This week, we did some work with Panasonic’s camera and camcorder division, hosting an event for bloggers and photobloggers. The venue was the Dali Universe on London’s South Bank, and the weather or atmosphere could not have been better. After showcasing some new products and hearing from a member of the British Olympic sailing team, which uses Panasonic’s camcorders to improve training and performance, we sent our intrepid bloggers out on a speedboat ride down the Thames to test out the gear. With food and refreshment, there was ample time for questions, discussions and some good networking with familiar faces and some new contacts as well. But what happens after everything is put back in the box? Is an event just about those 3-4 hours of contact time or is there more to it?
One thing we’ve found is that the web opens up many opportunities for expanding an event beyond its natural borders of space and time. The recent SXSW extravaganza in Texas echoed way beyond Austin, with attendees constantly updating, liveblogging and sharing photos and videos online. For Panasonic, we’ve set up pages on social bookmarking site del.icio.us and created a unique Flickr tag so that reports and photos from the day can be shared and enjoyed long after everyone’s gone home. It’s something we’d recommend for any campaign that generates a good amount of online content. In addition, there were a few people who couldn’t make the event, and sharing content online also allows them to get a glimpse of what they missed and to make sure they’re free next time!
More on how to get the best out of social bookmarking here. Image credit to Peter Marshall of My London Diary.
The event at the Dali universe was a great opportunity to test out the latest gear from Panasonic. Thanks for the invite, it was a great day. The ride on the rib was also a nice touch.
I have to agree with Richard.
Instead of a dry presentation and an emphasis on marketing new products the day was relaxed and broken up.
The blast along the Thames was good fun.
Thanks once more.
@Richard and @Jay thanks for your feedback, glad you enjoyed the day, and great seeing your posts as well.
[...] As ever a nice opportunity to chat with regulars, Matt, Chris and Peter – who was fresh from fun and games at our Panasonic event. It was lovely to meet lots of new people including Glitterditch’s Siany, Francine and Malcolm Eggs from London Review of Breakfasts – where I have been enjoying the write-ups and the breakfast-themed pseudonyms today – Rhys Chris Peese is my fave. [...]