As a keynote speaker for over 15 years and having run multiple events myself, I have immense respect for meeting planners and event marketers. You wear many hats, juggling logistics, marketing, attendee engagement, and so much more — it’s like managing multiple full-time jobs at once. Your work is critical in bringing people together, creating meaningful experiences and ensuring events run smoothly. Staying ahead of the latest social media trends can seem pretty daunting with everything else you’re managing, but social media is a tool that can help you maximize engagement, boost attendance and create lasting connections with your audience.
I’m a firm believer in “Don’t be a jack of all social media sites, master of none.” I recommend businesses focus on a few and try to do them really well. In line with that idea, we’ll focus on the three sites where you can make a big impact: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. When you focus on a few, you’ll be able to free up some time and resources to maximize all of the features those platforms have to offer. It can also enable you to be on the leading edge of new features from these three platforms which in turn can reward you with better exposure and reach.
Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the competition in 2025 and beyond!
Instagram: Elevating Event Promotion
Reel-y Long Videos
Instagram Reels now support videos up to three minutes long, opening up exciting possibilities for storytelling.
Some ideas for longer Reels are in-depth event previews, speaker interviews or behind-the-scenes footage to create anticipation and engagement for the event. One idea for a campaign is to create a “Countdown” series where you feature speakers, showcase venue highlights or provide valuable event tips leading up to the big day.
Beyond the Square
Instagram has moved away from its traditional square image format making way for more flexible content display.
Planners should experiment with different aspect ratios to optimize event announcements, attendee testimonials and promotional graphics. Carousels are a great way to tell a story — use them to share a step-by-step event agenda, highlight key moments from past events or introduce your event sponsors and partners.
Interactive Features for Engagement
Planners can utilize Instagram Stories’ interactive stickers, Q&A sessions and polls to engage with attendees before, during and after events.
You can also run an “Ask Me Anything” session for your keynote speakers before the event or use polls to let attendees vote on session topics or networking activities.
Facebook: Strengthening Community & Event Promotion
Event-Focused Updates
Facebook remains a key platform for event marketing, with enhanced event pages, RSVP tracking and AI-driven advertising tools.
Facebook Groups is a good option to foster a sense of community before and after events and keep attendees engaged year-round. Try creating a private event group where attendees can connect, ask questions and share their excitement leading up to the event.
Live Streaming
Live-streaming on Facebook remains a powerful way to boost engagement.
Some ideas for streams include keynote sessions, panel discussions, or behind-the-scenes content to reach a wider audience. You can also go live before the event for a venue walkthrough, or a sneak peek of what attendees can expect.
LinkedIn: Network & Showcase Your Expertise
Video is Making a Comeback
LinkedIn’s new video feed is gaining traction, making video content more visible than ever.
You can use video to share speaker highlights, industry insights and educational content to engage your professional network. It can even used for event follow-up! Try posting short interview clips with event speakers or sharing a recap video after the event to keep the engagement going.
Be Yourself… at Work
Authenticity is key on LinkedIn. For the most success, showcase a mix of professional expertise and personal experiences.
By sharing real-world event challenges, success stories, and behind-the-scenes moments, you can build trust and relatability with your audience. One idea is to post a “Day in the Life” vlog showing what goes into planning a successful event.
Engage with Others
Networking is at the heart of LinkedIn. Focus on engaging with industry leaders, commenting on relevant posts and participating in discussions.
Set a goal to spend 15 minutes a day engaging with key decision-makers to expand your reach and credibility.
You can also share valuable takeaways from industry conferences or insights from event attendees to show your involvement in the industry and strengthen your voice.
Leverage LinkedIn Newsletters
LinkedIn Newsletters allow you to share valuable insights and updates directly with your network.
For content, try repurposing blog posts or event recaps into LinkedIn newsletters to maximize visibility and audience engagement. For instance, after hosting an event, create a newsletter featuring key takeaways, speaker highlights and links to relevant content. This ensures your audience stays engaged long after the event is over.
Our Advice for 2025
- Authenticity Wins: Share real stories and behind-the-scenes content to build trust.
- Short-Form Video Still Dominates: Leverage Reels on Instagram and LinkedIn’s new video features.
- Network & Engage: Proactively connect with industry leaders and potential clients on LinkedIn.
- Maximize Facebook Groups & Events: Keep your community engaged before, during and after events.
By implementing these social media trends, meeting planners and event marketers can create meaningful connections, increase attendance, and enhance the overall event experience. Stay ahead of the curve and make 2025 your best year yet!
