Hello everyone,
My question is what companies/private consultants/theorists/conferences can help a business with Search Engine Optimization? Website links would be fantastic.

Thank you for reading this and for your time!

Depends on what type of site and company.

SES San Jose (http://www.searchenginestrategies.com/sanjose/) is the biggest conference - you need to network as well as attend sessions to really gain anything from a conference and this would be the easiest one to do that at.

Read the forums and articles here.

SEOBook.com is another good reference site.

If you want training Kalena Jordan runs Search Engine College (http://www.searchenginecollege.com/)

Looking for on site training? KangamurraMedia (http://www.kangamurramedia.com) does it (it is me)

Hi

It depends on what type of business or which type of site or company is. Private consultants or Professional SEO's can help a business with Search Engine Optimization.

Thanks

bigaddwhat, it's a toughie to mention a specific (and very seriously unfair, IMHO) and so I never do. Also, because so much can depend on the specific site, and the needs - and the budget.

In general I want to teach people about SEO and would like recommendations as to what sources are trustworthy when referring people to SEO companies/private consultants/theorists/conferences.

bigaddwhat, a general rule of thumb with consultants and companies would be to do some research on them. I'm a professional SEO consultant in Chicago, however, only I know what sets me apart from another search specialist and I know my areas of expertise.

As others have already stated many factors are to be considered, but here are some questions you can ask:

How many years have they been practicing search engine optmization?

Ask them for references and some examples of work they've completed or that is on-going. Most professionals will require an NDA, so be prepared.

Ask how comfortable they are with code.

There are tons of questions you can ask. Ask yourself this though, since you want to teach people, don't you want someone who believes in educating others as well as assisting them in their needs?