PubCon Las Vegas 2006 - anyone going?

I am trying to convince the boss to send me - seems like with Danny Sullivan leaving it may be one of the better conferences to hit this year.

Nevermind the fact that I have never been to Las Vegas (yea, I said that out loud)

So I am putting together a cost benefit so I can try to get there...If I do go it would be interesting to meet some of you if you are there too.

Danny's really not leaving (anytime soon); from what I can tell, he's most likely going to be sticking around the SES conferences.

That said, though, there are benefits to going to PubCon, like going to hear me speak (I speak regular at PubCon) and to meet me. That should be enough to convince your boss, right? Hardly. LOL

Actually, PubCon is more "technical" than the SES Conference and the sessions and speakers typically appeal to more "advanced users" or people who are actually doing the work (like webmasters, SEOs, etc.). The SES Conference tends to be not as technical in nature, more conceptual and marketing-related.

I have been to SES and to be honest I am not sure I got a TON out of it. I can see for someone who is new or focuses on search for a part of their time it is helpful.

While I am by no means extremely technical...I am the one that has to make the recommendations and therefore have to try to learn as much as I can so I can try to translate it to our developers...so a marketer I am, but I double as a translator so it's all good.

And...what does help my case is that I can say that I can put faces to the folks that continue to give me good advice and information to help better our efforts for an SEO friendly site.

Bill, if you have the time could you post a little more about what PubCon is, what someone who goes might learn, or who the target audience for PubCon would be?

Sarah - that is one point that could win you a ticket. You will learn so much more face to face and one on one (usually over drinks) than you can learn on the forums.

I'm planning on going, but I haven't yet made my travel plans (guess I should get on that). This will be my first.

Since I don't really know anyone, I was wondering if there are typically any "unofficial" events. When I was in Vegas in June for a design conference, there were a lot of planned things (pub crawl on Freemont Street, comedy night, etc.)

When's everyone arriving, and where are you staying? I'm probably arriving Monday afternoon, but I don't know where I'm staying yet.

Well, turns out I was able to close the deal so I will see (and meet) all of you there.

I will keep my eyes out for you all - I am new to both this conference and to Vegas! Can't wait!

Cool Sarah,

Well done. I look forward to meeting you. It's good to know there will be other newbies there. If there's interest, I'm thinking about organizing something (maybe a group trip to a show or just a pub crawl) for one of the nights. I'm leaving Friday morning, so I won't be participating in the "classic" pubcon day.

I was planning on going and speaking at the event like I have done for several years--but will have to sit this one out due to family issues.

Check back with us and let us know how it went!

I was had the same situation, but I managed convincing my boss sending me to PubCon !
However, turned out that I’m the only person from my firm being sent there, and I’m shy to say that I never attended such event before, only I don’t know anyone so I don’t know exactly what’s the score… seems to me that everybody there knows everybody, and I don’t know anyone… so what can I do to make it a success either way ?

Noga

hey - just rock up and say to folks:
Hi- where you from? What do you know?

There are *always* new friends to meet at SE related events, - no matter the venue or the host - we ROCK!

FYI codith...I only know a few of the thousands of people going and I don't know anyone (yet) from these forums but am looking forward to meeting everyone.

Bill, sorry to hear about the family issues and I hope everything is ok. I guess I will just have to convince my boss to send me to another one so we can meet.

See the rest of you in a week.

Guys - a good idea is to set up a meeting time and place - pick an obvious spot - a bar or somewhere, look at the schedule of events, and pick a time outside pubcon stuff - then meet for a drink or dinner - even two or three folks meeting to say hi is great. I usually meet folks from here in NY each year - if folks have the time, it's a great way to meet folks - plan it all in advance.

[ Message was edited by: bhartzer 11/06/2006 12:48 pm ]

Bill, sorry to hear about the family issues and I hope everything is ok.

Everything's fine...just too busy right now with the new baby, etc. etc. etc.

Meeting for lunch would also be a good idea--sometimes those box lunches that are provide get rather 'old'.

The baby is here? How did I miss that? When was he/she born?

Thanks everyone!

By the way, I think that SportsGuy's idea is great.
Count me in! (I'll be there 13-19).

Run with it codith!

Off the top of my head - why doesn't everyone just meet up at the Krispy Creme donut shop inside the Vnetian - it's the most amazing casino, and the donuts rock, too...

Pick your date & time and you're all set.

lol - Krispy Creme SEO meet! I don't think so...

nice try - try again.

Perhaps at the bar on the canal then - for a drink?

Very well then. Monday evening anybody ? (I don't know any bars in Vegas, only clubs...)