Attending conferences and industry events can be a very valuable experience if you’re looking to expand your brand as a blogger or marketer. I recently ran across a post Unique Blog Design’s Nate Whitehill published, on this very topic. You might find it’s worth the read.
The educational opportunities conferences offer are great but it’s the networking that really makes going to an event worth it. Anyone who attended IZEAFest this past September can testify to that.
One conference that holds tremendous networking opportunities is Affiliate Summit, co-founded by IZEA Blogger Advisory Board member Missy Ward. Affiliate Summit is the leading global conference and tradeshow for the Affiliate Marketing industry, and having exhibited there earlier this year I can recommend that it’s well worth your time and money. The next show is in Las Vegas from January 11-13, 2009.
To find out more about Affiliate Summit West, or to register, click here.
What conferences have you been to this year, that were worth your time? Which ones are you considering going to in 2009?
Affiliate Summit West is one I’m definitely considering – not only is it in Las Vegas which is on my side of the continent, but I think I’d learn so much – and of course enjoy the networking!
You know I’m big on lists? I’d love to have a list of conference and the dates so I can start scheduling! Is there a list anywhere you know of???
@Heather in Beautiful BC I’m not aware of a central hub, that posts all industry tradeshows and events. However, you can find many of them listed on Upcoming. They have a pretty good search function.
I’m super excited about Affiliate Summit West this year, as I’m going to be the Blog Mistress Host in the Bloghaus/Press Room! See you there!
@Julie The Blog Mistress? That sounds exciting! What does that entail, and how do you think other bloggers could get involved with similar things at other events?
Ashley – basically what I will be doing is hosting the blogging lounge/press room. Making sure all the bloggers have what they need, power, refreshments, logos to use on their post, etc. Oh and I’m also going to have some Wii Bowling for a little relax time after the conferences.
I was asked to be the Blog Mistress by Missy Ward, but the more I think of it, the more I think it could work at other conferences as well. Just having a contact person person there to help out and make them feel at home.
@Julie That’s great. I hope other bloggers find encouragement by what you’re doing, and seek to do similar things for themselves (if they want). Things like the “Blog Mistress” will also benefit you in your Insiders role, too!
I’m 95% sure that I’ll be at Affliate Summit West. It follows CES back to back, and I’m looking at hitting both events.
The trick is that the sweet spot for CES is the days before (for press) and then the first couple days of the show. Adding in Affiliate Summit West, basically means I’ll be looking at spending about a week and a half in Vegas.
Last year I couldn’t attend Affiliate Summit and SXSW. Had conference passes for both and plane tickets booked, but I got sick as a dog for two weeks and had to cancel the trips.
This year these are 2 of the primary big shows I’m looking to hit.
Hey Brett, I’ll see you at both conferences then
Yes, Mistress Julie, anything you say Mistress Julie.
Seriously, I think that is a great thing. I’ve been to a few bloghauses at different events and its sometimes a bit chaotic.
Hmmm, maybe I should start a “service” like that. Hmmmmm….
Thanks for the mention Ashley
I actually just set up a 20% discount code off of any pass type for anyone reading the Izea Blog that wants to attend Affiliate Summit 2009 West in Las Vegas. Simply use “IZEABLOG” in the discount code box when prompted.
Looking forward to seeing you!
@Missy Ward Thanks for the promo code. I Tweeted it earlier, so hopefully you’ll see some registrations come through.
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