2008 Webmaster World EXPO PubCon Review

I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. I do enjoy getting back for visits! This is my fifth year going home for the purpose of attending the Webmaster World event. The last four years, I went to the Conference and they have always been good but what I brought home last year was a little shy of what I needed to justify the investment. I’ve been practicing SEO for 9 years now and I find that what is being taught as “advanced” at Webmaster World, Search Engine Strategies (SES) and at the Search Marketing Expo (SMX), is things that I’ve been doing for 5+ years already. Don’t get me wrong, all three are excellent conferences, top-notch and world class, in fact, but more for the marketers who are newer at SEO and SEM.

The Networking is always nice. Microsoft sponsored a huge ravesque party at RAIN in the Palms hotel. I had to leave it after 40 minutes though so I could get to Purpose Inc’s No Limit Hold’em charity tournament at the Venetian. 30% of the proceeds were contributed to a disabled Iraq war veterans charity. Last year I was out in 20 minutes, this year I was the “bubble boy,” finishing in tenth place, one away from the final table and the money. The networking at this event was great and I saw many of my associates whom I only get to see once a year or so.

I would wager that the Conference attendance was down at least 20% from last year, but reliable sources told me the conference substance was really good this year.

The Webmaster World Expo was great. I meet some interesting people with new and innovative SEO related products and services. All in all, the Expo was great.

The 2008 PubCon event was held at the Hofbrauhaus. Great size for the event. This is one of, if not the best Marketer/Webmaster networking events on the planet. I look forward to next years event.