Your event buzz begins with hashtags.

By definition, the # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics on Twitter in a Tweet. It gives users a method of categorizing topics. For event planners, it’s an easy way to get feedback before, during and after your event.

I found these tips helpful in using hashtags for your event as outlined by Mopwater Social Public Relations.

• Search the hashtag (Twitter search) and make sure no one else is using it.
• Register the hashtag. It’s not really yours unless you register it, and you can’t get a transcript of the tweets after the event is over unless you register it. Use wthashtag.com
• Every time you mention the event, mention the hashtag. Mention the tag in your web pages, blog posts, press releases, postcards, flyers, posters, direct mail, e-blasts, digital signage, banners. Think of the hashtag as just another bit of contact information for your event attendees, like the web address or phone number.
• Mention the hashtag as early as you can. If you get an early start to your marketing, get an early start to the mentioning of your tag. If you are using an online event registration tool, introduce your hashtag when you are introducing your event. On EventWax  you can include your hashtag on your event’s landing page. 
• After the event, provide a transcript of  all hashtag activity. Post it on your organization’s blog or send out the link in your post-event newsletter recap.

Your event’s hashtag also can:

• promote scheduled speakers
• outline open sessions at conferences
• provide a way for attendees to communicate and meet up
• give featured speakers an avenue for following up with their audiences
• give users a platform for feedback on the event

Measure your hashtag’s popularity with Hashtracking.com, a service that tallies the number of tweets generated, number of impressions, the reach of audience, the top ten Twitter users by number of impressions and the top ten Twitter users by number of tweets.