Pubcon Las Vegas or SES Chicago?

Barry has posted a poll over at SERoundtable on whether people will be attending WebmasterWorld's PubCon in Las Vegas or Search Engine Strategies in Chicago this upcoming December. Now granted I am a little bit biased since I am one of the conference organizers for PubCon. However, I am also a Moderator at Search Engine Watch and the Official SES Party Coordinator as well as a long time speaker at both venues.

I will say however that last year, out of 18 conferences that I attended worldwide, PubCon Vegas was my favorite. It helped having great keynotes and having Danny Sullivan there was an added bonus so it was really almost a twofer ;) Barry gives reference to several facors to help attendees decide including:

Weather
Venue
Business Opportunities
Networking
Educational Experience

I'll let you decide on your own which one to attend and how to give weighting to each category, but there are a few other factors to add to your decision making. Consider the 'Three P's':

Programming - SES Chicago won't be programmed by Danny even though he will be moderating - it won't be his show as he won't be the conference Chair. Brett Tabke does a fantastic job with the programming so I'm giving a hat tip towards PubCon.

Price - SES is typically a more expensive show and when compared to PubCon Vegas all around - the conference price will be considerably less, hotel rooms in Las Vegas are fairly inexpensive in relation to Chicago and flights to Vegas can usually be found on the cheap - especially in the off season. Once again, nod towards PubCon.

Parties - Typically, Chicago SES is terribly lacking on the social front and for the past couple of years the parties have been failry dismal and if it weren't for last minute contributions by a few folks there wouldn't have been anything party wise, whereas with PubCon, there are usually several good sponsored bashes and the last day of the conference is devoted to the 'Pub' portion of 'PubCon' which is where the conference actually originated so staying true to its roots, the 'Pub' is open to all for a great time networking. 'Nuff said - PubCon!

We'll see you in Vegas!

SES NYC 2007 Official Party and Events Schedule Now Posted

I've just posted the Offical SES Party Guide for SES New York over at Search Engine Watch Forums but here is the summary:


Sunday April 8th, 2007


Easter Sunday but many do arrive early (including myself) so if you're one of the early to arrive - meet up at the downstairs bar ('Lobby Lounge' near the reception desk). That way you can see who is arriving. Bridges - the bar around the corner is usually closed on Sunday evenings.


Monday April 9th 2007


Pre-conference.

Hitwise

3:00pm Hitwise University Live Search Marketing Workshop begins

Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm Private Cocktail Mixer

This cocktail party is in conjunction with Search Engine Strategies and our Hitwise University Live Search Marketing Workshop. If you'd like to attend the complimentary session, hosted by Bill Tancer, please contact your account manager.

Invitation only event.
RSVP required to gain entry.


Internet Marketers of New York

Time: 7:00pm-10:00pm

Internet Marketers of New York is hosting a Charity Party to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charity. Best of The Web and Text Link Ads are generously covering the cost so the $40 donation at the door goes all to charity.

Join us for this 3 hour open bar party with cocktail food and raffles. Why not have a good time while also doing a good thing and talking with fellow internet marketers?

Location: Town Tavern

134 W 3rd St & 6th Ave.


Tuesday April 10th 2007


Private Party - Search Engine

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

If you know about it, then you may get in if you're lucky!


Private Party

Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm or ?

VIP Private Dinner Party


Wednesday April 11th 2007


SEMPO SES NY In-House SEM Networking Event

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

SEM Networking Event

Location: Playwright Tavern

8th AVE (between 45th & 46th)

The tavern is roughly 10 minutes walk from the Hilton (one mile).

Private room booked for this event upstairs.

SEMPO is covering the tab for a bit, folks, so get there early, grab a drink and meet some new and familiar faces! If you’re In-House, this is YOUR event and shouldn’t be missed.


Marchex / Industry Brains

Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Marchex (IndustryBrains, TrafficLeader, Enhance Interactive and GoClick.com) presents the – “Skyline Cocktail Party”:

Mingle with fellow advertisers, senior executives from premier publishing partners, members of the media community, and the teams from Marchex, IndustryBrains, TrafficLeader, Enhance Interactive and GoClick.com, over intimate cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. This event is invitation only. Attendees must RSVP.


Location: AVA Lounge at the Dream Hotel

210 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019

located two blocks from the Hilton where SES is held.


Thursday April 12th 2007


Private Party

Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm or ?

Private Dinner Party + bar crawl


See you guys in NYC!

Joe