Pubcon 2006 - Thoughts and Review

Some thoughts on Pubcon 2006 here in Boston this April.

First - I definitely want to travel out of state for the next SEO conference I go to.  Too much temptation to handle pressing work related material versus actually learning from the industry.

Things I didn't do and wish I did do:

1. I missed Malcolm Gladwell's speech - heard that he is an excellent presenter and gave a nice opening presentation
2. Should have hit some of the Affiliate sessions, heard that there was a nice buzz going on there.
3. Everyone who went to "Forensic and Competitive Intelligence" thought it was a great session.  I'll be looking forward to the PPT's and information, but wish I had made it as well
4. While I did get to meet some really fantastic individuals, I still could have met more - won't make the same mistake next year or next conference

Thoughts and Opinions:

• I attended both link building presentations (Tuesdays and Wednesday's).  The first was alright - it's hard to break down a person/company's website in 10 minutes or so.  Peter Davis gave a nice breakdown on some of the material on his Web Marketing Blog.  I can empathize with the one SEO who was having problems getting material/cooperation from the Pharma client - I don't think the situation is an unusual one.  Wednesday's was better as it related to actual do's and don't about linking in general.  I felt all 4 speakers did a great job in their presentations
• Great blog session to open up Wednesday morning.  It was enjoyable to hear three popular and influential bloggers talk about their motivation, opinions on blogging and miscellaneous thoughts on the blogosphere.  I can't say that I had read Robert Scoble's blog before, but really enjoyed his candor and am now a regular reader because of it. 
• I was impressed with the Public Relations session, especially given the fact that two of the presenters, Robin Liss and Lawrence Coburn really gave some personal examples of what has made their businesses successful.  Both were great presenters as well and I am glad I decided to head to that session.
• Finally, it is always exciting to meet intelligent people in search and Internet marketing/development.  Best of luck in the future and I'm sure we'll be in touch.