What is a social wall, and why does it work at business events?

Not every social wall works the same way. There are three main types, each with a different use.

Hashtag wall: Guests post on Instagram, LinkedIn, or X using a specific hashtag, such as #ANNUALPARTY2026 or #KICKOFF_NAME. The platform collects all posts with that hashtag and displays them on the screen. This is the most common type used at business events. It works well for groups where you expect guests to already be active on social media. Downside: you’re dependent on guests’ willingness to post.

Upload wall: Guests upload photos using a QR code or a shared platform (such as an event app or a dedicated upload page). No social media account is required. This type works best for events where you’re not sure if guests are active on social media, or where you want more control over the content. Think of a family day or a staff event with a mixed age group.

Moderation wall: A moderation wall combines a hashtag or upload feature with a live moderation function: you or a colleague approves posts before they appear on the screen. This type is recommended for public events, events with customers or external guests, or simply if you’d rather not have unwanted posts on the main screen. Most social wall platforms have this feature built in by default.

For business events, we recommend always using a moderation wall. Not because you expect negative content to be posted, but because it allows you to control what appears on the screen. At a kick-off event with 300 employees, you don’t want someone’s test post—sent just to check if the system is working—to be the first message displayed on the screen.

The market for social wall software is vast. The most commonly used platforms for business events in the Netherlands are Walls.io, Tint, and Social Wall Pro. All are solid choices: the difference lies in the details.

Walls.io is the most widely used platform for corporate events in Europe. The control panel is intuitive, the moderation feature works quickly, and the platform supports all major social media channels as well as direct uploads. The subscription price is €39 per month, with a day pass available for €15. For a one-time event, the day pass is the most cost-effective option.

Tint is more powerful and more customizable. It offers more layouts and integration options, including for large-scale productions or events with a strong brand focus. While it is more expensive than Walls.io, the additional features make it a worthwhile investment for larger productions.

Social Wall Pro is a simpler, more affordable alternative that works great for smaller events. It has fewer features, but the core functionality (collecting, moderating, and displaying hashtags) is still there.

The technical requirements are as follows: ensure that the venue has a reliable Wi-Fi connection for the moderator’s laptop, and that the screen or projector has an HDMI port. Most platforms run through a browser, so no special software installation is required. Allow 30 minutes for setup if the moderator is unfamiliar with the platform.

A social wall only works if it’s not just for show. If the wall is up but no one sees it or pays attention to it, it’s a waste of money. The wall needs to be an active part of the program.

Announcement upon arrival: Turn on the screen as soon as the first guests arrive. Have the host or emcee explicitly announce the hashtag: “Take your best photo of the night and post it with #NAME. We’ll see you on the screen.” Make people feel like they’re contributing to something collective.

The social media spike following the program’s climax: People post most frequently immediately after an emotionally or visually striking moment—such as a surprise, an award ceremony, a spectacular performance, or a group photo. Actively schedule the wall for the time when the posting spike is expected. Have a moderator on standby to approve posts immediately, so that the delay between posting and display is minimal.

Posts from the organization: Have the organization post updates as well—behind-the-scenes glimpses, setup photos, and shots of the first guests arriving. These posts will fill the feed in the opening minutes and encourage others to follow. Prepare two or three of these posts in advance so you can publish them at the right moment.

Closing Remarks: Wrap up the evening with a special shout-out to the guests who shared the most content—not as a competition, but as a gesture of appreciation. “Take a look at the screen: these are your moments from tonight.” That sense of collective ownership is exactly what a social wall can bring to the closing of an event.

The cost of a social wall at a business event is low compared to most other event elements. For a one-day event, you can expect to pay €15 to €50 for the software license, plus the cost of the screen or projector (€150 to €400 rental fee, depending on the venue) and the moderator’s time (2 to 3 hours, including setup).

In total, a full-featured social wall costs between €200 and €600 for an event with 50 to 300 attendees. For larger events or those with multiple screens, the costs increase, but the value remains good.

Is it worth it? That depends on three factors. The first question is: are your guests active on social media? For an event with 200 employees aged 25 to 45, the answer is yes. For a cocktail party with retired business contacts, that’s less likely. The second question is: is there an external PR component? If you want the event to be visible outside the venue (on LinkedIn, on Instagram), then a social wall is a direct accelerator. The third question is: is there someone who will take on the moderation on the day itself? Without a moderator, the wall runs at low capacity. With an active moderator, it makes all the difference.

As a general rule, for events with 75 or more attendees that include a mixed group of people under 50, a social wall is almost always worth the investment. The €300 investment has a greater impact on the event experience and online visibility than most other extras in a similar price range. Learn more about organizing corporate events →

We incorporate social walls as a standard feature at events where online visibility or guest engagement is a goal. Not because the technology is impressive, but because it works when used effectively.

What we do: We select the software based on the target audience and the type of event, set up the technical equipment on-site, train a moderator (or handle the moderation ourselves), announce the wall in the script at the appropriate time, and ensure that content is available at the start so the wall doesn’t begin empty.

Here’s our advice: a good hashtag is short, distinctive, and appears on all invitations and screens in the venue. Don’t use a hashtag that’s already widely used, or else outsiders will flood your feed. A company name + year or a specific event search term works best.

We use social walls at kick-off events, staff parties, anniversary celebrations, product launches, and client appreciation days. On average, events that actively use a social wall generate 40 to 80 posts from guests on the night itself. That’s organic reach that wouldn’t have been generated otherwise. It’s brand visibility you can’t buy.

Want to know if a social wall is right for your event? Then be sure to read our article on booking entertainment for events, because a social wall works best when it fits well with the surrounding program.

A social wall that works isn't just a technical feat. It's a strategic choice that strengthens your program and boosts your visibility beyond the venue.

We’d be happy to help you decide whether and how a social wall would work for your event. Call us at 085 401 40 14 or email us at hello@live-impact.nl.

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