How to Use an Event Photo Wall to Increase Attendee Participation

An event photo wall is the missing puzzle piece to astounding success at your next event.

What does it mean to have a successful event? That’s a broad question, of course. For a non-profit, it could be a fundraiser that brings in substantial donations. For a college sports team, it might be selling out sections of the stadium in advance. For vendors at a conference, it could be as simple as filling an email list or as big as laying the groundwork for a record-breaking sale.

All successful events, however you may define that for your organization, do have some common traits, though. One of the most evident of those is excitement and participation from the people attending your event. And one simple way to increase that energy is through an event photo wall.

That sounds almost too easy. Just put up a photo wall, and people will naturally be more excited about your event? Maybe. But there’s a lot you can do with a specially-designed event photo wall that will make people want to join in the fun.

What exactly is an event photo wall, though?

“Wall” might be a bit misleading. Think more along the lines of digital monitors or a big screen or even a jumbotron. Of course, with enough screens or with one screen that’s large enough, this could fill a wall. Then, in the case of Everwall, as photos with your hashtag get posted to Instagram, they will appear on screens throughout your space.

Engage your attendees with a real-time, fully customizable social media wall. Start your social media wall today.

Encourage selfies to build an event photo wall that works magic

Even though smartphones have made the “selfie” a prominent feature of the digital landscape, you can find self-portraits from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Both Frida Kahlo and Vincent Van Gogh are well-known for their self-portraits, and historians believe the first photographic self-portrait was by Philadelphia photographer Robert Cornelius in 1839. Even astronaut Buzz Aldrin became part of the selfie timeline when he photographed himself during a spacewalk as part of the Gemini 12 mission in 1966.

What do these and the millions of selfies appearing on social media today say about us? Some researchers believe selfies feed “our desire to understand ourselves better in a visual way.” Additionally, it’s a way for us to curate what we want the rest of the world to know about us.

In other words, selfies offer us the chance to present our ideal selves to the world. They let us share our experiences with our friends and would-be friends. You probably don’t need us to tell you that people love selfies. And that’s where your event photo wall comes in.

Designate a “selfie stop” for your attendees

Start with an exciting backdrop. Interesting sculptures, scenic views, iconic locations, and unique architecture all work. If you’re fortunate enough to have that, be sure to highlight the space and reserve it for photos. If you find you’re setting up an event in an otherwise empty space, set up your own with an art installation, or you can do something as simple as setting up a backdrop with your amazing event logo or even some funky vintage fabric from Etsy.

And don’t neglect the hashtag. For your event photo wall to work, be sure to encourage your guests to use your hashtag, so their photos can show up on the digital screens throughout your venue. The hashtag is the key that ensures all those exciting photos get the publicity they deserve.

How does an event photo wall help you?

Ok, so you have a selfie station, you have your digital displays ready to go, but what does an event photo wall do for you? As more photos show up on screens throughout your event, more people want to be part of that excitement. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.

And don’t forget, it’s not just the selfie crowd that can get a coveted spot on your photo wall. Anyone using your specified hashtag can share their pictures of the cool vendor display, of the fantastic food, and the packed room for their favorite speaker.

And all that good publicity comes right back to you, so your next event will be even bigger and better.