Reflecting on Social Media Conference Cymru 2023 - a celebration of Welsh creativity

By: James Sweeney, Account Executive

Social Media Conference Cymru is an event dedicated to bringing together communication professionals from across Wales; discussing the latest news and insights into developments in the social media landscape. The event launched in September 2023 with over 280 attendees, it's an event rapidly gaining attraction throughout the Welsh creator economy. 

I was one of the lucky ones who attended last year's conference and as we prepare for 2024’s event, on the 26th of September in Swansea Arena, I cannot wait to see what this year’s has in store. Before we move further, let’s take a look at some of 2023’s highlights:

Opening Session - Owen Williams - Managing Director at Siml

If you’re looking for an electrifying opening speech to an event, look no further than Owen Williams. Bringing the perfect energy and enthusiasm required for a crazy, learning-filled day. During his session, Owen shared his three-step process for how to go viral on socials:

1. Information - What does this content tell me about the world?

2. Identity - What does this content tell me about myself?

3. Emotion - How does this content make me feel? Owen referenced how emotions such as surprise, shock, and excitement tend to be more likely to perform well compared to more simple emotions

The UGC Opportunity for Businesses - Beth Thomas, Content and Campaigns at TikTok 

Next up on our list is former Content and Campaigns Manager at TikTok (currently Director of Social Media Operations at Frankly), Beth Thomas. Beth’s session was focused on the rise of UGC and the opportunities it creates for businesses. Some key takeaways include:

1. UGC content performs better overall, as the creators truly understand their audience and the content they consume and engage with 

2. She also noted how replayable TikToks, which aren't filled with corporate jargon or aren’t over-promotional perform better under TikTok's algorithm

3. TikTok has found that you only have 1 second to capture somebody's attention, you've got to make each part of the video count

Humour and Personality on Socials - Richard Cook at Monzo Bank

Next up on our list is Richard Cook, Social Media Lead at Monzo Bank. It’s safe to say when it comes to social presence, there are hundreds of brands that have the engagement and platform that Monzo has shaped over the last couple of years. Richard’s main points were:

1. There is no boring topic, only boring content - there is always a way to make social posts engaging and creative, regardless of the business or subject area

2. The key to success on socials is finding the ideal balance for your page regarding proactive and reactive content - both have their place and create different value for readers

Using Welsh on Social Media - Laura Truelove

Laura Truelove, Senior Digital Manager at the Welsh Government (Llywodraeth Cymru) delivered a brilliant session on the role of bilingual communications and how people can implement Welsh into their social strategy. Laura spoke about:

1. It doesn’t matter how fluent you are, it’s all about using what you know and learning as you go 

2. Some of the different ways that you can incorporate other languages into your content creation 

3. How the language we speak channels our family, our culture and our heritage

Last year’s conference was a testament to the vibrant and creative nature of the creator economy in Wales. Being a Welsh creator, it’s fantastic to see more awareness and support being created for fellow communication professionals across the country. 

As we look forward to 2024’s event in Swansea Arena, it’s clear that Social Media Conference Cymru is not just an event, but a celebration of creativity, innovation, and cultural pride in Wales. I can’t wait to see what new insights and connections this year’s conference will bring.