My Schedule for the Next Two Months

My friends Rand Fishkin and Adam Audette recently wrote a couple of nice posts highlighting where they’ll be over the next couple of months…and while I don’t put myself in their league, I did feel a similar post was in order for my upcoming schedule, as there are a couple of noteworthy events I’d like to publicize.

SMX West, Santa Clara, Feb 10-12

Up Close with Google Maps & Local

This session gets up close and personal with Google Maps, covering factors that influence what appears and how it is ranked. Plus, a look at concerns over listings being “hijacked.”

I’ll be speaking with the world’s biggest Chicago White Sox Fan (aka Steve Espinosa), Chris Silver Smith, Olivier Amar, and Maps Guide Jen Chin. Wow, what a lineup!

Specifically, I’ll be speaking on the importance of claiming your listing at Google Maps, as well as a slew of data providers that I think will improve your Local rankings.

Here’s where you can register for SMX West.

Searchfest, Portland, OR, March 10

Small Business / Local SEO Panel

So the image at the left is not *exactly* true…I’m actually MODERATING the Local SEO panel at Searchfest, which is SEMpdx’s annual search conference.  Scheduled to speak on the panel at the moment are Mary Bowling of Blizzard Internet Marketing and Greg Hartnett of Best of the Web Local.  A third Local SEO Superstar to be named will be announced shortly!

Pound-for-pound, this might be the best search conference you’ll ever attend–we’ve got an absolutely amazing speaker lineup coming in, including of course keynote speaker Danny Sullivan. The entire agenda is posted here and right now even non-members pay less than $200 for a full-day conference.

I would certainly encourage all my readers to register for SearchFest.

SES, New York, March 23-27

“Search on a Dime” Panel

Jennifer Laycock of Search Engine Guide has graciously asked me to speak about Local Search on her “Search on a Dime” panel on Day 2 of SES New York.

Search marketing has long been touted as one of the most affordable ways to market a business, but these days, competition is fierce. What’s a small business on a budget to do? Come and hear the tips and tricks that will help you pick up the valuable traffic being left behind by your competitors. Learn from the best how to maximize your exposure via organic, paid search and local search without emptying your wallet.

Apparently my co-panelists have not been finalized, but I’ve seen their names on various administrative emails & it looks like it’s going to be a star-studded panel :)

Here’s where you can register for SES NY.

Whew! I’m exhausted already!

Just kidding.  But with the NCAA Tournament bracket announcement sandwiched in between Searchfest and SES New York, I am anticipating a very busy Spring :)