ThePort’s clients are using Social Spaces (Groups, Actions, Campaigns and so on) to rally constituents around an event in a 24/7-accessible social networking 
communities. Members are signing up online to participate in important elements such as an annual conference or seasonal/trade exhibition.
Attendees can connect online, share past experiences and explore details of conference sessions. Linking with like-minded community members, an organization’s most influential individuals can advise others and help guide them to select the most beneficial programs. When scheduled presenters at the event have questions or need counsel, the community’s thought leaders can help them prepare for a successful session.
Two examples of ThePort communities which are productively merging online and offline 
activities include Sierra Club Climate Crossroads and My Grateful Nation. Both not-for-profit organizations are setting standards for utilizing social media in the pursuit of positive causes.
Pre-event, social media tools such as blogging, commenting, photo and video sharing, and group discussions will help inform and animate attendees. The online interaction and “buzz” can significantly boost attendance, particularly when the exhilaration builds over time. Community administrators can seed annual event topics by addressing them with community announcements, blog entries, and timely comments.
The dynamics of social media are even more important after a special event takes place. Following up on the excitement and energy of a major conference, a socially-infused community can keep the conversation going for months. Attendees actively share event experiences and nurture new connections made at the offline venue. Without the barriers of geography, a post-event dialogue in an online community can give new meaning to a central topic and elevate its status.
In simple terms, attendees create more value when they are able to interact with each other, ask questions and share opinions during sessions at conferences. A dedicated private social 
community is the perfect destination in which to achieve this, along with the sharing of photos, videos and presentation highlights in the form of blog posts, comments or group creations. In addition, Events information can be posted and linked to outside web sources, maps and calendars.
A private, fully integrated social networking community helps shine a year-around spotlight on the next annual event on the calendar. Both membership retention and future attendance benefit, and those two critical factors help ensure that every event sponsored by a not-for-profit really is special.
definitions much thought. Either way, the evolution of social media terminology is a fascinating subject. And new phrases are coming into the spotlight at a prodigious rate. I mean, just a few years ago, no one had ever heard of Twitter. Now, Twittering is the current online craze.
matter and passion. The political blogosphere, for example is always “abuzz” about something. But the same is true about the passions you’ll find in the very active gardening and wine blogosphere.
can spread around the Internet away from the folks who created them. Sometimes they are little modules that perform a simple task (like a poll that tracks the data to poll questions). Sometimes widgets are cute mini games or small modules that track the weather or local (vehicle) traffic.
be wrapped around a specific cause with a request for support. Accordingly, know precisely which causes are most important to your online membership. A weekly emailed newsletter is another productive way to tell your constituents about all of the new activity happening in your community. By integrating your email and social media activities, you’ll drive more supporters to your community and create more engagement.
online click, or even instant message, if possible. Remind them too of corporate matching programs that their employers might offer. Make every method convenient.
