Why You Think Social Media Conferences Suck

Photo cred: Andrew Mager

People seem to complain a lot about social media conferences.

I’ve definitely had my share of complaints too.

I think that most of these conferences suck because they weren’t set up properly (or for the right reasons), which I won’t go into in this post.

What I want to talk about is our unrealistic expectations of the content.

People come to these panels and speakers and expect to come out feeling like an expert in that topic.

Thing is, you can dive into 1000 webinars, speakers, books, roundtables, premium communities etc… but until you actually do something, you’re not really going to learn.

Doing is the only way to really learn.

You can be taught how to use tools, and how to organize strategies. But the actual methods and concepts that make a company or professional great can only be learned through experience.

What works for one company probably won’t work for another.

Sitting there and listening to some dude talk about how his company had a viral video will do literally nothing for you.

We expect epic content, and then we complain when it’s all so basic or we’ve heard this stuff before.

This is especially true in the social media space, because it’s still pretty new as far as tools and strategies.

The tools and strategies in the social media space still haven’t been developed that much. They’re still very basic.

We can’t be taught how to actually make this stuff work. No speaker can make you good at your job, especially not in an hour or less.

Same can be said for blogs, books, webinars, etc…

Get your hands dirty and start making mistakes.

Then you’ll be the one speaking.

Use conferences for at least one of the following:

Learning the basics
Networking
Inspiration

When I first got started learning about social media tools, I loved a lot of the content, because it taught me the basics.

My favorite conferences recently are SxSW and Big Omaha.

At SxSW, I didn’t go to any speakers or panels, but it was amazing for networking.

Big Omaha had some of the most inspiring content I’ve seen. Had I gone to learn the secret to building a successful business, I would have been sorely disappointed.

So before you complain about the content at a conference, think about why you’re there, and check your expectations.

Or maybe I’m totally off on this one. What have you thought of all these social media conferences lately?

cna training online 6 pts

Great insights and I absolutely agree with this. Doing is the only way to learn, do something and you will learn. I learn a lot of things here and I truly appreciate it. Thanks!

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MattieTK 72 pts

All the social media conferences I have been to have been 100% to network with others. The conferences do become an echo chamber of sorts, lots of boring and simple ideas thrown around incessantly, you really will learn nothing. Everything you learn from social media you do from observation, reading analysis and actually participating; wasting your time expecting to learn anything at this kind of event is something to be avoided. Good article :)

GrowMap 18 pts

Very insightful. Conferences have the same issues as many books, ebooks and courses. Usually they offer a big picture view of what you need to know but insufficient detail to actually know how to apply if to what you're doing. Many want the simple explanation and then wonder why they don't really gain enough understanding of where to start much less how to be effective.

You are absolutely correct that until you actually DO something yourself you can not fully know what works and what doesn't. IMHO, the best way to raise your skill level is to collaborate with others while you're learning and indefinitely. Share tips, get one-on-one feedback from others, warn each other of pitfalls. Instead of just your experience you have the benefit of pooling the experience of many.

Businesses need to start valuing EXPERIENCE and stop thinking each person is worth $x an hour. The value of what a consultant or employee brings to the table is the answers and strategies they can bring to the table that are based on what they already know and have done. If you think you can build a knowledge base and replace them you're a fool because all their knowledge without the ability to apply it to different situations is only half of what you need.

emilymiethner 5 pts

Hi David, great article.

One of my favorite parts of these conferences is seeking out panels and having a specific question for a specific speaker. Since usually, the topics are fairly broad and answers end up being generic.

iwearyourshirt 10 pts

100% agree. Great stuff Spinks.

taracoomans 16 pts

What I find interesting about social media conferences that don't live up to the hype is that events (like conferences) have something in common with social media: they aim to engage. The question I have for these conference planners is: if you can't engage a live audience, should you even be talking about engaging a digital one?

KratzPR 7 pts

Great post Spinks... Social Media conferences are only a part of the process that it takes to learn the world of social media. The only way to truly learn all of this stuff is by doing.

Networking is by far the greatest benefit to these conferences... ultimately, its pretty much the only way people can measure an ROI on the typically high registration costs.

I was just at #140conf and really enjoyed much of the content because it wasn't just engage this, transparency that. It was about unique stories and lessons in the world of digital and social. Much like your description of Big Ohama - it was inspiring but you weren't going home with the keys to success.

I still love social media conferences, but that is because I don't rely on the social media part and I've changed my goals.