Which SEO Conferences Should You Attend?

Business conferences have become popular destinations for professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to learn about the ins and outs of their industries, become aware of the trends, and of course, to network. But finding the right conference for your particular business can be somewhat tricky if you aren’t privy to the particular circuits and what each has to offer.   There are many factors to consider such as conference agenda, trusted speakers, and perhaps most importantly, cost. Today we will focus on a few SEO conferences that are worth your time and money and hopefully help you make an informed decision for your upcoming conference.

Search Engine Strategies (SES)

Founded in 1999, Search Engine Strategies (SES) was the first search conferences established exclusively for online search. Since, SES as become one of the more popular and biggest search conferences to date. Due to its popularity and large attendance, SES is a great arena to network and meet other like-minded SEOs.  SES like many online search conferences does not focus solely on organic search.  The conference offers PPC and SEO tracks so if you bored with one topic, it’s possible to bail and see what the paid guys are talking about across the hall. It does, however, offer a nice mix of discussions for the novice SEO as well as those with advanced topics.  Also of relevance, SES offers various conference locations throughout the year worldwide and most likely will be coming to a city near you.
Some things you may want to consider:   The price of attendance varies depending on when you signup and which sessions you choose to visit. I noticed prices from $695-$995 while research for this article. Another point of concern may rely on your own understanding of SEO. If you are advanced in the field, then you should review the conference agenda and pick and choose the topics right for you. The broadness of the topics is a plus as well as a disadvantage – depending on your level of experience.

Search Marketing Expo – Advanced (SMX-Advanced)

Sponsored by Third Door Media and led by search pioneer, Danny Sullivan, SMX-advanced is a must conference to attend if you want advanced topics in Search Marketing. The conference program is actually arranged by the editors of the online search site, Searchengineland.com, so attendees are promised to be well-informed and educated on all the latest strategies and news in search. Speaking of which, SMX offers a wide selection of tracks and sessions to attend for those looking for specific industry information. For example, at the SMX-Advanced Conference in 2014, they offered multiple tracks including SEO, Paid Search and Social and Local Search sessions.   There have also been a variety of industry leaders known to appear and present at SMX-Advanced conferences in the past so if you believe in hearing news straight from the horse’s mouth then this conference may be right for you.  The prices to SMX Advanced really vary depending on the type of pass you want as well as other factors such as early bid specials. I saw passes in 2014 ranging anywhere from $139 (networking pass) to $2295 for an all access pass.

 MozCon

If you are already familiar with MOZ and the SEO services they offer, then you’ll have an idea of the quality and topics that this conference has to offer. The folks at MOZ are an innovative group who pride themselves on being at the forefront of SEO strategies and research.  Subsequently, the MozCon Conference addresses similar forward thinking topics that SEOs need to be aware of. From content to technical SEO, MozCon attempts to cover any and everything that affects SEO. Just as importantly, the conference speakers and leaders are accessible to attendees, which is a major bonus for SEOs who want to meet these personalities. If there is a drawback (for some) to MozCon, it’s that it only takes place in Seattle, Washington which isn’t just a hop, skip and a jump for many.  The price is also something to keep in mind and as of 2014 ranged anywhere from $639 for subscribers in groups of 10 or more to $1299 for individual non Moz service subscribers. However, Moz makes a strong case for the value of attending their conference in a post where they assessed the ROI of attending MozCon.

Deciding which SEO conference is right for you will involve multiple factors such as agenda, level of expertise, location and price. But if you do decide to attend one, it can be a great learning and networking experience – not to mention a ton of free goodies. Which reminds me, one argument to attending any conference is that there will be hundreds of emails and calls you will receive from the vendors sponsoring the event. However, just remember, without them there probably wouldn’t even have been a conference to attend in the first place. So what SEO conferences have you attended or plan on attending? Which are your favorites?