12 replies to this topic

[vinnie2227]

So I've been to SES and I realize it has better parties which is plenty to sell me on going again, but we're also looking at the Internet Retailer Conference. I'm wondering if who has been to both can share their opinions on the experience. We may run into a situation where we have to choose between the two for budget reasons.

A good part of our marketing strategy lies with search engines and on the web, but it's not the only thing we focus on. Any opinions on this would be helpful. Otherwise you'll be seeing the new me in San Jose!

[Jill]

If you've already been to one SES then trying something different would probably bring you the best bang for your buck. (Assuming the one you have in mind had good reviews from others who are into retail.)

[vinnie2227]

Thought I'd follow up on this post since I just attended the IRC. I would not recommend this conference to anyone, except perhaps absolute newbies to the internet. The conference consisted of CEOs and big wigs talking for 10-15 minutes about general stuff-no nitty gritty like you get at SES.

[Mel66]

Really?!? The way IR touts it, and the info on the conference web site, leads one to believe there's a lot of meat to be had at the conference for internet retailers. We put this in our budget next year - maybe we should take it out!

Thanks for the feedback! Anyone else who attended want to comment?

Melissa

[smc_online]

I agree with vinnie2227. I attended the first one and walked away feeling the same way. Although some presentations (like Overstock.com's) were interesting, I did not walk away with having learned anything new.

[vinnie2227]

Our SVP sends us to these conferences and asks us each to come back to 10 actionable ideas. At SES we'd come back with 40-50 ideas. We struggled to come back with anything from this one. I would go to SES over this one.

[Trellian]

OK so not that good to visit... but I was recently told that it was a good show to exhibit at, so we added it to our 2007 shows.

Would appreciate if anyone that was an exhibitor this year could give their feedback if that is a show worth exhibiting at?

Cheers
David

[vinnie2227]

Though we weren't exhibitors, I did go down and I have to say it was probably the best part of the entire show.

[toprank]

If you're looking for alternatives or just something additional, the DMA has been increasing the number of search marketing tracks at its shows a lot this year, although they are by no means anything close to SES. The next one is the DMA Annual conference in San Francisco.

There's also WebmasterWorld Pubcon (next in Vegas) and ad:tech (next in Chicago). Of the SES shows, San Jose is my favorite although I like NYC as a place to visit more.

[Trellian]

we are doing all the SES, ad:tech, pubcons, domain traffic shows so these are all covered.

What we are looking for "other" shows to exhibit at. Shows that have the same sort of attendees. SEO/SEM/Ade agencies, webmasters and website owners...

Cheers
David

[jehochman]

Trellian, have you considered organizing your own events? You can pack a room with 100 people and show them how to really use your product to maximum effectiveness. If necessary, you can broaden the show by inviting other speakers to talk about related topics.

[Trellian]

Yes for many years now... one of these days we will give it a go.

That is a part reason why we are hiring more tradeshow staff in the US.

But for now looking at existing established shows that we can be infront of 2000+ attendees.

re:

DMA Annual conference in San Francisco

Looks like another one will be adding to our schedule.

Cheers
David

Edited by Trellian, 24 June 2006 - 02:43 AM.

[storyspinner]

Vinnie --
Just a heads up - I'd also stay away from E-Tail if you didn't like Internet Retailer. They are very heavy on the VP and Directors of big companies speaking. Basically the people who only have a high level understanding .... at least that's from my experience.

Out of all of these - SES and Webmaster world are probably your best bets.