Sponsorship Opportunities

eComXpo October 2007: Education
Keynotes

 



Everything is Miscellaneous
David Weinberger, Fellow, Harvard Berkman Center for Internet & Society

Abstract:
Customers are not only in charge, they're taking it to the next level. Not only are they already the best source of information about a business's products and services, customers now are assuming control of how that information itself is organized. Businesses are thus losing the advantages given by their traditional ability to lay out merchandise and offers in the order they want...but they're gaining a more engaged customer base. And by letting go of at least some of their information, businesses are also making that asset ever more valuable.


Biography:
David Weinberger's new book, "Everything Is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder" (Times Books) explores how the new principles digital organization are transforming business, science, and knowledge itself. He is a co-author of the bestselling The Cluetrain Manifesto and the author of Small Pieces Loosely Joined; he writes the well-known blog Joho (www.JohoTheBlog.com). He is a Fellow at the Harvard Berkman Center for Internet & Society and teaches Internet policy and culture at Harvard Law. His work has appeared in Harvard Business Review, USA Today, Wired, Salon, The Guardian, Esther Dysonís Release 1.0 and many others. He is a commentator on NPR and is a columnist for KMWorld and Il Sole 24 ore (Italy's leading financial daily newspaper). As a marketing consultant he has has worked with many companies, from startups to Fortune 500s, on how the Internet is changing markets and customer expectations. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Toronto.



5 Truths About eCommerce
Sucharita Mulpuru , Senior Analyst, Retail, Forrester Research

Abstract: Sucharita Mulpuru from Forrester Research will discuss in detail the results from Part 2 of the Shop.org 2007 State of Retailing Online Report. As a follow-up to her presentation at the 2007 Online Marketing Workshop, Sucharita will present her analysis of the data and give the audience an inside view of the state of eCommerce, and provide specific action items on how to use this information to improve your business.


Biography:
Sucharita is a senior analyst on Forrester's Consumer Markets team where she focuses primarily on eCommerce, consumer behavior and trends in the online shopping space, technology developments that affect the online commerce industry and vendors that facilitate online marketing and merchandising. Prior to Forrester, Sucharita was the director of marketing at Saks Fifth Avenue, where she managed the customer acquisition, retention and market research efforts for the $2 billion luxury retailer's online channel. Prior to Saks, she held management positions at Toys R Us, where she was a merchant in the Babies R Us division and a store manager in one of the company's largest toy stores, and at the Walt Disney Company, where she developed and managed marketing plans for new business initiatives including the Disney Stores, the Disney Cruise Line and Club Disney.

Future Proofing Your SEO Strategy
Wil Reynolds, Founder, SEER Interactive

Abstract:
The search engines are changing how they display and rank sites at blazing speed (Yahoo, Google, Ask) the goal of the presentation is to help people "futureproof" their SEO efforts, but using methods that don't seek to exploit small holes in algorithms, but instead how to cultivate a site that is highly relevant for the needs of users and plays by the "rules" of search engines.


Biography:
Over the past 8 years, Wil Reynolds has dedicated himself to doing two things well: driving traffic to sites from search engines and analyzing the impact that traffic has on the bottom line of companies. Wil's career began at a web marketing agency in 1999, where he spearheaded the SEO strategies for companies like Barnes & Noble, Disney, Harman Kardon, Debeers, Doubleclick, Hotjobs, and Mercedes Benz USA (to name a few). Today, Wil and the team of search professionals at SEER Interactive, assist clients in maximizing their visibility and sales using search engines.

Job Search in an Online World
Liz Ryan, Principal, Ask Liz Ryan

Abstract:
What does a job-hunter need to know and do differently in an online job market? Plenty. From networking tools like LinkedIn and Plaxo to the best format for an online resume, the set of skills needed for success in a virtual job market has changed dramatically in recent years. Workplace expert and former Fortune 500 HR leader Liz Ryan will share the critical tools, tips and approaches needed to get employers' attention in the new job search environment fueled by Web 2.0 and social networking. We'll cover creating your online profile, the power of your virtual connections, job-seeking with the help of online discussion groups, posting your resume online and much more..


Biography:
Liz Ryan is a 25-year HR veteran and the author of "Happy About Online Networking: The Virtual-ly Simple Way to Build Professional Relationships." Liz is the workplace columnist for Business Week Online and the Networking Expert for Yahoo! Hot Jobs, workplace commentator for BBC Radio and the leader of the 30,000-member Ask Liz Ryan online community. Learn more about Liz at www.asklizryan.com

Word of Mouth Marketing in 5 Simple Steps
Andy Sernovitz, CEO, GasPedal

Abstract:
You've heard the talk, you've heard the hype -- word of mouth marketing is the next big thing. But what exactly should you do to create a word of mouth marketing campaign for your company? Learn specific strategies to engage with consumers and generate positive word of mouth about your brand. Learn the 5 steps to starting an impactful, effective, sales-driving campaign. We're going to get specific here: Who to hire, where to start, and how to make it successful.

  • Finding the right people to talk about you (influencers and evangelists)
  • Giving them something to talk about (viral email, samples, buzz, and more)
  • Creating tools to make it easier for them to talk to each other (blogs, discussions, tell-a-friend forms)
  • Participating in the conversation
  • Tracking and measuring results

Biography:
Whenever there's been an innovation in marketing, Andy Sernovitz has been there.

A 16-year veteran of the interactive marketing business, Andy has spent years helping companies learn how to do better marketing.

Andy teaches word of mouth marketing at Northwestern, taught Entrepreneurship at the Wharton School of Business, ran a business incubator, and started half a dozen companies. GasPedal, his consulting company, advises great brands like TiVo, Dell, Ralph Lauren, Sprint, and Kimberly-Clark.

He created the Word of Mouth Marketing Association around the latest revolutions in blogs, buzz, and word of mouth. Before that, in the dot com days, he ran the Association for Interactive Marketing.

Andy writes an amazing newsletter and blog called "Damn, I Wish I'd Thought of That", and is author of the new book "Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking."



The Ad Exchange Value Proposition
Bill Urschel, Microsoft and AdECN

The Ad Exchange Value Proposition: How a neutral, auction-based, marketplace will revolutionize the online advertising industry.
Recent highly publicized acquisitions in the online advertising sector by industry heavyweights have resulted in a consolidation of the primary search and display ad channels, leaving traditional ad networks, advertisers, publishers, and Internet marketing firms wondering what’s next. The emergence of these new end-to-end “meta ad networks” may seem to offer the promise of greater efficiencies and increased value for both advertiser and publisher. However, only a stock market-like Ad Exchange can guarantee stakeholders the neutrality, liquidity and transparency necessary to truly maximize efficiency in the buying and selling of ad inventory.


Biography:
Mr. Urschel founded AdECN in October, 2003. AdECN is the industry's leading real-time, auction-based, neutral exchange for buying and selling online display advertising. Based on the same principles of the stock market, AdECN provides greater liquidity for ad networks, publishers, advertisers. In July, AdECN was acquired by Microsoft as a key component of the company's strategy to develop a comprehensive search and display advertising platform helping advertisers and publishers to maximize return on investment (ROI) on their digital advertising investments.

Previously, Mr. Urschel was CEO of publicly-traded ExperTelligence (EXGP.PK) and its subsidiary, 3DStockCharts, from July 2002 until the end of 2003, when he engineered the wind-up and liquidation of that company. In 2000 he started The Narrative Press, Inc., a digital book publishing company with 106 titles, which he sold in December 2005



International Affiliate Marketing
MODERATED BY ANIK SINGAL- CEO, AFFILIATE CLASSROOM

Abstract: Anik Singal moderates a panel with key international personalities in the affiliate marketing world and posses a simple question: "Why should I promote international offers?" Learn how you can earn more income in a less competitive space by taking advantage of the fast global growth of affiliate marketing.

PANELISTS



Paid Search: What's Now & Next
MODERATED BY AMANDA WATLINGTON - FOUNDER, SEARCHING FOR PROFIT

Will paid search spending continue to soar in the next five years or will it slow and why? Is it there any value for marketers to look at paid search beyond Google and Yahoo!? Will increased personalization challenge the effectiveness of paid search strategies? How will the growth of mobile impact paid search? What are the biggest challenges that marketers using paid search face today and do we expect them to remain the same in the future? This panel of search marketing experts will take on these tough questions and will offer you their insights on paid search.

PANELISTS



Payment Issues and Fraud in the Affiliate Space
MODERATED BY GARY KIBEL - ATTORNEY, DAVIS & GILBERT

Abstract:
While there are many aspects to the affiliate marketing industry, at the end of the day, everyone wants to get paid. Payment structures and systems are unique to our industry. Publishers, marketers, affiliates and service providers all face challenges to ensure that they are properly compensated for their role in the affiliate marketing chain. This session will explore risks encountered in various links of that chain and how to handle fraudulent or deceptive actors.

PANELISTS



Searching for More Than Just the Usual Suspects
MODERATED BY MATT KAIN - SVP, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, 24/7 REAL MEDIA

Abstract:
Search marketing beyond the Big 3 - opportunities for response and branding in specialist and vertical channels, what's around the corner, and leveraging an integrated approach to make the whole thing work.

PANELISTS



Social Networking and Affiliate Marketing
MODERATED BY LINDA WOODS - PRESIDENT, PARTNERCENTRIC

Abstract:
Social networking has great potential for affiliate and Internet marketers because it enables marketers to reach customers where they already are. Social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook help you learn about and interact with the people that are important to your business, whether they be affiliates, merchants or customers. In this panel discussion we'll explore ways in which merchants and affiliates are using social networking to connect with customers. Where does the fantasy of social networking meet with current reality? How can you leverage social networking to let your consumers interact with your brand? We also explore disruption and entertainment as strategies in this Web 2.0-enabled, social networking world.

PANELISTS



The State of Click Fraud in the Search Engine Industry
MODERATED BY BORIS MORDKOVICH - DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, ADWATCHER

Abstract:
Click fraud, invalid clicks and click quality have been a big issue and a hot debate topic ever since Pay-Per-Click advertising model was created. Years later and the problem is even more widespread and is still a long way from being resolved. Join a panel of experts in this Roundtable discussion and Q&A to discuss the problems and the possible solutions.

During this event, you will be able to learn:

- What are the signs of fraudulent or invalid clicks?
- What are the top search engines currently doing to combat the issue?
- How did other advertisers come accross this problem?
- How can advertisers take matters into their own hands and address the problem?
- What are the latest developments in the industry on this problem?
- Q&A with top Click Fraud Experts

PANELISTS



The Power of Social Commerce

MODERATED BY JASON BILLINGSLEY - CO-FOUNDER AND VP INNOVATION, ELASTIC PATH SOFTWARE

Abstract:
63% of consumers indicate they are more likely to purchase from a site if it has product ratings and reviews. Find out how successful online retailers are leveraging rating and reviews across their entire business to increase traffic, increase conversions, increase average order sizes, reduce returns, and improve customer relations. Discover sure-fire strategies and tactics applicable to Manufacturer-to-Consumer, Pure Play, and Multi-Channel retailers including how to implement review technology, how to deal with the downsides, how to acquire reviews, and how to best use review content.

PANELISTS
  • Andy Chen , Founder and CEO of PowerReviews
  • Content Marketing Specialist of Onlineshoes.com
  • Michael Klazema, Director, Web Marketing & Customer Relationship Management



Wikipedia
MODERATED BY STEPHAN SPENCER - FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, NETCONCEPTS

Abstract:
It seems like Wikipedia shows up in the first page of results in Google for just about every search imaginable. Wikipedias position as a top authority site is undisputed. Having a presence in Wikipedia has never been so important as it is now, despite the fact that external links in Wikipedia no longer pass PageRank. And it's never been so dangerous to make self-interested edits to Wikipedia as it is today, particularly with the advent of such wikisleuthing tools as the Wikiscanner.

Is there a place in Wikipedia for you? Can you protect your interests within Wikipedia in a way that is appropriate and minimizes the risk of a backlash -- now and in the future?Want to know the best ways to interact with the service? Want to learn some valuable lessons from a few Wikipedia marketing successes and failures? Then this session is for you!

PANELISTS
Ask The Expert: Group Chats


Interactive Promotions that Include Sweepstakes, Contest and Games Get Results

Donna DeClemente; - DDC Marketing Group
 


Content That Connects

Byron White; – LifeTips.com
 


Using Lead Quality to Fuel Conversions

Dave Wengel ; – TARGUSinfo
 


Using Video to Drive Affiliate Sales

Richard Kligman ; – Qoof.com
 


Business Blogging

Ted Demopoulos ; – Demopoulos Associates
 


Competing on Customer Experience: Beyond the Redesign Phase

Eric Feige ; – Usability Sciences
 


The 10 Pitfalls to Avoid When Conducting Real-Time Testing

Seth Rosenblatt, VP, Marketing & Business Development

Abstract:
More and more companies are having great success doing real-time testing to improve conversion rates on their websites. However, to be successful, you need to be using the right methodology and need to make sure that your analytics process does not fall victim to some common mistakes. Additionally, it's critical that you've thought through the key organizational and technical challenges related to effectively managing a real-time testing program. In this session, you'll learn about common errors companies make when attempting multivariable testing or other testing methodologies. You'll also learn about best practices employed by some of the world's leading online brands, and learn about the critical things to consider when embarking on an online testing program.

An Introduction to Google Checkout
Alyssa England,Product Marketing Manager, Google Inc.

Abstract:
E-commerce is growing at a rapid pace, with more shoppers and merchants connecting online every day. Even at current levels, online retail sales account for less than 3% of total retail sales and there is significant opportunity for growth.

In this session, Alyssa England, Product Marketing Manager for Google Checkout, will discuss how Google is helping to expand online commerce with its new checkout offering, Google Checkout - a product that makes e-commerce more efficient for merchants and their customers. Shoppers who use Checkout can buy from merchants quickly and securely using a single username and password. And merchants can drive more leads to their sites through Google, increase conversions by offering a streamlined checkout process, and reduce costs with Checkout's free transaction


Assessing Technologies to Improve the Overall User Experience

Zachary Applegate, Search and Marketing Manager, PlumberSurplus.com

Abstract:
As consumer behavior changes and evolves with internet technologies, internet retailers need to be aware of solutions that are not only good for their website but good for the customer. Zachary Applegate, the Search and Marketing Manager for PlumberSurplus.com, an online retailer of home improvement, plumbing and building products, will examine the latest solutions in internet retailing and delve into successful strategies for implementing efficient and user friendly technologies.

30 Tips for Web-Writing
Byron White, Title, LifeTips.com

Abstract:
The media and marketing worlds are in the midst of a period of unprecedented change. Opportunities for innovative ways to connect with your target audience abound, but how do you determine where to focus time, energy and your limited marketing dollars? Mr. Lockhorn shares a framework for evaluating emerging media opportunities, and examines technologies and platforms that have passed initial evaluation, including high-level case studies from marketers making smart use of emerging media.


Following the information scent and information hunters: What can data tell us about online user behavior?
Corina Constantin, Director, Decision Sciences, Did-it

Abstract:
Successful persuasive attempts are build on understanding consumer behavior. Changes in consumer attitudes, and more importantly, purchase behavior do not occur unless a marketer understands the needs, thoughts, and behaviors of its prospective clients. There are a few ways used to identify those needs and behaviors. One would be to ask consumers. Another would be to observe their behavior within context. Yet another would be to deduct it from data collected on the marketer’s end. Neither method guarantees perfect results, but they can complement each other. These methods can also be difficult to pursue and the resulting data difficult to interpret. The online medium makes a marketer’s job somewhat easier, as online users leave visible trails of their behaviors. This presentation takes a critical look at various methods of collecting data about online consumer behavior, while arguing that success in e-marketing depends on our understanding of what the numbers do and do not tell us.


Guerilla Tactics for Effective Websites
Larry Becker, VP and Principal, Website Effectiveness

Abstract:
Do you get full value from each visit to your site? You can