Thanks to Paula Werne, Director of Public Communications at Holiday World, for speaking with the Social Media Club of Evansville.  If you were unable to attend, you should know that it was inspiring to hear Paula talk about how she uses social media to form relationships with the parks guests.  It’s not always about selling something in new media, it’s about connecting and forming bonds that keep people coming back for more.  Also, if you weren’t there, you missed out on some great party favors.

Paula spoke about how Holiday World first took the plunge into social media, starting with a blog around the launch of the Legend roller coaster.  Up until that time, they didn’t really feel like they had a lot to share, and didn’t feel like filling a blog with pointless updates.  However, the buzz surrounding the upcoming wooden roller coaster provided a perfect opportunity to start sharing teaser photos and information that enthusiasts flocked to.  Communication has changed in Paula’s 20 years at Holiday World and the first theme park blog set in motion the social media presence you see today.

Party Favor

Holiday World’s huge success in the social media realm is attributed to Paula’s idea of what new media should be about.  She recommends you should focus on posting relevant information, asking who cares before hitting enter, even if that next communication is only 140 characters long.  Furthermore, the contacts made on Facebook and Twitter should be more than numbers, they are relationships that require communication.  If you never reply to comments from followers or fans, you might as well be counting business cards in the closet.

Thanks again to Paula Werne for taking the time to speak with us at the November Social Media Club of Evansville event.  Also, thanks for the great party favors, including 2 free passes to Holiday World, Images of America Holiday World book, and a Holiday World Christmas ornament.

Follow Holiday World:

• HoliBlog
• HoliTweets
• Holiday World on Facebook

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