Yes, I just resigned as SES Official Party Coordinator

Wow, thanks for all of the emails for those that read into my post at Search Engine Watch stating that it was my last time posting the *Official* SES Party & Events Schedule. It does mean that I will no longer be the party coordinator for SES. Danny Sullivan had appointed me SES Party Coordinator back during SES Chicago 2005 after we had endured a conference with no formally planned events and just following a conference (SES San Jose 2005) where either there were multiple events all at once or nights where nothing was planned. I had already been posting a party schedule for the US SES shows since I was moderator of the SEM Related Organizations & Events Forum at SEW. Danny just figured I was the guy for the job since I had insight in the social scenes at various conferences and always had a crowd with me going from one social gathering to the next.

The appointment entailed working with the search engines directly and with multiple vendors known for throwing great conference bashes to mainly avoid 'party collision' so that the parties flowed well from one to another and didn't overlap too much. It worked well and many event planners and party organizers made sure to check the list or check with me before scheduling their event. For many conferences we had more pageviews of the party thread than for the actual conference session coverage. Kind of puts it into perspective as to where the priorities of the industry lies doesn't it?

Even with that obvious importance, we have begun to see a deterioration of social events attached to SES - now what does that mean? I was speaking to someone today about this and she said to me "You know Joe, we're all growing up...". Maybe she was right, perhaps we are maturing as an industry, maybe it just isn't as new anymore and new client acquisition and branding isn't the goal of the engines and vendors and now its managing their brand and working with the audience that they have built. Years past have had a sparring between Google and Yahoo when Google had their GoogleDance and Yahoo rented out Great America Amusement park trying to compete for best conference party. Ask Jeeves retired their butler in style during SES NYC 2006's Code Red party and the revelers drank the bar dry sending the bartenders out to stores to replenish. Industry veterans will remember the Overture bashes and the dull Yahoo parties and how the Yahoo parties suddenly got better after the Overture acquisition. Coincidence? I think not. Remember the GoToast 'After Over' parties? I think those of us San Jose veterans will always remember The Flying Pig and how we drove those poor bartenders crazy.

Nowadays it seems to be all private parties as the engines and vendors try and trim their budgets, also the conference grew in size to a point where no one wants to foot the bill for a conference now numbering in the thousands of attendees. Perhaps it's the end of an era, but after compiling this years list and waiting forever for any word whatsoever to compile an even somewhat decent party schedule and getting 'we're only having a private party this show' or 'we aren't doing anything for this show' time and time again plus given that unfortunately PubCon Las Vegas 2007 and SES Chicago 2007 happen to fall during the same week (where I happen to be one of the conference organizers), I now have a good opportunity to relinquish my role as party coordinator and pass the torch on to someone else. I'm not sure who will take over my position or if there will be enough event activity to warrant an 'official person' but I wish them well and I cherish the time that I have spent in this role.

See you guys in San Jose!

The OFFICIAL SES San Jose 2007 Party & Events Schedule Has Been Posted

I just posted the *Official* Party and Events Schedule for the 2007 Search Engine Strategies Conference (SES) in San Jose.

There is one VIP Private party on Monday evening and three private parties on Wednesday nights but here is a recap of all of the public events:

Sunday August 19

Marriott Bar

Downstairs to right of reception at Marriott is usually the place to be.

Monday August 20

Women In Internet Marketing Luncheon

Time: 12:30pm - 2:00pm

Location: The Grill on the Alley

172 S Market St (at The Fairmont Hotel)

Space is limited, to rsvp send an email to Li Evans at smg@searchmarketinggurus.com

Monday Evening


SEMPO The Search is Right Night

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Come on down to “The Search Is Right Night” Following brief
remarks about the state of the organization, attendees are invited to learn how they can get involved with the various SEMPO committees and enter for a chance to win door prizes such as an iPhone, gift certificates and more.

The event is open to SEMPO members and non-members alike, so brush up on your Plinko skills!

Location: Room B at the Conference Facility

Open Bar.

SEMPO In-House Search Marketer Networking Event

7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Drinks and snacks to be provided, but come early or the snacks will run out.

This event is for In-House SEMs only. We will be checking folks at the door - agency reps will be politely asked to leave.

This event is an excellent opportunity for In-House SEMs to meet and grow their network of contacts. No sense going it alone when there are folks just like you who are happy to share what they know.

Location: St. Claire Hotel

Tuesday August 21

3rd Annual San Jose Classic

9:00 a.m. to ???

Once again, random golfers are welcomed to take some time out from SES San Jose (only if you have a permission slip) and join the organizers of this informal golf outing -- Chris Boggs, Andrew Goodman, John Krystynak -- for 18 holes of rather mellow semi-sporting activity.

Location: Sinnabar Hills, 25 minutes from downtown SJ

Leave a post on the classic thread if interested.

AOL Search Lunch

12:00 - 1:15 p.m.

Watch a demo of the new AOL Mobile Search, enjoy free lunch and network with other search engine professionals. Also, enter for a chance to win an iPhone! This free event is open to all registered SES San Jose attendees, but RSVP is required since space is limited. Please bring your SES badge, photo ID and your RSVP confirmation for admittance.

Location: Room J (next to the Keynote Hall)

RSVP: http://www.ersvp.com/r/aolsearchlunch082107

Google's GoogleDance VI

7:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Come party the night away at the Google Dance 2007 at SES San Jose.

For registered SES attendees, buses will depart from the San Jose Convention Center beginning at 7:00pm and run continuously until 11pm. Parking will be available at the Shoreline Amphitheatre parking lot "C", across the street from the Google campus.

**SES badge and photo ID are required for admittance.

Location: GooglePlex

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043

RSVP: http://services.google.com/events/googledance07

Wednesday Night August 22

Webmaster Radio's SEARCHBASH 3

7:00 - ???

SEARCHBASH continues in their quest for the ongoing lubrication of the SES set. Vivid Night Club is located just a few blocks from the Convention Center.

Open Bar, food, Music, and all sorts of fun surprises should be expected. To ensure you get in the door, stop by one of our awesome sponsor booths. The following companies are again contributing to our delinquency:

Ask.com
Bruce Clay, Inc.
Epiar
Moniker
Network Solutions
Webmaster Radio

Location: Vivid Night Club (Same club as last year)

8 South First Street
San Jose, CA 95113

RSVP Here

Thursday Night August 23

Nothing yet!

I know the schedule is a lot lighter than normal and that is the reason for the delay of this post. I'm feeling that the search industry is changing and maturing and we are now seeing far less activity on the social scene. With that said, this will be my last 'Official Party & Events Schedule' post. I'm moving on to other things in my career and I'm finding my time limited - also I wont be involved with SES Chicago this year due to my involvement as a conference organizer with PubCon Las Vegas 2007.

It was a fun ride while it lasted. ;)

Deliver Great Speeches with a Hangover - and Other Good Advice From Brett Tabke

Brett Tabke from WebmasterWorld.com blogs on how to give a killer presentation, including how to pull it off with a hangover. Great preparation for PubCon speakers.

read more | digg story