So last year at WEC in Vancouver we experimented with a scavenger hunt via foursquare as an experiment in driving attendee traffic to interesting areas within the conference.  Well, it worked well and we're at it again for WEC 2011 in Orlando, thanks to some help from our very friendly and fun social media sponsor, Ottawa Tourism.

This year, with the help of some of our twitterati @ElizabethB, @MeetingPlanning and @VeleisaP we've established a number of check points throughout the Orange County Convention Center, Peabody Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Epcot and other key locations.  The game this year is that as you check in at different activities like The Big Deal, Rendezvous, RISE Awards ceremony or even The HIVE and Blitz! that you'll not only see who else is there, but also find clues in the tips section of the app.

The clues will actually be words that will create a "winning phrase".  Once you have the winning phrase on Tuesday, July 26, you'll need to check in at the HIVE for the official #WEC11 tweetup at 1 p.m. and on your check-in comment with the winning phrase.  Ottawa Tourism will draw a name from all correct entries for a grand prize.  Additional prizes will also be awarded to tweet up participants.

Other benefits of using foursquare at WEC are that some of our host committee are working with local Orlando businesses who may offer special discounts to WEC attendees, so be sure to check in throughout your stay in Orlando. 

Personally, I love watching people as they check in at the airport and post to twitter. It's a rolling wave of attendees as they hit MCO.  In Vancouver it also proved useful when trying to track down friends and colleagues.

Now if you're not familiar with foursquare CNN did a fun piece on it a while back that you can watch on YouTube. If you're still not sure you're using the app properly, you can always stop by the HIVE and have the technology concierge help you out when you get to WEC.