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2008 Conference Brochure Now Available to Download

With only 11 days to go until a4uexpo begins with the Ignite Party, we have today uploaded a PDF version of the conference brochure that you will be receiving in your delegate bags!

If you haven’t started planning your itinerary with regards to the sessions you are going to visit at a4uexpo this year, the brochure will be a great help to you.

Peruse the brochure, which is packed full of information including the sessions, speakers, logistics, floor plans, exhibitiors, sponsor notes and importantly more detailed information about each session.

It could save you a lot of time in the run up to the event!

Download a copy of the conference brochure here (25 MB)

If you haven’t registered yet click here .

Conversion Rate Experts - Full Session Video from a4uexpo 2007

Just 20 days to go until a4uexpo 2008 gets underway. Tickets are selling fast, so don’t delay if you are looking to attend but haven’t booked your place - register now.

Below is another great session from a4uexpo 2007 entitled ‘Conversion Rate Experts’. The Conversion Experts Dr Karl Blanks and Ben Jesson provided a great hour session on improving your website traffic and performance.

a4uexpo & Platform-A Thames Cruise

a4uexpo, Platform-A and Sky Bet invite you to join us on the 14th October on board the Silver Sturgeon for a night of networking.

This is set to be a fantastic evening, with complimentary food, drink and sparkling conversation.  As an extra treat for all attendees Sky Bet are offering you the opportunity to play their fantastic casino tables on board to win some great prizes!

The capacity of the boat is 540 therefore not all delegates of a4uexpo will be able to fit.  There will however be networking taking place on dry land for all those that do not get a ticket at Jamies Bar, Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf.

To obtain a ticket to this exclusive networking event please visit Platform-A on stand 13 or Sky on stand 35, showing your full conference pass.   Tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis and full passes will be required to gain access to the boat.

Boarding time will be from 19.30 at the  Canary Wharf Pier, Westferry Circus, setting sail at 20.00 sharp!

We look forward to seeing you on board

If  you have any questions please contact claire (at) existem.com or Laura.przybek (at) platform-a.com

Connect at a4uexpo.com

Connect with others at a4uexpo this year, with the launch of our ‘Connect’ system.

With only 26 days to go until the Affiliate Marketing Event of 2008 in the UK, a4uexpo is fast approaching.

To help you to receive some dedicated time with exhibitors and table-top stands during the conference, we have set up a ‘Connect’ system which enables you - the delegate - to request an appointment with an exhibitor or table-top, through 30 minute time slots over both conference days.

Simply go to our exhibitor list and choose the exhibitor you would like to make an appointment with. Then click on Connect next to the Exhibitor name. You then need to choose an available appointment time, by clicking on the connect button next to the time slot. Fill out your details and confirm the request.

The exhibitor / table top contact will then confirm or reject your appointment, the result of which you will be e-mailed.

A great way to plan your time at a4uexpo in advance.

Extreme SEO - Full Session Video From a4uexpo 2007

There is only 32 days left until a4uexpo 2008 kicks off, so to wet your appetite further we’ve posted the entire Extreme SEO session from 2007.

a4uexpo 2008 begins on the 14th of October, so if you haven’t already, get yourself registered or you’ll be missing out on many excellent sessions just like this one.

a4uexpo Charity Auction

a4uexpo 2008 will play host to our first Charity Auction during the Ice Party on the 15th October.

We would really appreciate the support of the Affiliate Marketing Community to ensure the auction is a great success and that we raise as much money for the selected charities as possible!

How can you help?

1. We would love your input on which charity you feel we should donate too, please have your say on the poll. All monies raised will be split between the top most voted for charities. If you have a suggested charity not included please let us know.

2. Donations! All items will be auctioned or given away in a raffle. If you would like to donate an item or a “Can’t buy experience” we would love to hear from you.

3. Attend the auction and bid as much money as you can to raise a huge amount of money for the selected charities.

Thank you for your support.

Brand exposure at a4uexpo 2008

In an ideal world would you like brand exposure at a4uexpo 2008?

A4uexpo has a number of advertising opportunities available for all those looking for extra brand awareness.  These include:

•      Adverts within the conference brochure
•      Plasma screen adverts displayed around the venue
•      Delegate inserts into the bags
•      Special Promotions

All opportunities are great value.  For further details please see here or email Claire@existem.com

Glasgow a4uexpo Roadshow - tomorrow!

The meeting point for the Glasgow a4uexpo roadshow will be the Zinc Bar on Princes Square. Look out for the a4uexpo meeting point flags!

On arrival, please approach a member of staff for a name badge.

We will be meeting from 5pm and plan to stay at the Zinc Bar until the serious networking has finished, we will then trust the lovely Fiona from Equator to take us on a pub crawl.

The Zinc bar will be serving food during the evening.

The a4uexpo team looks forward to welcoming you all to Glasgow.

Argos, Zanox & Virgin Games to Exhibit

A number of new exhibitors have confirmed this week, including Argos, Virgin Games and Zanox.

We now only have a couple of stands still available, see the floor plan for more details.

If you would like to book simply complete and fax back this form - If you have any questions please feel free to contact me on +44 (0) 1179 723269

How to Schmooze with Webgains

Most people who have negative opinions about the value of “networking” in business tend to comment that they see it as insincere and that there is always a hidden agenda to people you meet. However, the ability to network successfully is one of the most prized skills a businessperson can have. Whatever your business, you’re going to want customers and you’re going to have to make people aware that you’re out there so networking is not about oozing with fake sincerity but a fundamental aspect of every successful businessperson’s life.

How do you prepare for a networking event?

Sleep well the previous night to ensure that you are not tired and yawning when people speak to you the next day.

What will you be wearing? Select something that fits the occasion, is it a formal or non-formal event first impressions count so put a bit of thought it to it. Personally, I go for informal, as I want to be approachable, relaxed and not scare people off.

Stock up on the business cards, there’s nothing worse then not being able to track someone down after you have spent the whole night talking to them.

Make sure you know where it is so you don’t get lost and arrive too late.

Look at the list of attendees to ensure that you know whom you want to meet and make an effort to meet them.

If you are worried about arriving alone, why not contact a few people attending and arrange to meet beforehand and attend together.

Attitude is the key here go with a positive frame of mind, instead of thinking of “networking” as something you go to “networking events” to do, simply take a more relaxed view and see it as a great way to meet new people socially and the bonus being you could end up working with them in the future.

What personal qualities do you think help with networking at events?

Confidence is the obvious one here as the hardest part is the initial task of introducing yourself, remember most people welcome someone else breaking the ice so don’t be scared. Eye contact and a smile makes people relax and allows them to broach a conversation with you.

Empathy is one overlooked social skill that all good networkers have e.g. if someone is tired, angry, restless. The ability to read their body language or even just listen to the experience can leave a person with a positive impression of you. Open ended questions and genuine interest goes a long way.

People with charisma attract attention with their ability to relax and find common social bonds with others e.g.; small talk questions act as a device for allowing you to find out what you have in common with the other person e.g.: do they like football, golf music etc.

Integrity is important and I don’t think there is anything wrong with going to an event with a clear vision of what you want to achieve e.g. if you are an affiliate and you have a problem with a network now is your chance to address this. Keep a sense of humour, be polite and others will respect you in the long run.

Avoid the sales pitch this can be very off putting to most people you can always do that another time

Do you have any helpful hints or tips for new Affiliate Marketing attendees to make it more productive and valuable for them?

Again business cards is an obvious thing but it’s surprising how many affiliates still don’t have any printed.

Affiliates in particular need to use events like the a4uexpo to really be proactive & upfront and to speak to merchants and affiliates about what they are looking for. If you are going to discuss business concerns be very specific and clear e.g.: if you are a publisher and run 50 sites select 5 you will be talking about as it can be come overwhelming.

Networking is a numbers game, don’t be put off by speaking to someone you think is irrelevant, too junior or not in you field, stay open minded as they may move, become one of your biggest clients/ partners or even you boss in the future..

Badges are there to help, so use them to find out more about the person or a simple, “What do you think of the event so far” is a simple and effective icebreaker.

See a crowd and want to join but don’t know how?, Employ what I call the lurker strategy, Listen, nod and then add a comment when you feel it is appropriate of better still ask a question to one of the group.

Stand out, be memorable, I like to wear red; if you have, a quirky laugh /hobby flaunt it. Worried that you might be boring read up on a few interesting topical facts beforehand and don’t fear being original.

What objectives do you have after attending a networking event?

I go to events to meet people I work with in the industry as I enjoy their company, this doesn’t mean that it will bring in money the next day but some people have different approaches for some it is a numbers game for others just meeting one of two new people, each to their own nothing is wrong or right.

What would you advise new attendees to avoid at networking events?

Don’t monopolize people, they may be riveting company but you may end up limiting them to the amount of people they end up speaking to, likewise you could miss out on several other people you wanted to chat to. Don’t bitch of slag of anyone it’s unprofessional and puts people off.

Pet peeve for me are the people who go with their associates to an event, socialise with them the whole night and go home with them, what’s the point of going to an industry event? Make an effort! Avoid this by introducing people to each other; look on forums, blogs to find out who is going, travel together to the event.

Following up a contact is important to keep that relationship going - How do you do this.

After the event get in touch ASAP just to thank them etc, don’t be afraid to use MSN, facebook and the affiliates4u. Be careful not to pressure them in the future to keep in touch.
Be personal and original, the best networkers have a knack of remembering details and giving without expecting in return e.g.: if someone you have just spoken to is about to buy a house and you know an excellent broker email them the next day and give them their details, little touches like this that make a big difference.

Thank you Webgains for the great tips!