What Hashtag Should You Use For Your Live Wall?

Social media managers spend days, months and even years making sure that their brand or organisation are doing the right thing to get 'trending' on Twitter or Instagram. However, often they have missed out on one of the key variables - the actual hashtag.

We at Eventstagram spend a lot of time working with brands, large events and venues to ensure they can amplify the Instagram photos that their crowd are taking. Our software has proven results in generating more content, but for the event to make the most use of this extra content we always advise them to take special care with the hashtag they are selecting.

Here are our top tips:

1. Be specific 
If you're displaying live photos from your event you want to make sure that the photos are actually related to your event rather than another brand. Perhaps include the year, or the event number, but always check no one is using your hashtag before you advertise it.

2. Be visible 
If you're a brand of crisps and you want to be get your name noticed by new crisp customers, don't just make your hashtag your brand name. If they don't know your name they are unlikely to search for it so going to find it impossible to find it. Try attaching a more common phrase like 'crisps' or a location like 'london' to the brands hashtag so it becomes more discoverable with people searching for the other terms.

3. Be Interesting 
Often it is more interesting on social media for users to discover the meaning behind Hashtags rather than being told by a brand what is best. Continuing the crisp brand example you could use the 'crunchy london' which is discoverable but not obvious. So when users find the tag and see the photos of of the crisp brand they are more engaged than an obviously manufactured hashtag.

4. Be Memorable 
Finally if you want to encourage crowds to take photos on your hashtag then you should make sure users can remember, spell and type the hashtag with ease!

When using Instagram at an event an Eventstagram live feed is a fantastic way to drive Instagram photos to be taken around your selected hashtag. 

But make sure that before you're sitting on thousands of user generated photographs you have fully analysed the best hashtag for those photos to be amplified and discovered. 

The Eventstagram Wedding

Let’s call it wedding perfection

Who wants to get married in the dead of winter? Well, Stephanie and Brian thought it was the perfect time to say I do and got married this past January in the heart of downtown Boston at the historic Park Plaza Hotel.  Their ceremony featured a 200-person candle-lighting and a ring-bearer on a tricycle, and their reception featured food stations and Eventstagr.am. Read about their advice and experience using Eventstagram at their wedding:

In addition to Gangnam style, I'm pretty sure the other clear marker that I got married in the year twenty thirteen will be Instagram. I'm sure 20 years down the road it will seem like the most antiquated invention on the planet. But for now, three cheers for Instagram…AND eventstagr.am.

Lisa, fabulous Lisa, (my maid of honor) gets all the credit for this awesome addition to my wedding.  I was verbally processing all of my wedding plans to her, which included my conundrum about a wedding photo booth. Wedding photo booths are also quintessential I-got-married-in-the-year-2013, don’t you agree?.  They seemed so fun, but also kind of pricey. Lisa had reminded me of a few friends who had DIY photo booths, but that seemed like a lot of work and my DIY projects only seem to have a 2 out of 10 success rate (turns out I’m not the domestic DIY goddess that exists on pinterest).  

THEN, she had this brilliant idea that there must be some way to stream live photos that guests took throughout the night.  This seemed like a fun alternative. I agreed that in theory this technology should exist,  but where and how--it was all too much for my brain.  She volunteered herself to do some research and with the help of hubby Jerry, voila: hello eventstagr.am, my new best friend.

Here’s how it works – you sign up, create a hashtag, decide when you want the live stream to run, set up a laptop and projector (oh, make sure there is wireless!), pull up the Eventstagr.am url and….that’s all! How easy is that? All pictures with your hashtag appearing in a live stream right before your eyes. See again, Eventstagram, my new best friend.

For starters, what bride doesn't want to have her own wedding hashtag? Secondly, we had the pictures streaming right behind the dance floor.   I couldn’t think of a better backdrop to the dance floor.  Let’s be honest everyone is a slight narcissist, so busting a move while seeing photos of yourself appear on a screen, well it’s a good ego boost for all of your lovely guests.   Not only was it so fun to instantly see pics from around the room that people were taking, but for days (weeks) after it was the best invention ever for my nostalgic and egocentric self to look through picture after picture and remember the wonderful day.

Lisa still gets the credit for believing that somewhere in the world this technology must exist.  And Eventstagram gets all the credit for being the place where it does.  If you ask me—and I’m entirely unbiased—I’d say my wedding was pretty stellar.  And Eventstagram, definitely helped to make that way.  Cheers.

To see all the Eventstagram photos click here

Stephanie blogs here at Tortoise in the Hair and spends the rest of her time here working in Cambridge with her neighbors from around the world.

Eventstagram Gets a Brazilian (Business Partner....)

Eventstagram is proud to announce a new partnership with 'Fun Content Brasil' - one of the leading social media agencies in Rio De Janeiro. 


Fun Content Brasil are passionate about social media, and work with brands, venues and events to ensure they are generating and amplifying productive content to their followers.


Eventstagram is a perfect fit to their business model. Our live Instagram feeds have already generated a buzz in some of their clients bars and restaurants but CEO Mateus has his sights set on even bigger targets; 


'We want to see Eventstagram at the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the opening ceremony of the Olympics. But before then we have countless Brasilian festivals and huge events we know that Eventstagram can play a big part at' 

For any clients wishing to display live Instagram feeds at their events in Brasil please get in contact with Mateus from Fun Content Brasil on mateus@funcontentbrasil.com

Eventstagram Receives Funding From Wayra

3 days in Slough, are not often described as inspiring, energetic and life-changing but for Eventstagram Wayra Week was all of that and more. 

The process began months ago when we first submitted our application to become part of next Wayra cohort. Wayra, part of Telefonica, invests in up to 20 UK technology startups each year. It provides 9 months of mentoring, funding and office space in return for a small percentage equity in each company. 3,444 companies applied to be considered and through a series of interviews and written applications they had whittled it down to a final 30 (of which Eventstagram was one) to be invited to Wayra Week. 

The first major realisation was that Wayra Week was actually only 3 days. As much as this was a relief to some, this only intensified the process. The three days were jam packed with inspirational talks, educational workshop and of course the grilling dragons den style pitch. 

Wayra Week In Instagram (by Eventstagram):

Bright and early on Tuesday 26th March, we arrived at the fantastic O2 offices, where we were to be hosted for the next few days.

However the skies didn't reflect our high spirits. And even without the Instagram filter, Slough and the UK lived up to it's continued, and thus far valid, reputation of constantly grey and dreary. 

@dmdstrang

The rules were not yet written,

 @eventstagr_am

but the schedule it seems had - all over some huge iPhones dotted around the room. 

Most of the first morning was spent going through this schedule, being officially welcomed by Simon Devonshire (Head of Wayra Europe), Charmaine Eggberry (Wayra UK Academy Director) and Feilim Mackle (Head Judge/O2 Sales and Service Director), as well as the nerve racking selection of the pitch times. 

@dmdstrang

@eventstagr_am

We were fully prepped for the pitch so the earlier the better. But, alas we were given the graveyard slot of 4pm on Wednesday, 7 hours into the judges marathon session. 

'Talks'

Across the three days there were some incredible workshops, and the first afternoon started with a bang. There were two pitching classes where we learnt to stand up straight like a royal guard, present like a kids TV presenter and whisper about our brand and idea!

Whilst we weren't polishing our pitch, we also had some talks from WAYN founder Pete Ward, Carrie Green from Female Entrepreneur Association and Oli Barrett from Start Up Britain, learning vital tips from those in the know. 

@eventstagr_am 

@eventstagr_am

We launched ourselves head first into these sessions, wanting to make sure even if we didn't get the investment we could learn as much as possible to progress Eventstagram, and it worked wonders. 

We not only got a very quick guide to the community, we even formed some relationships which will no doubt help Eventstagram up that starting ladder. 

'Pitching'

But, our 15 minutes to really prove ourselves came in the form of a 10 minute pitch to 7 top tech investors, entrepreneurs and analysts, with 5 more minutes of questioning. 

And so after practicing to family, friends, mentors, 'Wayra buddies' (thanks @mat_ankers), dogs, cats and anyone who would listen, we were finally up. 

The judges sat in huge Dragons Den style chairs waiting for us to set up. Not willing to engage in small talk, I quickly began: 

The pitch went perfectly; there were some tough questions, but we had anticipated most of them, so we were satisfied with a day (months) job well done. 

All to do now was to wait the evening out, or to go and see our potential new offices, drink some free beer, eat some tasty burritos and watch 'Don't Pitch Me Bro'. So we choose the latter, met some great people, and saw some awesome new products. 

 @eventstagr_am

@dmdstrang

The culmination of the three days was an agonising wait to see which of the 30 start ups would be selected to receive the seed investment and relocate to the fantastic Wayra offices. 


And it was hell. As each name was read out our hearts sank further and further into the chairs, and the pressure mounted more and more. 

But after what seemed like hours, the 14th name was read. With a huge cheer, and outstretched arms we bounced onto the stage to collect the trophy.



@eventstagr_am

I can't really remember what I said when I got the trophy but this is what I wanted to say:

'Spending three days with the Wayra team, in the O2 offices and meeting what seems like only a tiny proportion of the Wayra family we have already gained a huge injection into the knowledge and contact base of the Eventstagram business.

Imagine what we are going to learn in 9 months.'

@eventstagr_am

We can't wait to take our place in the Wayra offices on April 29th. We know there is a huge market out there for live Instagram feeds at events and we know Wayra are the right partners to help accelerate us. 

It's going to be a fun 9 months - we hope you enjoy it with us!

On another note we have already been incredibly resourceful with our trophy - it seconds as a great dummy:

@eventstagr_am

Eventstagram Live At The National Wedding Show

The National Wedding Show, organised by Ocean Media Group, is the UK’s largest wedding fair. Boasting 6 days in February/March and 6 more days in September/October annually it is a must for any future brides or grooms.

Spread across two venues in London and Birmingham it attracts visitors from the length and breadth of the country to see the inspirational ideas provided from the 250 exhibitors.

But the show isn't just an exhibition and includes champagne bars, inspiration sessions and the highly recommended Catwalk show to ensure visitors always have a productive and enjoyable day out!

'Interact With Our Crowd Through Instagram'

The team at The National Wedding Show are always on the lookout for ways to further engage their visitors, as well as building their own presence on social media.

Eventstagram provided the perfect solution. By integrating one of our fully customised slideshows into the permanent backdrop of the Catwalk Show, attendees could interact directly with The National Wedding Show. Exhibitors could gain extra exposure, and The National Wedding Show could build a powerful social media message during the event.

Eventstagram worked closely with the organisers to create a template that not only portrayed their own brands look and feel but also worked with the portrait style 4.5m x 2.5m screen!

'Live Instagram Slideshow'

                

 'Instagram Impact Through Live Event'

1,771 Public 

Photos Taken

3,760 Likes & 

Comments

'Most Liked Instagram Photos'

Photo by @Ciaraelliot

Photo by @katyakatyashehurina

Photo by @s_apapelove

'Instagram Photo Comments' 

Exhibitors and visitors, including many self confessed technophobes, took to the feed in huge numbers throughout the 6 days and voiced their love on Instagram:

“#nationalweddingshow #olympia #weddings #bridesmaids #freebies #samples #woooo!” @rockinthequiff

“b-e-a-udiful dresses! #nationalweddingshow “ @lornaduffield

“Fun day with the girls #thenationalweddingshow#nationalweddingshow” @jackiediss

“Yeah I did get a bit carried way with the feature :)#nationalweddingshow #excitable #techy #bigscreen #pictureinpicture” @jackjones27

'Instagram Growth' 

One of the key reasons for the use of the feed was to build the events following on social media and Eventstagram has certainly done that!

Using Eventstagram has seen a 4319% increase of Instagram photos taken (Spring 2013 vs Autumn 2012)

Eventstagram Launches Its Gold Package!

Eventstagrammers,

The Eventstagram Gold Package is here, live and ready to go! 

As of yesterday your crowds Instagram photos taken at your event can now be displayed live in your own unique event branded slideshow. With Eventstagram Gold we let you loose on our customizing your own template with our online editor as our classic black, grey and pink template is thrown out of the window.

But before you get your metaphorical colouring crayons out let us give you a brief rundown on the features we have included, and some instructions on how to get your discount and access the trial:

Add Your Own Logo Now you can simply upload your own logo to be shown on the instruction and photo page.

Customise Your Own Background Select one of our preloaded backgrounds, a solid color or even upload your own to be the background to your live display.

Choose a Font Select one of our various fonts to display your instructions and users Instagram username.

Select Colour Schemes Use our color picker to choose; font color, hashtag font color, font glow, instruction box color and instruction border color.

Upload additional slides Use your own or select one of our preset instruction or advert slides to be shown intermittently to the audience.

Pre-approve Photos You can now choose to display only pre approved Instagram images. Our moderation tab can be accessed simultaneously to the feed being displayed, through a phone, tablet or second laptop.

Choose From One Of Our Preset Themes Our design team have created a wide range of preset themes for events such as concerts, weddings, parties, conferences, nightclubs  and more.

Extra Time, and Photos and No Branding The Gold package also features a hefty 24 hour run time limit, a maximum of 10,000 photos and no Eventstagram branding on the display.

And All Our Standard Features including a weeks long photos aggregation, your own instruction wording and slideshow customisation such as speed, frequency and animations.

All of these fantastic features are bundled into the Gold product which launched today at 300 credits or $300.

Discount Code

For our followers on Twitter and readers of Blog we have an exclusive 10% discount for any events created before the end of March.

Enter the following when you get to the checkout:

GOLD10

As with all our slideshows, all the features are completely free to trial, with you only paying to remove the watermark before it is displayed on the big screen. Simply select the ‘Create a Free Slideshow’ button next to the package.

If you have any questions about the Gold package or want to talk to us about any of your event requirements please don’t hesitate to get in contact on info@eventstagr.am

Keep enjoying yourselves and entertaining your audiences with live Instagram slideshows,

Yours,

The Eventstagram Team

- info@eventstagr.am
- http://eventstagr.am

Eventstagram Gold Package - It's Nearly Here

The Eventstagram offices have been buzzing with excitement this week. 

Not only did the UK see the sun appear for the first time in what has felt like years on Tuesday, but we are also edging closer and closer to the release of our most exciting update to date. 

When we first launched Eventstagram just over 5 months ago we concentrated on building a platform that displayed a crowds Instagram photos live at an event. We succeed in doing this with both our Bronze and Silver packages, which have received an unprecedented response from clients all over the world. However we knew there was a lot more we could offer.

The first thing on our huge to do list was to create a simple but highly functional template editor where corporate or branded clients such as conferences, exhibitions  festivals and brands could develop their own customised live Instagram slideshow. So on Monday we will be getting a huge marker pen and placing a satisfying cross against that feature as we launch our Eventstagram Gold package.

The $300 product will give users access to an online editor on our site. Here they can upload their own backgrounds and logos, select from fonts and colorways and even add intermittent adverts or instructions to their slideshow. All this can be trialed for free, with payment only taken to remove the watermark before it is displayed. 

Lets see it 

Here is the exciting bit; we have a some photos of the brand new Eventstagram Gold package in action. It's due to launch on Monday 11th March and if you keep watching out on Twitter and Facebook we will have some opening discount offers next week: