It seems a bit premature to have tips for the Search Marketing Expo considering the first-ever SMX doesn’t take place until next week, but it is taking place in my hometown and I’ve been to enough search conferences to know how to make the most of them.
Below are my tips for those who are new to search conferences and those who aren’t new to search conferences but are new to SMX (should be the rest of us). If you are new to search, I think you are at the wrong conference (SMX Seattle is geared towards advanced search marketers).
New to Search Conferences:
- Some of the best search information is gained outside of the conference rooms – in hallways, at the parties and in the bars. Danny realizes this, and has set up three networking events. Attend them all.
- Many of the brightest minds in search will be at this conference (both search engine employees and those whose lifeblood is tied to search). Listen and remember, not all experts will have a microphone in front of them, some will be sitting right next to you.
- No matter how brilliant or “famous” the people at the conference may seem to you, don’t let that deter you from introducing yourself. I’ve found people in our industry to be incredibly welcoming. Remember, these people aren’t famous outside this industry and they are as much of a geek as you and I are.
New to SMX:
- After being beautiful and in the 80s all week, the weather is expected to flip completely to rain on Monday and Tuesday. It’s really a conspiracy. Seattle wants out-of-towners to tell everyone it rains here all the time. Regardless, we’ll probably be spending most of our time indoors anyways.
- The Bell Harbor conference center rocks. Great views and good location. Wifi is free, so bring a laptop so you can connect to the web during a conversation to show people what you are talking about.
- Andy Beal claims he’ll be videotaping everything. Jump on camera if you’ve got a spare moment, but shoo him away if the camera is taming down your corner conversation. Don’t forget about the WebProNews guys either.
- If you want to try a local favorite beer, ask for a Mac and Jacks (it’s only available on tap).
Other people excited about the upcoming SMX Seattle Conference:
Google Webmaster Central
SEOMoz
Karl Ribas
Todd Mintz
Scott Clark
SEO Chicks
Adam Killam
Matt Cutts
May 31st, 2007 at 7:51 am
Good tips! I’m looking forward to my first-ever trip to Seattle. See you there!
May 31st, 2007 at 8:12 am
I have a zoom lens and know how to use it! :-)
May 31st, 2007 at 8:49 am
Good stuff – hope to see you there! I’m so far behind on meeting some of the people I *regularly* converse with online that it’s silly. I’m thinking *overwhelming*
June 1st, 2007 at 8:56 am
hi Dustin,
Thanks for mentioning the SEO Chicks. Hopefully meet you in person in Seattle.
Cheers
June 1st, 2007 at 9:40 am
After writing this post, I had several non-search people come to me telling me they were invited to attend the networking events for free. To be honest, I’m a bit dissapointed. I really wanted to network with just advanced search marketers, but there are several Seattle companies and organizations that have been given free or cheap passes and these are going to people who may know little to nothing about search. I’m hoping the actual conference attendees badges are clearly marked.
Lisa, Scott & Andy: looking forward to seeing you all there!
June 1st, 2007 at 9:51 am
[...] I’m getting into Seattle Sunday afternoon, and leaving Wednesday. I’ll be speaking with Neil, Rand, and Cindy Crum on SEO meet SMM. Looking forward to an interesting panel. Here’s my conference tips and tricks post for those just getting acclimated. Dustin has some nice tips on the conference as well. It should be a great show. Be sure to come up and say hello. I love Social Media! – Votes are noticed and appreciated:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]
June 1st, 2007 at 11:08 am
Hey Dustin…I look forward to meeting you.
June 2nd, 2007 at 7:57 pm
[...] SMX is a chance for me to meet people I know. That sounds wierd, but it’s true in today’s social networking, blogospheric, twitter world. Or at least I think it’s that chance. I’m introverted sometimes in large groups, and to be honest, I don’t even know what some folks look like. I enjoyed Stuntdubl’s list of tips, which led me to Jim Boykin’s list of conversation starters. Then Dustin has posted some great tips that really have got me charged up. [...]
June 15th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Hi,
I really enjoy reading you blog and when I saw this blog post the other day I thought you might like it.
http://www.lifeblue.com/goblue/web_design_laid.html
I thought you might think it was funny, considering you posted about going to SMX in Seattle. Keep up the great posts.
Thanks,
Chris
April 6th, 2008 at 3:34 am
[...] – source: Dustin Woodard [...]
May 30th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
[...] Last year, I gave out some SMX attendee tips which still apply to the 2nd installment this year. [...]
July 7th, 2010 at 6:24 am
[...] Auteur: My Interview With Dustin Woodard I first became aware of Dustin when he dropped my name in a post (which is still a very effective way to get someone’s attention). I ended up meeting him at the [...]