Session 1.1 - The Power of Instagram Stories

Session abstract

Instagram’s meteoric rise continues (just surpassing 1 billion users) and Instagram Stories has well established itself as a key player in universities Social Media tool kits. Stories has shown the value in unedited real-time and authentic content and allows you access to a large captive audience.

In this session we will explore the ways in which we can leverage IG Stories to meet our objectives, engage with our multiple audiences (from prospective students to alumni), build on our brand and bring our campus to life.

Key take-aways:

  • Understand how to plan and create engaging content for your audiences
  • How to create your own voice but be part of the wider University brand.
  • A technical understanding of how to use the new Question & Answer feature.

Session 1.2 - Organic social is in decline - here's what you can do about it

Session abstract

With the reach of organic social media posts at an all time low, this session will look at the part advocates can play in amplifying your message. We'll look at building an advocacy programme, who should participate, and what your measures of success should be.

Key take-aways:

  • What to consider when building an advocacy programme
  • What keeps your advocates engaged
  • Identify the success metrics for your advocacy programme

Session 2 - The Social Media Juggle: Curating, Creating and Your Day Job

Session abstract

Many of us are tasked with running social media channels as part of our other responsibilities. This session will explore ways to plan, create and curate engaging content for a broad spectrum of audiences.

Key take-aways:

  • Understand how to plan and create engaging content that adds value for your audiences
  • How to run channels with multiple admins
  • How to tap into and harness the power of social media communities (at UofG and beyond with partners, collaborators and funders)
  • Understand how to make the most of User Generated Content to bring different voices to your channels

Session 3 - Unconference

Session abstract

The 'Unconference' is your opportunity to take the lead! If there is a specific topic or problem you would like input or support on, pop up to the front and pitch it, anyone who is interested in the same topic will join you for a chat.

Session 4.1 Using Twitter to Achieve Your Research and Teaching Goals

Session abstract

Over the last few years we have seen a marked increase in the number of academics using Twitter to promote their research and teaching, connect with potential collaborators and peers, communicate with existing and potential students and join conversations pertinent to their areas of expertise. In this session we will hear from four UofG academics about their experiences of using Twitter – why they use it, how they use it, what’s worked and what hasn’t.

Key take-aways:

  • Inspiration as to how Twitter could be part of your Communications strategy.
  • Insight into how and why our academics are using Twitter – how much time they devote to it and how they have built their profiles.
  • How to balance professional and personal use of Twitter, and how to deal with and avoid conflict.

Session 4.2 Workshop - Creating Video on the Go

Session abstract

The importance of using video to engage your social media audience is something we can’t ignore. This workshop aims to teach you the basic skills of brainstorming, storyboarding and creating video on the go. Make sure to bring your phone and lots of ideas! You’ll leave the workshop having created a video for social media and tons of information on how to enhance your video content.

Key Take-Aways:

  • Practical knowledge on filming video for social media
  • Advice on video kit to suite any budget
  • Best practice for storytelling that will engage your audience

Showcase: Awesome Social Media Campaigns: Pecha Kucha Style

Ending the day with a fast paced session showcasing some brilliantly creative and engaging social media campaigns including #TeamUofG, #helloBrookes, #ScotlandIsNow, and Aisha’s Letter. 

Each speaker will have 20 slides and just 20 seconds per slide to show us the why, what and how behind their successful campaigns.  

Key Take-Aways:

  • Be inspired by creative and engaging social media campaigns
  • Get a fast-paced overview of what goes into planning and executing successful social media campaigns
  • Learn different techniques to capture your audience.

First published: 3 August 2018