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in the domain field, Simon
had a lot of issues with the SES event. What I
found interesting about this column was how a strong
show in a closely related field could run into problems
- some self inflicted like scheduling the show in
Chicago in December and some out of their control
such as an overabundance of other SEM shows.
Simon wrote "you’ll
forgive me for wondering whether the whole idea behind
SES Chicago is to give the industry a hellish
endurance test. After all, who but the few, the proud,
and the totally search-obsessed would be willing to run
the gamut of massively delayed flights, subzero Chicago
winds, and crushing traffic jams |
"Hellish
endurance test" is not the kind of
review a trade show wants to receive. |
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to attend this thing?"
He went on to talk about problems with keynote speakers,
the show's focus, high cost ($1,895 registration fee
plus airfare and hotels) and the surplus of shows
devoted to search.
With three
major general interest conference promotions in our
space (T.R.A.F.F.I.C.,
DOMAINfest
and Domain
Roundtable) I've noted in the past how
important is is for each to bring something unique and
valuable to the table to keep showgoers from overdosing
on what has become a heavy show schedule. So far they
have done that as each has managed to establish their
own identity. Reading about SES Chicago shows you what
can go wrong though and serves as a cautionary tale for
the domain space. The conferences we have are invaluable
so I hope they will all continue to succeed. Their job
in a now crowded marketplace is not easy and the
promoters really have to stay on top of their games to
keep interest up. I personally think they are all up
to the task but SES shows how critical it is to
consistently deliver the goods if you want people to
keep coming back.
(Posted
Dec. 10, 2007) |
