Welcome to the amiando Blog - your resource for event planning and social media marketing.

FridayReads: The Power of Social Media in Politics and a definition of the Average Facebook User

18. November 2011 by Myriam November 18th, 2011 4:18 pmMyriam | Comments (3)

PolitickerUSA: An app which tracks and displays what politicians are saying
As seen in the previous article, Social Media will play an undeniable role in the next US presidential elections, making this occasion more exciting and interactive than ever before. PolitickerUSA, a new app which captures politicians’ tweets, has recognized this trend and will allow followers to read and compare what politicians of different parties are tweeting. This way, to get the latest election news, followers will no longer need to turn to newspapers, TVs or even websites, but simply check their phone app. They can filter by politician, party or issue and receive live and real-time tweets on a 24/7 basis. What better way to make an informed decision! Read more.

The Average Facebook User
Last week, we witnessed the war of the sexes in Social Media. So this week, we wondered who the average Facebook user actually is, based on their online activity and friends. Maybe the typical Facebook user has about 500 friends, likes football or is married? An Infographic posted by Facebook summarizes the main findings. Check out the full story here.

Great news! Our first inner-European office in France, Paris has now opened and today we will celebrate it with a great launch party! It’s a further step to exploit the enormous potential of the French market and to provide a better service for our French customers.

Read the whole press release below:

Munich, Paris – 08. November 2011. amiando (www.amiando.com), Europe’s Leading online event registration and ticketing tool, opens today its first inner-European office in Paris, France.

Since 2007 amiando, boasting a clientele base of prestigious companies and events, has demonstrated a rapid yet sustainable expansion of its French market. The company also sees huge potential for future expansion of its business in France.

amiando realized the potential of this market early and from 2007 the complete tool as well as support for organizers and ticket-sellers has been available in French. Pioneer customers like LeWeb, Europe’s biggest internet conference have enabled amiando to gain a premature foothold in the French market and over the last four years the company has consistently doubled its annual revenue year after year.

amiando’s French clientele now include prestigious names such as Orange and BNP Paribas. The French Event Management and Meetings industry has thus developed into one of amiando’s most important markets. The new Paris office is intended to provide a better service for these existing and potential customers.

According to Verena Gladiator, business development director in France, over the past four years amiando has succeeded in convincing organizers of its innovative Event Management solutions and has now established itself as one of the leading online tools in France. With its new base there it is now able to provide better support for its French customers.

With over 1,000 international conferences and conventions taking place every year, Paris is one of the top three locations for events worldwide.

“We are very proud to announce the opening of our new office in Paris, which will help us to meet the demands of our existing customers and partners in France. We see France as one of the most innovative markets internationally with a tremendous growth potential,” says Felix Haas, CEO amiando.

The new office is located in the recently opened office complex for innovation driver, “Le Tank” in Rue de Montreuil 50 in Paris.

As many of you might know, the Global Meetings & Incentives Exhibition, the EIBTM takes place on the 29th November – 1st December in Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain.
The EIBTM is the leading exhibition for conference, incentives, events, business travel and meetings industry. This year the 3 days exhibition has added some more live experiences and offers once more great opportunities to meet new people of the international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Events) industry. Once again we are exhibiting and if you want to make an appointment and find about the latest tools and trends of event registration & ticketing visit us at our stand O225 in the “Technology Village”; to make an appointment click here and choose a suitable date and time slot. We’re looking forward to meeting you!

Spotlight – WebCongress Madrid

14. November 2011 by Myriam November 14th, 2011 10:58 amMyriam | Comments (1)

The next WebCongress event will be held on Thursday, 1st and Friday, 2nd of December in Madrid, bringing together leaders of the online industry from around the globe. For two full days, participants will have the unique opportunity to attend conferences, workshops and networking events to exchange knowledge and ideas surrounding the exciting world of online business. Renowned experts from companies such as Google, RIM and Bwin Games will give speeches on hot topics including SEO, SEM, Social Media, Google Ads, Facebook Apps and mobile ads. Secure your ticket now if you want to learn the most innovative tools and strategies for online success!

amiando is supporting WebCongress Madrid through its event registration and ticketing solution.

Link to the event and ticketshop.

Males vs. Females on Google+

For a lot of internet users it’s obviously that Google+ is definitely a social network for men. About 68% of Google+ users are male. But why? Probably an important fact for women’s relatively small presence on Google+ could be that the new social network has attracted a largely technology-focused crowd. Okay, so women may not dominate computer science demographics but they use definitely social networks such as Twitter and Facebook more than men. Check out an interesting Graphic about males vs. females on social network sites.

Ashton Kutcher’s Fail on Twitter

This morning everyone is reading about Ashton Kutscher’s fail on Twitter. Everybody makes a mistake but if a celebrity trips up it’s always a big drama in the public eye.  Ashton Kutscher tweeted about the firing of Penn State University football coach Joe Paterno before he knew the exact facts.  He then dug himself an even bigger hole by twittering about changing his mind towards Twitter. It’s interesting to see how a social media platform turns a seemingly fame addicted celebrity into a reformed social media user who can’t handle with criticism. Check out the whole article!

Google takes over Kantango

Google has taken over Kantango, a start-up company specializing in developing advance people sorting algorithms. Takeover of the company is intended to enhance the quality of Google+ Circles since the technology of Kantango’s sorting algorithms (i.e. its social cues) is much more advanced than Facebook’s smart list codes. The company, previously known as CafeBots, was founded just over a year ago to improve social web dialogues by developing social algorithms.  Its previous iPhone app launch, for example, made messaging easier for social groups on Facebook, email and SMS. According to a Google spokesperson, Google are convinced that the company’s innovative approach to developing social circle technology will be a great asset to Google+. Click here to read more about the new takeover!

1.  Your event
Already have an idea of how to create a memorable event but just too many things to think about? Event management can be confusing. Learn the easy way to create your event with our comprehensive summary.

1.1 Choosing a Theme
The next step is to select a theme for your event. There are a range of different events to choose from, including business conferences, concerts, festivals and parties. They can be one off or regularly held, educational or informative, fundraisers or simply focused on bringing people together. Some events, like planning or informative meetings are even used to prepare for other events.

It’s important to have a clear goal once you have selected your event. Here is a list of possible goals:

• To reach a specific number of participants,
• To draw greater attention to your event in the media
• To raise money and awareness of your event
• To set an idea or action in motion or to promote other events

1.2. Selecting a Target Group
The next step is to select a suitable target group. Look out for high potential participants. Your theme will determine your participants. Remember to consider all other potential organizations or groups who might be interested in your event. Once you have selected your target group you must then decide on how you will maintain a dialogue with them. By participating in activities or exchanging ideas for example.
2. Creating a Concept
You are now ready to start creating your own concept. Choose another person or organization group according to your event scale in order to assist you with planning.

2.1 Organization Team
An organization team is not strictly necessary. Indeed, many people have succeeded in creating a successful event by themselves. If you need more than just good organization skills though a team is a good idea as it will make meeting your targets easier as well as assisting with the planning and execution of various tasks. Ensuring that you have an organization team is one of the most important stages when creating an event. Below are some ideas about what you should remember, what features a good organization team? Some impressions:

• Cooperation
• A relaxed yet productive working environment
• Active participation focused towards meeting targets
• Team must ensure that all tasks are completed and to a high standard

With a motivated team behind you, you will be able to make decisions about your event and event planning. Good communication and an effective decisions making process are key. The team must discuss and coordinate the most important points or tasks. Don’t forget to protocol your meetings and note important steps. You now have an overview of your organization and creation process.

2.2 Brainstorming Process
Your team is ready to begin sharing their ideas, a process known as brainstorming. Colourful cards and or motives are useful aids.
Structure ideas and plan your tasks accordingly. Tasks range from the initial brainstorming range right up to the event itself.
A short summary of some important tasks:

• Developing a strategy
• Choosing a venue
• Setting the time (time and duration)
• Deciding on budget and fundraising
• More….

2.2.1 Creating an Agenda

Time planning and management is key for your event to run smoothly. Don’t forget about your goals and participants. Plan your structure and content carefully. For example, if you have a conference with many participants in large rooms, you should allocate time within your time plan to take smaller participant groups into account. This allows effective presentations as well as giving participants the chance to discuss ideas. Ensure that you allocate enough time for each stage. Time off is also important though. People need a break, particularly if your event is longer than one day. Remember to plan realistically!

• Be on time on the day of the event!!!!

2.2.2 Staffing
An efficient and experienced team of staff are essential for the smooth running of your event. They have to know what they have to do. Staffing must be structured and organized. Here are a few examples:

• Catering
• Security
• Ushers
• Presenter (to introduce entertainers/ speakers, also backstage)
• Other

2.2.3 Setting the date
Date is as important as location.

• Schedule your event to take place on a day on which no other events are taking place. For example, do not schedule your event to coincide with a big sport event (e.g. a football match)
• When planning an event, for example a university or school event, choose a time during the semester or school time rather than during an exam period
• Take into account working hours
• Other

Remember to keep your event within the time limit of standard events!

2.2.4 Event Budget
It’s important to focus the money and resources for your event.  Expenses could be

• Promotion
• Venue
• Materials
• Catering
• Presenter/ Speaker
• Event documentation
• Other

When planning don’t forget that your main aim is to make a profit!

Create a budget chart and check your costs accordingly, for example:

• Breaking Point (what is your budget?)
• Can you reduce your expenditure and how could this be done?
• Are you making profit or are you just breaking event?

Don’t forget when managing an event there will always be unforeseen costs. Ensure you take these costs into account.

2.3 Making a checklist
Now make a checklist of all important points. This will act as a step-by-step guide helping you to organize and execute your main points effectively:

• Define a theme
• Select a target group
• Create a concept
• Organization Team
• Brainstorming process
• Creating an agenda
• Staffing
• Setting a date

• Event Budget
• Other points

Once you have ticked these off you should create an overview and plan. You can then begin with the implementation.

3. Implementation
With your brainstorming, checklist and plan you are now ready to activate your event. Our dedicated team and online tool will help you with the next stages of your event management.

amiando- Europe’s leading tool for event registration and ticketing helps to make your event a success.
We’ll help you to make your registration and ticketing process easier giving you the time to focus on and, more importantly, to enjoy your event!

3.1 Promotion

• Advertising for your event is possibly the most important stage. Effective advertising is important for attracting attendees both before and after the event. Pre event this helps to achieve a higher reach; post event, it generates   awareness for your next event. There are two possibilities: promoting with placards, paying for flyers or magazines or internet promotion for free using social media platforms.

• Facebook: Post a link or comments about your event so that people can like them. Read more in our blog!
• Twitter: Event promotion in 140 signs. Read more in our Social Media Study!
• Youtube: User-friendly, fast and free. See our blog article for more information!

4. Event Management Pitfalls

We have highlighted some common mistakes to help you when planning your event:

• Lack of planning: An event without a plan is likely to be chaotic
• Social Media overuse: Only select the platforms, which will allow you to reach your target group
• Lack of Social Media: Increase awareness of your event by connecting to Social Media platforms
• Limited opportunities for dialogue: Allow your attendees the opportunity to evaluate your event by posting comments on Facebook. Feedback is not only good publicity if your event has been a success but it also allows you to analyze your event effectively so you can improve future events
• Lack of creativity: Make your event as original as possible!
• Poor Registration Process: A good registration process assists you with your event planning helping you to focus on the more important details

In times of economic struggle it’s important to explore new markets and exploit the chances of the Internationalization.  The OÖ- EXPORTTAG 2011 focuses on selecting future markets like France, Russia, Canada and Turkey. The conference will take place on Monday the 14^th of November. It offers you a comprehensive overview covering all questions concerning exports and demonstrates new possibilities in business, export and cooperation for domestic enterprise. Visit the OÖ- EXPORTTAG 2011 in Linz and check out interesting lectures and workshops concerning current and relevant themes of Internationalization.

Possible Disruption of TV business by Google

With its successful online advertising campaign Google may be planning to overtake the $150 billion-per-year pay television market. This has the potential to change the face of the current television advertising and distribution and would also mean direct competition with cable- and phone companies for Google.  There are rumours that Google may even use YouTube as a form of “virtual cable TV.” Google’s negotiations with content creators are extremely advantageous. Read more about Google’s TV business overtake.

“Oh my God, it’s Friday!”

Yes it’s Friday and all those who use the internet on a day to day basis are thinking of posting a final tweet before the long awaited weekend begins. But everybody knows if you are working at breakneck speed there is a high chance of you making mistakes, all too typical for a Friday afternoon when you want to go home. Suddenly you have sent out a tweet from the company account and not from your personal one and every follower can read about your “bad day”. Probably it’s one of those horrible situations you want to avoid at all costs.  Is not a question of executing flawless social media behavior but how you deal with such moments! Check it out!

Google’s New +1 Button Function

Last week we wrote about how Facebook plans to resolve its Like Button Problem regarding to the “dislike discussion”, while making its buttons more specific. Now Google+ integrated a function allowing you to give photos the same +1 vote previously given to other types of content since Google+ launched in June.  The new function was announced on Thursday, probably welcome to every typical Google+ user. The feature is also available for the Google+ iPhone App and it’s interesting to see if +1 will react to Facebook’s Button Solution. Maybe a lot of users are hoping for a -1 button?! Read more about the new feature!

The conference of the Future of Web Design 2011 is coming back to New York. It takes place at New World Stages on the 7^th- 9^th November.  At this year’s conference, which is followed by one day of in-depth workshops, you will find great speakers, a bigger second stage, more networking sessions and the best about the industry. Check out one of the hottest events in the web industry!

amiando is supporting the Future of Web Design conference with its event registration and ticketing solution.

Link to the event and registration.

Google enables Apps for Google+

The long awaited announcement from Google to host new features for Google+ has finally arrived. Google has announced a series of new features for Google+, including the ability to use Google+ from a Google Apps account. This means that you can now enable Google+ access manually. For those users with Google Apps accounts, who have already started using Google with a personal account, Google has announced that it is now working on a migration tool, which will become available in the next few weeks, to carry over Circles and to connect and redirect their followers.  Click here to read more!

Ongoing  debate over dislike Button

Many Facebook users are saying that the like button is insufficient. Instead they are calling for another option to demonstrate their dislike of a page or post. At Facebook’s f8 conference the company announced the possibility of developers creating their own actions. Essentially this means that you can “watch” a movie or “cook” a recipe.  Many developers saw this merely as another chance to create the popular dislike button.  During the Open Graph development process though hopes were dashed when developers who typed dislike received a message, rejecting their request. Click here to read more!

Google announces important Updates to its Network

Today Google says farewell to Google Wave with the introduction of some significant updates to its social network, including an integration, which enables Google Apps users to sign up for G+. Another of these features is the new Google+ Ripples, “a visualization tool for public shares and comments”, which closely resembles the old “Playback” feature from Google Wave. It allows users to “re-live” conversations, comments and sharing that have taken place since their first Google use. The so-called “Google+ Creative Kit” is another feature, similar to the Instagram filters, which allows you to edit your photos on G+, enabling users to sharpen their photos, add text, crop, rotate, resize, or overlay that vintage look now so often associated with Instagram and Hipstagram. Click here to read more about the new features from Google+!