Social Media Portal (SMP) interview with Naomi Arthey from SMi Group

Naomi Arthey, conference producer from SMI Group tells us more about the forthcoming Social Media in the Utilities Sector event

Social Media portal (SMP): What is your name and what do you do there for SMI Conferences and for the Social Media in the Utilities Sector?

Naomi Arthey (NA): I?m Naomi Arthey, conference producer at SMi Group and I?m responsible for marketing the Social Media in the Utilities Sector conference.

SMP: Briefly, tell us about Social Media in the Utilities Sector, what is it and when / where is the event scheduled?

NA:  It?s from 15-16 April 2013 at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, London, UK

SMP: Who are your target audience and why (who should attend)?

NA:  Professionals from marketing, digital media / channels, customer service, PR managers from utilities so they can hear from their peers on how to improve their engagement strategies, while gathering customer intelligence and extending brand identity.

SMP: Why was Social Media in the Utilities Sector started, and how long has it been going?

NA: The inaugural event started in May 2012, as part of our portfolio of other Social Media conferences in our other sectors (Defence and Pharmaceuticals)

SMP: The 2012 event was great, what is Social Media in the Utilities Sector doing that?s different this year?

NA: Utilities are boosting their social media efforts as they have realised what advantages it could bring to their commercial operations in terms of improving public perception and how they engage with current customers. Social Media in the Utilities Sector 2013 will help them do this.

SMP: Is the event in conjunction with any other events this year?

NA: We have other Social Media conferences in Defence and Pharmaceuticals

SMP: Why does the industry need this event?

NA: With social media now a common communication tool for millions globally, utility companies see the need to improve how they operate in this area. Social Media in the Utilities Sector 2013 provides them with case studies from those who have already implemented their own strategies and lessons learnt for best practice.

SMP: What will be the highlights at the event for delegates?

NA: The networking opportunities available with senior industry figures from an array of Global Utility companies

SMP: It?s a specialist sector event, but how is it similar to mainstream events?

NA: Case studies will highlight lessons learnt from utilities who have already implemented their own social media strategies, highlighting what can be improved. Our other conferences on different topics do the same for the area they operate in.

SMP: And what makes it very different?

NA: It focuses on social media in a targeted sector, rather than a general scope, which may be irrelevant to those working in utilities.

SMP: How are you attracting and attendees to the event?

NA: We are attracting the attendees from our portfolio of our other utility events and also drawing in new attendees with our speaker line-up full of social media managers from the utilities and other sectors.

SMP: What are the most important things that attendees can take away from this event?

NA: Shared knowledge on how to improve customer engagement and the importance social media can play in helping this.

SMP: What are the low moments of what you have been doing so far in terms of the Social Media in the Utilities Sector?

NA: None I can think of I?ve really enjoyed working on it as its so up and coming!

SMP: What are the high moments of what you have been doing so far in terms of the Social Media in the Utilities Sector?

NA: The buzz around this event, especially as it is only in its second year as an annual event.

SMP: How can agencies, brands, sponsors and other stakeholders get involved in Social Media in the Utilities Sector?

NA: They can get involved by booking.  Alternatively, please contact Andrew Gibbons for more information on +44 (0) 20 7827 6156 or email agibbons@smi-online.co.uk

SMP: Have you any early bird discounts and other discounts (if so, when does it end)?

NA: Social Media Portal (SMP) readers and Elemental friends and peers can quote U016 SMP to receive a £300 discount.

SMP: Why is the social media such an important talking point and why will it continue to be for the utility sector throughout of 2013?

NA: Changes in communication and engagement strategies will be an industry ever-present, as they need to be constantly refined to meet changing consumer demands. Also, the evolving nature of social media as a communications platform will mean utilities will need to address these developments in their own tailored strategies.

SMP: What are the top five things that utility specialists should be addressing in terms of social media over the next 12 to 18-months?

• Think outside the box, social media is all about innovation of ideas
  
  
• Care for your own: in order to improve customer service, you need to engage with them
  
  
• Prioritising social media will mean attracting more customers
  
  
• Get with the times: with other industries turning to social media to do so, it?s about time the utilities caught up
  
  
• If you want to find out more about how to do this practically, come along to SMi?s Social Media in the Utilities Sector conference

NA replies with: Twitter @UtilitiesSMi

Now some questions for fun

SMP: What did you have for breakfast and lunch?

NA: Cereal and a banana

SMP: What?s the last good thing that you did for someone?

NA: Too many to recall!

SMP: If you weren?t running or working on Social Media in the Utilities Sector (or doing what you do) what would you be doing?

NA: Working on marketing all of my other events

SMP: When and where did you go on your last holiday?

NA: Vietnam, two years ago

SMP: What was your New Year?s resolution (how is it going so far) and how are you going to keep to it?

NA: To get fit, going well so far I think

SMP: What?s the first thing you do when you get into the office of a morning?

NA: Check my emails

SMP: If you had a superpower what would it be and why?

NA: Teleportation so I can avoid flying when travelling

If you're interested in doing a Social Media Portal (SMP) interview, get in touch.