Social Media & a Conference Kick-off at 35.000 Feet?

Wondering in what new ways can social media, a conference and a plane be connected? While the latest surveys show that about half of airline passengers are interested in booking destination-related services while flying,  the airlines’ ability to take advantage of the extended in-flight touchpoint with Wi-Fi implementation, provides even further marketing opportunities to reach flexible, spontaneous travelers and not only. Still, there are definitely more opportunities that remain untapped. Take for example the case of the world’s first conference kick off on an airplane!  The Social Media Tourism Symposium, known as #SoMeT14EU, is making its debut in Europe by aiming high – 35,000 feet above ground. It will actually be very interesting to see if this could be the start of new perceptions in conference organization and the entire MICE industry. On April 8, SoMeT and Finnair kick off the conference at Helsinki Airport and then take to the skies aboard a Finnair plane. Conference delegates arrive at the Helsinki airport in time to connect with Finnair flight AY429 to Rovaniemi, where the conference continues on April 9 and 10. Finland’s airport operator, Finavia hosts a welcome reception in the airport at 'Wine & View', where delegates can check in and collect their SoMeT name badges. The first keynote presentation begins on the inflight entertainment system once the plane reaches cruising altitude. SoMeT is the only conference of its kind that provides an opportunity for destinations and tourism businesses to share ideas and learn more about how to leverage social media within the tourism industry. "As an airline connecting Europe and Asia and seeking growth especially in the quickly growing Asian market, we're constantly looking for new ways to utilize social media. We hope to learn from the speakers as well as provide inspiration for the attendees in return. I'm sure the airline conference will be a fun event, and we'll make our outmost to make our guests feel welcome in Finland, the coolest destination there is at the moment," Aku Varamäki, Social Media Manager from Finnair, says. Rodney Payne, CEO of Think! Social Media, the digital marketing agency that produces the SoMeT conferences says: “We’re very excited about this world-first conference launch on a plane. SoMeT is already one of the most progressive marketing conferences for destinations around the world, and now we’re taking SoMeT to new heights.” We cannot wait to experience this first hand, as abouTourism will be amongst the speakers at the #SoMeT14EU! Learn more about SoMeT at:  sometourism.com &  fb.com/SoMeTourism