I have been lucky enough to be working with a fine blend of internet marketers over the last few months with developing SAScon – what’s to be a truly excellent search, analytics and social media conference in Manchester, UK.  This blend has included, search and social pro’s with a real conviction to add value to businesses looking to learn the real depths of activating online marketing campaigns.  Really cool indeed.

So I wanted to introduce SAScon a little more and tell you why I think 28th April is going to be 2010’s conference to attend…

Manchester, UK & International

SAScon is a not-for-profit conference delivering the very best insights in to search, analytics and social media for those based in Manchester, the UK and well beyond.  Supported by SEMPO and Manchester Digital, it’s geared-up for those organisations looking to learn to operate more effectively online, and for search, analytics and social media marketing professionals looking to get an edge in their field.

We can honestly say that the line-up for SAScon is one that will truly capture a Manchester, UK and international audience.  For those not looking to spend a wedge at a conference this year, then I think SAScon could be just the thing for you.

Speakers

As a start-up conference, we’ve been hugely fortunate to get the support of internationally renowned speakers that we have.  To highlight the kind of calibre of speakers that will be attending, here are just a few names (more to be announced):

• Joost de Valk / Yoast – a hugely well regarded developer of SEO tools and widgets, and recently established Orange Valley online marketing.
• Fantomaster / Ralph Tegtmeier – a prolific SEO tool developer, often associated with what some might describe as the darker arts of SEO.  Will be an exciting session!
• Richard Gregory – Chief Operating Officer for Latitude Group, a leading European, digital agency.
• Massimo Burgio – a founding member of SEMPO (Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organisation), and Chief Strategist for Global Search Interactive.
• Jon Myers – Head of Search at MVi, the online marketing arm of the Mediavest Group.

What makes a conference truly excellent?

As most know, conferences can be hit or miss.  Being organised by a co-op of search and social specialists, veterans of the conference speaking circuit and people that manage teams devoted to digital marketing prowess, buying a ticket for SAScon puts you in very safe hands indeed.

For me, what makes a conference truly excellent are three clear things:

• The speakers create the substance and the take-aways.
• Networking opportunities adds the fluidity, the business opportunities and even a few friends.
• And the delivery makes the day easy to attend, learn and enjoy yourself.

…the SAScon programme of events will tick these three and some, and personally, I can’t wait!  28th April, will certainly be a date to remember.

SAScon: An uncompromising, not-for-profit, Co-op

One of the very best things about being involved in SAScon has been working on a not-for-profit, cross-agency project…where commercial interests have been muted as part of developing a conference that is for the greater good.

Meet the co-op of organisers on Twitter:

• Myself, Ben McKay, Mediaedge:cia
• Richard Gregory, Latitude
• Pete Young, MediaVest
• Simon Wharton, Pushon
• Richard Hudson, Vanilla Storm
• Peter Cobley, iSpy
• Nicky Wake, Don’t Panic
• Gary Bramwell, Brazen PR

This means that UK and international businesses get to attend a genuine, value-adding conference organised by search and social professionals…what a great way to start a new decade of internet marketing.

Looking to hear the latest?

Subscribe to SAScon’s RSS, follow SAScon on Twitter, and ensure your buy an early bird ticket (at £225, or £195 for Manchester Digital / SEMPO members)!