The Alexa presentation did let me know of a competitor comparison tool they offer, but other than that I was already familiar with the other items in the presentation. Maybe I am lost, but I believe Alexa is and has been insignificant to me and this industry.
And sure the SEO discussion was professionally presented by good speakers, but unless you have never heard of SEO or have been living under a rock nothing new was presented – NOTHING!
Another of the presenters came under fire by several audience members – he was representing a contextual marketing firm – potential SCUM. Several times he answered with an “I don’t know” to audience questions and had numerous in the crowd chuckling with amusement!
The Empire Poker presentation seemed more like a player recruitment presentation than anything of benefit to an affiliate.
There were several discussions I did not attend – most seemed geared toward affiliate programs and actual casinos and NOT affiliates. DDOS attacks, TV advertising, Web communities, etc
I found it funny that you’ve got Casino City suing the DOJ because their TV ads were pulled yet 3-4 presenters were talking about TV advertising as a feasible option. Several online SE and Directories stopped accepting Gaming Ads, yet 3-4 presenters presented them as feasible options for advertising! How long ago was it that they stopped accepting ads/sites from the gaming industry? WHY were these presenters not aware of this?
Even more annoying were the dating, pharmaceutical, and other unrelated business cards stuffed into my “casino affiliate” handbag! If that wasn’t enough I had to hear Mark verbally push those industry events on me when I should have been listing to casino affiliate content ! All of that just reinforced the feedback I was getting from numerous affiliates and programs alike.
This was my FIRST event – I truly enjoyed the networking but IMHO the seminars could have been a LOT better and moreover more geared toward the casino affiliate. To me it seemed like there were a lot of sports books there – which in North America is more touchy than general casinos – I was told this was unusual, but none-the-less it was the case.
Since this was my first conference I have nothing to compare it to – I can only say considering the potential it could have been a lot better …