29 replies to this topic

[JobsinSearch]

Hi,

I am coming across from the UK for SES in New York.

For those who have attended SES shows before can you offer any advice on the best way to gain internet access whilst at the show?

Do they normally provide an internet cafe or do most people in the US use a "smart phone" or a blackberry to access email and the web?

Also, do most of the hotels offer internet access in New York?

Thanks

Mike

[Randy]

Welcome JobsinSearch !

Many, if not most hotels in the major cities of the US offer some from of Internet access. Lots of them offer high speed access. Lately it seems that more are going towards wireless access as opposed to making you plug into an RJ-45 in the room. So if you're bringing a laptop you'll also want to bring along your wireless card for it if it's not built into your laptop.

Your best course of action is going to be to ask the specific hotel that you plan to stay out and make sure they know that you want Internet access. I would be surprised if they don't offer some type of access since most business travelers demand it these days.

[mcanerin]

I'll echo what Randy said - I won't stay at a hotel without internet access - preferably wireless. And I can be picky like that because a large number offer them, so I'm not limiting myself. (well, I didn't have internet in Jinan, China, but that was the one exception...)

Also, there are often access points or terminals at or near the show, so you can hook up there pretty easily, usually.

It's a wired world....

[Jill]

I believe that the Hilton actually offers free wireless in the lobby, which is a great bonus! Most hotels don't have that, but the Hilton's are really great with that.

[JobsinSearch]

Thank you everyone for your advice.

Seems like the hotels are more switched on than I thought!

Thanks

Mike

[Haystack]

The Hilton hosting SES definitely has free WIFI in the lobby, but they charge for beer.

[sweepthelegnate]

tell me where the hotel is with free beer.


way to define your target audience and separate yourself from the competition

[randfish]

I just booked my flight and received my passes. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you there. I have been thinking about whether to carry my laptop with me or simply use it at night when I go back to my room. Is there real value to carrying it from session to session?

[Jill]

Depends...

Are you staying at the Hilton? If so, it's no big deal to go back and forth from your room to the sessions if you find you don't need the laptop.

If you're staying elsewhere, then obviously dragging around the laptop will be more cumbersome. It also depends on how heavy/big yours is, and whether or not you feel you'll be taking lots of notes. Some like to take notes on paper, some on their laptop.

Being able to check email and stuff using the Hilton's wireless connection in the lobby is always a plus as well. I find if I'm at a conference for more than a day or two, I try to get some work done and don't like to just sit in my room to do it.

[OldWelshGuy]

How come the wireless access is always in the bar

[randfish]

Thanks Jill, good advice. My hotel is a few blocks away, but it's not super-light, so I'd prefer to not have to drag it around, and I do take good notes on paper. On the other hand, it would be nice to work in the coffee shop/lounge/bar, etc. after hours...

BTW - Where do you all usually eat dinner - I know I love the NYC food scene, but I'm not sure whether budgets will allow for the same experiences I've had there in the past.

[Jill]

BTW - Where do you all usually eat dinner

It depends on who's paying!

In Chicago we had a great moderator's dinner, but I'm not sure if I'm going to be in NY long enough to do that again this time. I'm not even sure how many mods will be there. I'll be there Mon. and Tuesday nights, but that's it.

Usually though, Randfish, various people hook up and go out to various places. We've had some very large groups at times, but personally, I find that more trouble than it's worth unless it's all reserved in advance. I like to just go out with a few of my closest friends whenever I can. (Not a real crowd or loud noise person.)

[randfish]

Well, I have to agree with the noise issue, but New York does have one of my favorite features - no smoking in buildings. Well, I'm very excited to meet you all in NYC and then again in Seattle. See you soon!

[mcanerin]

This is just a reminder to everyone that the Search Marketing Association of North America (SMA-NA) will be having a meeting on Wed March 2 in the Sutton Room of the Hilton New York (Same venue as SES)between 6:30 and 7:30PM.

There will also be representatives from:

SMA-UK (United Kingdom)
SMA-EU (European Union)
SMA-LA (Latin America)

and the SMA-JP (Japan) and SMA-ANZ(Australia / New Zealand) are rumoured to be planning attendance, as well...

I hope to see some of you there!

Ian

[Scottie]

IF YOU HAVEN'T LEFT YET FOR NY!!

The weather looks awful. Plan for delays. I seem to be following the worst of the snow through DC then into Kennedy.

Pack your necessities and a change of clothes in your carryon bag, if you don't normally think about it. No doubt there will be luggage issues this week.

Snow boots and heavy coats! Pack em if you got em! (I'm looking for that heavy stuff now, and not sure where it is since I've been driving with my car windows down for 2 weeks enjoying the warm weather...)

If all goes well, I should reach the hotel at about 4PM. I'm sure I'll pass you all in the bar...