This is one of the most inexpensive events in the industry. Speamaster is correct. Most of the other events in this industry cost well over $1000 to attend.
This is a fast paced event that focuses on performace. Both affiliates, casino operators and marketing firms that come here discuss ways of increasing traffic and conversion rates.
For an affiliate, this is an investment in one’s time and money to increase:
– TRAFFIC
– CONVERSION RATES
– CUSTOMER RETENTION
– and Network
If you know all there is to know about :
– SEO
– e-mail marketing
– Pay-Per-Clicks
– what companies like Virgin are up to
– Alexa
– Television Advertising
– marketing campaigns
– contextual marketing
– etc etc etc
…..If you know all there is to know about this, then, I agree, DON’T COME to this event. Because by saying this, then you know more than the EXPERTS in this industry that are speaking, which I find hard to believe.
For example, there is NO way that anyone knows more about Alexa than Bruce Gilliat (the CEO), who is speaking at the event. (I’ve been trying for 3 years to get this guy. I finally got him. This is a unique opportunity to meet him).
We select hotels that are inexpensive for the affiliate to stay at. We want the total investment for the affiliate to be about $1000. Within a few months, they should make their money back in multiples from what they learn and who they meet. Many affiliates who attended can attest to this and even CAP supports the event.
You will be provided plenty of food during the event and beer at the end for the panel session.
Anyone that thinks the Excalibur has graciously given us the space and provided you meals as charity is sorely mistaken. There are HUGE costs running this event.
This event will get 250-330 people. This is not an event with thousands of people coming. If there were thousands of people, the econimics would be far different.
Also, more affiliates have registered for this event than any other Casino Affiliate Convention before. Normally, we get 25-35 affiliates. I expect about 40-50 at this event.
We kept the cost at a level that brings SERIOUS affiliates. My experience has shown me that if I paid for the hotel room, airfare, food and the pass for every affiliate that wanted to come to this event, most of the affiliates would complain they couldn’t afford the taxi fare to the airport.
FYI, sponsors and exhibitors have passes for select affiliates to attend. If you are invited, most likely you are an affiliate that performs. If you are not a performer, it is unlikely they will provide you with a free pass. Hence the need for investing time into LEARNING at this event.
2 other items:
1) Dominique: The cost for Sporsoring/Exhibiting at this event over the years has not gone down, it has gone up.
2) bbs1web: I just checked airfare from Charlotte, NC (where you are to Las Vegas)- Its $266 on Orbitz….Not $550. Check http://www.orbitz.com and save some $$$ with your airfare.
Marc Lesnick
Conference Organizer
http://www.CasinoAffiliateConvention.com