SMX Search Analytics debuted in Toronto March 31-April 1, 2009, running in tandem with Emetrics Summit (good strategy to gather all data geeks together in one place!).  Overall, a solid first attempt – congrats to conference organizers.

 Some notes to take away for future versions…

1. Toronto?  Not really the best location to test a new idea (I say this as a Torontonian & SEM veteran).   Better to have waited for the larger Emetrics conferences in Washington, DC or San Jose to get a better sense of market for this specialized offering.
2. Speakers…well, the agenda was a bit skimpy…and unfortunately speakers were repeated within the 2 day agenda.  I don’t believe at this time there was enough content to run a full 2-day program. 
3. Focus on case studies.  This kind of event cries out for case studies…we seem to still be an industry that is not willing to share information.  Few case studies were presented.  This should be a safe forum for doing so.

 Danny, if you’re listening…

• Don’t give up on this idea.  Add another SMX Advanced (in, say, Boston?) to your annual calendar and add in an Analytics track.  In doing so, make SMX Advanced a 3 day conference and REPEAT some sessions throughout the agenda.
• Consider offering a discount to multi-show attendees…

After several failed attempts, I finally got myself out to a Web Analytics Wednesday event – “social networking” (basically having a few beer!) for web metrics types.  A well organized & very friendly community, they are in stark contrast to Search Marketers who have historically not created an information sharing environment for themselves.

There were maybe 40 who came out for yesterday’s event – and not all were strictly web analytics professionals.  As long as you have an interest in the topic you are welcome.  Great way to start making contacts, get answers to burning metrics questions.  I will definitely go again! Look here for upcoming events: http://www.webanalyticsdemystified.com/wednesday/index.asp.  I will also post the next Toronto event before it happens.

Thanks to all who made a SEM specialist welcome.