The best events leave a lasting impression, both in person and online. Social media walls are the game-changing tool event planners are using to bridge that gap. Imagine your attendees seeing their posts displayed live, creating a ripple effect of excitement and engagement that extends far beyond the venue.

WHAT IS A SOCIAL MEDIA WALL?

A social media wall (or social wall) is a digital display that aggregates and showcases social media posts from various platforms in real-time. These posts typically include photos, videos, and messages shared by event attendees using specific hashtags or handles associated with your event.

BENEFITS OF USING SOCIAL MEDIA WALLS

Why are event planners embracing this technology? For one thing, social media walls encourage active participation from attendees; they go from passive observers to content creators. When people see their posts displayed on the big screen, they're encouraged to keep on sharing throughout the event.

Plus, the value of attendees’ posts can extend well beyond the event they attended. Every post shared becomes content that you can repurpose for future marketing initiatives. This authentic content showcases your event through the eyes of your attendees and entices people to attend your events in the future.

Your future events might also benefit from the sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) that live social events can create. People who don’t attend your current event might make about of signing up for your next one.

Another perk: Most social wall platforms provide insights about engagement levels, popular content types, and influential participants—data that can inform future event strategies.

PLATFORM POSSIBILITIES

If you’re thinking about offering a social media wall at your next event, you have multiple platforms to choose from, including Walls.io, Everwall, Taggbox, and SocialWall.me. Each offers unique features that can cater to different types of events and engagement goals.

When evaluating your options, take some time to consider a few key factors so you pick a platform that aligns with your needs. First, think about the moderation capabilities—how easy is it to filter or approve content before it goes live? This is particularly important for maintaining a professional and brand-appropriate event atmosphere.

Next, explore which social media platforms are supported. Some tools may integrate easily with major platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, while others may offer limited compatibility.

Customization options are another important aspect. Can you match the social media wall to your event’s branding or theme? Features like personalized layouts, colors, and fonts can make a big difference in creating a cohesive visual experience.

In addition, pricing structures can vary widely, so be clear on your budget and how it matches the platform's cost model.

Finally, check the availability of technical support. Reliable support can make a world of difference if you encounter issues during the event.

SET CLEAR GUIDELINES

There is an element of risk with a social media wall. You can’t guarantee that the posts it displays will be what you had in mind. But you can minimize risks by establishing clear guidelines for your attendees and team.

Let your attendees know what types of content are encouraged, such as event highlights, group photos, or behind-the-scenes moments. At the same time, it’s important to address content restrictions. Specify any types of posts or language that are not appropriate for the event so you can maintain a positive and inclusive atmosphere both on the wall and within the broader event space.

Behind the scenes, establish moderation policies to manage the flow of content effectively. Decide whether posts will be automatically displayed or require approval before going live. Depending on the size and nature of your event, you may need a dedicated team to monitor submissions in real-time, so all of the displayed content aligns with your event’s tone and values.

You’ll also want to define and communicate your official event hashtags. These hashtags will serve as the backbone of your social media wall, making it easy to aggregate relevant content while encouraging attendees to share their experiences online. Be sure the hashtags are simple, memorable, and unique to your event to avoid confusion or overlap with other events.

STRATEGIC PLACEMENT

Position your social walls where they'll have maximum impact. This could include

• Registration areas

• Main gathering spaces

• Transition zones

• Near food and beverage stations

• Behind speakers during presentations

CREATIVE WAYS TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA WALLS

If you invest time and resources into offering a social media wall, we encourage you to plan activities and programs that will make it more memorable for your attendees. Here are a few ideas:

Photo Contests

Launch competitions where attendees submit photos using your event hashtag. Display entries on the social wall and award prizes for the most creative or engaging content.

Live Q&A Sessions

Incorporate social media questions into panel discussions or presentations, displaying selected questions on the social wall.

Behind-the-Scenes Content

Encourage staff and vendors to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of event preparation and execution.

Sponsor Integration

Feature sponsored hashtags or incorporate sponsor branding into the social wall display to create additional value for event partners.

Real-Time Feedback

Collect and display attendee testimonials and feedback throughout the event.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

While the concept of a social media wall is exciting and engaging, its success depends heavily on solid technical planning.

Start with internet connectivity, which is the backbone of any social media wall. You’ll need robust Wi-Fi coverage throughout your event venue for a steady flow of content. Evaluate connection speeds well in advance by testing your internet capabilities in the areas where the social media wall will be displayed. As a precaution, have backup internet options available, such as a mobile hotspot, in case of unexpected connectivity issues.

Next, consider the display requirements for your social media wall. The screen size and resolution must suit your event’s venue and audience size. Attendees should be able to view the content clearly, even from a distance, so take into account factors like viewing distance and angles.

Don’t overlook ambient lighting conditions, which could affect visibility. If your event is outdoors or in a brightly lit room, opt for high-resolution screens that perform well in such settings. Always have backup equipment ready to minimize downtime in case of technical failures.

 The Bell Tower on 34th is an elegant event space with valet parking and onsite security serving the Greater Houston area. Our central location is a short drive from the Galleria area and the Houston Heights area.

Learn more about holding a corporate event here.

The Bell Tower on 34th

901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018

(713) 868-2355