Social media symposium to be held in Carson City

Helping businesses and other organizations make the best use of social media will be the focus of The Carson City Visitors Bureau’s third annual Social Media in Tourism Symposium on Friday and Saturday at the Brewery Arts Center.

“We want to break this down and teach people how to use social media in an innovative way,” said Kyle Horvath, social media manager for the visitors bureau. “This is not an emerging technology. It is a technology that has emerged. It is an integral part of any successful business these days.”

The symposium will feature speakers on topics including learning the finer points of using the three most important social media platforms, gaining insight to effective utilization of paid social advertising, becoming confident in owning your brand, as well as understanding how to analyze your success.

Horvath said the idea was born after attending an international conference in Atlanta.

“We wanted to bring the same level of expertise back to Northern Nevada,” Horvath said. “Everybody who leaves says it’s one of the most valuable workshops they’ve ever been to. Both days will be filled with exceptional presentations.”

While the symposium was created for people working in the tourism industry, Horvath said, it’s open to and would well serve anyone in business or marketing.

“It’s just a new technology to utilize the oldest marketing method around — social, friendly interaction with the customer and the community,” he said. “Instead of being face to face, it’s digital. Social media makes it easier.”

Each day of the symposium will begin at 9 a.m. in the Historic 1864 Ballroom at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St. The Carson City Visitors Bureau will host lunch on Friday for the attendees.

The event is free, but donations will be accepted for Advocates to End Domestic Violence.

For more information or to register for the symposium, email Horvath at khorvath@visitcarsoncity.com.