartphone(s). When the jingle begins and bodies begin to sway, there will be no time to sit and power up your devices.

If you’ll be using a camera that is Wi-Fi enabled, you can sync your phone to your camera for easy image transfer.

This will allow you to take pictures, transfer photos and upload them on social media platforms within no time. Seasoned photographers and social media managers say speed is the winner in the game.

Have a checklist

Create a checklist prior to the event just to be sure that everything is good to go. There is nothing more embarrassing than failing to deliver on work simply because you forgot something.

Camera, check. Mobile data, check. Fully charged smartphones, check. Cables, check. Event passes/tickets, check. Turn up energy, obviously, check.

Fans at the Choma na Ngoma concert. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Have a content strategy

How are you planning to share your content? It might look easy on paper, but are they practicable? Which platforms are you using to push content? Which handles are you going to use? Who needs to be tagged? Who is the main act? Are you allowed to share videos? What copyright boundaries are in place?

An all-access pass or a VIP pass places you where the action is – you need to be flexible to chase the real-time action. Make use of this and capture exclusive content. Vox pops or short interviews with the performing artistes and backstage pictures will give your brand leverage.

Tell a story with your social media uploads to help your audience feel as if they are a part of the event/concert.

Dress fashionably warm and light

Majority of concerts are held outside which often gets chilly. This is not the time to freeze and shine. Dress in a simple, warm and fashionable look. A trench coat, jeans and some boots will work just fine, finished off with a simple makeup do (for the ladies) to make everything pop.

Pack Light

Carry a small backpack, a sling bag or a fanny pack that fits the items you need just for the night. You will move around quite a lot and you don’t need that extra baggage tying you down.

A fanny bag. [Courtesy, Unsplash]

Have fun

Finally, do your job, but also remember to have fun. You can’t relive these moments. Don’t just capture the moment. Live in the moment.

Your event will be a success and remember to tag me @kqristine_nyawi ‏when it breaks the internet.