I am happy to report that I was fortunate enough to attend the 4-day Search Engine Strategies (SES) conference this past week - a conference dedicated to the search marketing industry. The conference was held in San Jose, and I had an absolute blast taking in the sights, and catching up with a few of my colleagues. All in all, it was a great conference.
This years show featured a couple new tracks as well as several new sessions which ranged everywhere from analyzing search algorithms based on search engine patents to a discussion where panelist shared some of their most valuable search engine related tools.
The expo hall was a real treat as well. It featured more vendors (compared to Decembers show in Chicago) and even a few that I was unaware of until there SES debut. Needless to say that I flew away with mountains of information and ideas to test and plan for future projects... which usually happens with me after attending these types of shows.
Other Highlights of my trip:
Yahoo!'s Search Night Off
Yahoo! declared that Monday night would be "Search Night Off" and even went on to host a fun filled evening with food, drinks, and yes... even roller coasters. That's right, roller coasters! Yahoo! went that extra step and rented out Paramount's 6 flags Great America and invited SES attendees to join in on the fun. I of course could not resist and was one of the many who attended.
Google Dance 2005
On Tuesday night, Google was kind enough to invite everyone on over to their pad for a little gathering known as the annual Google Dance. Its nothing too fancy... it's just your basic backyard barbeque. Yeah... not really. In my opinion (and that's the only one that counts on this blog), Google not only remains the number one search engine on the Internet, but they also throw the best SES evening parties. Image you average everyday patio party... now imagine it for about 1, 000 or so people and on Google's budget. Very Nice!
Webmaster Radio's Search Bash
As if 2 long nights weren't enough, try waking up on time after a third and after attending the Webmaster Radio's Search Bash. I was a true walking zombie. Webmaster Radio, among other sponsors, hosted a party at San Jose's :Studio 8." This was your basic "club" scene with flashy lights, loud techno-style music, and a full bar and dance floor. If you're ever looking for a good time... take a bunch of Search Engine Marketers, add in some alcohol, throw them into an environment with loud music, and stand back to watch. Very entertaining!
Yahoo! Store Developers Meeting
Just like last year, after the SES show ended on Thursday I jumped into a car with fellow All Webbers Michael Roebuck and Kelly Wilson, along with a few other designers, and headed for Yahoo!. After about a half hour of shopping in the gift shop, we were invited behind closed-doors to get a quick peak at a couple of Yahoo! Stores future projects and then out for a few drinks with the developing team. Truly a great time. YAHOOOOO!!!!
San Francisco
On Friday Michael, Kelly and I took a train up to San Francisco for the day. Nothing to big as it was just your normal tourist-type activities. We stopped by SBC Field (home of the San Francisco Giants) and then moved on to Fisherman's Wharf for a little shopping, sight seeing including a boat ride in the bay, and of course clam chowder.
If interested, I've published my 2005 SES San Jose Conference Photos on Flickr.
Labels: search-engine-marketing
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