For the last several months, I've been unable to travel to conferences and other convenings in our field. But I have actively been following colleagues who have taken the extra step to tweet from far-flung gatherings. When you can't afford to attend a conference or when your schedule simply doesn't allow it, the Twitter feed from onsite attendees becomes crucially valuable. It's not a replacement for the real thing, but it does allow you to feel connected and share knowledge in real time.

With this in mind, here are a few tips for tweeting from live events.

1. Make sure you include the event's hashtag. This establishes the unique group at the event and allows all tweets to be collated on the feed. Usually an organization will announce a hashtag, but don't be shy about asking for it.

2. Before you attend the event, start tweeting! Tell your followers: "I'm headed to #APAP2012 & I'm psyched!" (Notice the hashtag is included in the tweet rather than at the end of the tweet. Doing this saves space and still serves the hashtag purpose.)

3. Describe what you see. How many people? What are they doing? Is there a buzz? Who just walked in the room? What did you overhear? Who is seated next to you? Include a picture! These types of tweets help non-attendees get a sense of the atmosphere and visualize the setting. Here's a tweet from the closing plenary at our conference in January: "#APAP closing b'fast w Azar Nafisi is packed! Her message is a wake-up call about curiosity & empathy. #APAPNYC"

4. Tweet the full names of speakers, their titles and something you notice about them: "Sandra Gibson, APAP's CEO, is at the mic welcoming members. She's wearing one of her fab necklaces!" 

5. Report on what you hear. Some tweeters find it easy to make a quick note with a pen and paper, and then transcribe it through Twitter. Others are fast typers. Know what works for you. And proofread! Be sure to spell names, locations, titles correctly. A quick surf on Google or an organization's website can assure accuracy. Printed programs can be very useful, too.

6. Retweet other ideas you missed and find worthy of repetition -- and be sure to comment. It's always nice to acknowledge a colleague: "Happy you're here. RT @texasfolklife: Is represented @APAP365 in nyc!"

7. Keep tweeting! Stay with the action to offer your followers the complete picture. When it's over, say so: "Azar Nafisi gets standing O. We're all tired but she has re-inspired & re-energized us. Thank you! #APAP #APAPNYC ."

8. On the other hand: Don't wear yourself down by tweeting too much. Be selective. Tweeting can enhance your experience or exhaust you. Strive for the former.

9. If you notice something else at the event -- a man who just walked in with a cloud of balloons -- tweet it! Not all of your tweets have to be about the main action.

10. If you're like me -- following virtually -- join the discussion. Let your colleagues know you're part of the conversation no matter where you are and that you appreciate their reportage and commentary: "Great live tweeting from Arts Forum at The Times Center. Keep the tweets coming! @nycarts #culturetrack"

A final note: You can tweet directly from your Twitter account on your computer or cell phone. We also use Hootsuite, Echofon and Tweetdeck on our phones. Do you have tips for tweeting from live events? Let us know and join our conversation @APAP365