26 replies to this topic

[Matt B]

I have to say that Minneapolis was one of the more enjoyable seminars. The facility was excellent, and the level of knowledge was fantastic. The questions were always very good, and everyone was nice and very pleasant to be with.

Sorry, we didn't meet up redsonia! It seems that the time goes by very quickly during those few days.

[Ignoramus]

For the UK, we have one scheduled Oct. 2-5, but I'm not sure if those dates are finalized for sure yet.

Excellent - look forward to October.

[redsonia!]

Matt: The seminar did go by rather quickly. I can't believe the amount of information that was packed into those two days. All the sessions were very enjoyable, making them pass even more quickly. I never got bored or tired. I think I learned the most from the site reviews. I definitely would have liked to spend more time looking at sites and hearing "the good, the bad, and the ugly." And, of course, how to correct it.

[Scottie]

I think I learned the most from the site reviews. I definitely would have liked to spend more time looking at sites and hearing "the good, the bad, and the ugly." And, of course, how to correct it.

And... that's the really fun part anyway.

I do believe we are going to make more time for site reviews going forward. When we did a "workshop" day, we did have more time (I think I've always been able to review almost all of the websites put forward) BUT you had to choose between say, usability and analytics, or copywriting and keyword research. We split the attendees into two tracks.

I liked having everyone hear the same thing for the entire 2 days, but it did compress the sessions into a smaller time. We'll just have to keep tweaking it til we find the best solution.

[copywriter]

And, by the way, what's everyone's preference?

(A) More detail, but you have to select only 3 of the 6 sessions on day two or

( B ) Less detail (as we did in Mpls) and you get to attend all 6 sessions

Even if you didn't attend this seminar, which would you choose?

[redsonia!]

Actually, I think I would like to see something like the following:

Give people the ability to sign up by days (eg. Days 1-3, Days 1-2, Days 2-3, Day 3, etc)

1st day same as in Minneapolis - but advertised as introductory info for the newbie. (Since I have been keeping up to date with things on the forum and with the newsletter, I already knew this info. But there were a number of small business owners who attended who did not know much of the info presented that 1st day. So that info is definitely still needed, but perhaps not for someone who is familiar with this forum, etc.)

2nd day - same as in Minneapolis - advertised as an intermediate/more advanced session. I really enjoyed attending all the sessions. I would have hated to have to choose between them. I got important info from all of them. Please don't make us choose!

I would have liked to get into more detail about some things (copywriting, pay-per-click, how to write different types of adds and press releases, usability, etc.) So I would like to see a "more advanced" 3rd day added.

3rd day - more detailed workshops, and many site reviews. Advertised as intermediate/more advanced. Make the 3rd day on a Saturday. Then people would not be missing work, and you would probably be able to get more attendees for session. More of the professionals would be able to get there on a Friday and a Saturday, only missing 1 day of work. Also, they would not have to attend the 1st day and sit through much info that they already know.

This way, if you are not a newbie, you could just sign up to attend the 2nd/3rd days. Would not miss as much work and would get to hear more detailed info and many site reviews. (The site reviews would not necessarily have to be just those sites belonging to the attendees. You could select some sites that you are aware of that are good examples of "things gone wrong".)

Of course, this is just my thoughts.

Oh, and on my evaluations, I kinda repeatedly requested more time for questions. I think the time at the end of the day for questions did probably take care of that problem, but it would be nice to have a wee bit more time for questions between sessions.

[Jill]

Thanks, Redsonia, this is really helpful info!

[redsonia!]

I hope it helps. You did a great job. Thanks!

[maleman]

Do you make video recordings of these seminars?

[Jill]

Yes we did, maleman.

[maleman]

Yes we did, maleman.

Very cool. Are those for sale?

[Jill]

Well we have to edit and stuff. Then we'll decide what to do with them.