My “Tweeting up with THE_REAL_SHAQ: Phoenix Suns PR Pros embrace Twitter, social media” article for PRSA Tactics published today. Thanks as always to the PRSA publications staff, and also to Krystal Temple (@sunsprgirl), Amy Martin (@phoenixsunsgirl), Jamie Morris (@sunsprdiva), and Jeramie McPeek (@sunswebmaster) from the Suns organization for their time spent meeting and interviewing with me about their social media use.

The article is about a Tweetup event the Suns held during their January 16th home game for fans who use Twitter, and it of course emphasizes the PR perspective that drove the event. Shaq (@the_real_shaq) himself attended, and there were plenty of activities to satisfy just about any NBA fan.

Equally impressive is the team’s application of social media beyond Twitter. They have put themselves in a leadership position as far as sports franchises go. The organized Tweetup for example was the first of its kind in the NBA. I think it was an award-caliber event (hint: Krystal, submit in “events” category of various PR award programs).

See the article for details on other social tools the team is using; there are many, these are the highlights. The article also includes a link to video of Shaq meeting his Tweeps after the game (also below), and to capture some of the vibe from that night search #sunstweetup on http://search.twitter.com.

Judging by the favorable reaction from Tweetup attendees, I would expect more spins on this idea to come from the Suns, and likely other NBA teams. Next up may be the All-Star Game which Phoenix hosts at the US Airways Center Feb 14th and 15th.

Rick Welts (the very guy who created All-Star Weekend – that’s right, the dunk and three-point shooting contests etc.) is the Suns’ President & COO. Could he have something new and unique up his sleeve with the game being on his home court? Jamie Morris tells me that although the Suns are the host team, they have a prescribed league event flow to follow. Makes sense, but consider this my encouragement to shake things up a bit. Whatever the case, the Suns are “one to watch,” on the court and off.

(Full “Tweetup” article at PRSA Tactics online)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXZjTDoSxQI]