*OFFICIAL* SES Chicago 2006 Party and Events Schedule

[Joseph Morin]

OK - Here it is. We actually have events for this year's end of season show. This is the thread that I will be updating with all information that I receive regarding parties, events and gatherings for the upcoming Search Engine Strategies Conference in Chicago December 4 - December 7, 2006.

If you are a search engine or vendor events coordinator and are planning an official gathering or even an informal one that you would like me to promote, send me a PM with all of the details that you would like included. If you are an attendee and you've heard of a great event, also feel free to send me a PM and I'll look into adding it to the list. If you have a private event - I still want to know about it (won't be disclosed here) because other party planners want to know what to plan around.


Sunday December 3rd 2006

Everyone usually meets up at the hotel bar (to the left when first walking in to the hotel). That way you can see who is arriving.


Monday December 4th 2006


SEMPO (http://www.sempo.org)

Time: 6pm - 8pm

SEMPO members and non-members can gather for socializing and an open organizational meeting where we will be covering info on the new SEMPO Institute training programs, highlights of the SEMPO big annual survey, global expansion developments, and other recent highlights as there has been a lot going on with SEMPO!

We will also have an open bar at the event so don't miss this one.

Location: Stevens Room 3


Yahoo Publisher's Network (http://publisher.yahoo.com/)

Time: 7pm-10pm

What: “What’s New at Yahoo!” Holiday Celebration

Why: To thank all of our customers and industry friends for their support this year and celebrate Yahoo!’s new advertising platform, recent research insights, social search and multimedia initiatives

Who: Open to all SES attendees, but please note you must bring your badge to get in

Location: The Enclave at 213 West Institute (Transportation will be available from the Hilton Chicago, cocktails/light appetizers will be served, and we’ll have a live band)


ONE Known private party


Tuesday December 5th 2006


SEMPO (http://www.sempo.org)

In House Search Marketing Gathering

Time: 7:15pm - 9:15pm

Are you going to SES Chicago? Are you an in-house marketing provider? If so, you are invited to attend SEMPO's second in-house search marketer gathering during SES Chicago.

This meeting will facilitate excellent networking and sharing of best practices from some of the industry's leading in-house search marketers. The event is open to all in-house search marketers, not just SEMPO members. The first meeting, which was held during SES San Jose, had over 60 attendees from many of the leading Fortune 500 companies.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide an exclusive forum for networking, idea sharing, and an update on what SEMPO has been doing to help in-house search marketers. The SEMPO In-House Committee will host the event and requests your input for future initiatives.

Please RSVP to rsvp@sempo.org if you plan to attend the meeting. Please forward this invitation to your colleagues who may also be interested, and spread the word during SES Chicago. We are expecting an excellent turnout of client-side search marketing specialists, so don't miss out on this opportunity!

Location: Room 4D at the conference facility


TWO known private parties


Wednesday December 6th 2006

No word yet on any events.


Thursday December 7th 2006

No word yet on any events.


See you guys in Chicago!

Joe :cool:

Stay tuned for future updates...

[Chris Boggs]

way to go Joe. way to go YPN for back2back parties, especially letting everyone in this time...

[lorenbaker]

Joseph,

Thank you. Here's a question; Hilton is full right now... any recommendations for nearby hotels?

[lorenbaker]

:D Found a place; Essex Inn $99 a night, 800 South Michigan (next block down).

Will be checking in at 1 pm, so if anyone wants to do some Chicago site seeing on Sunday please let me know.

-

Update : Bears are playing Vikings that day and hotels are a couple of blocks from stadium.

[evilgreenmonkey]

Update : Bears are playing Vikings that day and hotels are a couple of blocks from stadium.

Nice, not as good as proper Rugby but still fun to watch :D

I get in to Chicago at 1:15pm on Sunday, so up for watching a match if we can get a group together?

UPDATE: Looks like there are no tickets left :(

:cool:

Rob

[sportsguy]

I'm getting into O'Hare around 1PM on Sunday afternoon. I'm guessing I should be able to be at the Hilton by about 2PM (staying on-site).

Any idea if the bar has wifi enabled? I know, totally geek question, but if I'm the only one there, it's do stuff on the laptop, or drink - which do you think would be the prettier picture come dinnertime? ;)

Duane

UPDATED: The lobby, bar and restaurant at the Chicago Hilton are wifi enabled - I called today to ask. Perfect for those of us showing up early to nurse some spam into the inbox while enjoying a drink. :)

[Joseph Morin]

Joseph,

Thank you. Here's a question; Hilton is full right now... any recommendations for nearby hotels?

I'm at the Sheraton Hilton & Towers (3 miles away) but the best rate I could get was $219 per night. I'm a staunch Starwood guy though, so I don't really shop around and usually stay at the nearest Starwood if the conference hotel isn't a Starwood property.

[Elisabeth]

I get in to Chicago at 1:15pm on Sunday, so up for watching a match if we can get a group together?

UPDATE: Looks like there are no tickets left :(

:cool:

Rob

Yep, until yesterday, Chicago had one of the best records in the league, and their fans are pretty dihard, so tickets are definitely hard to come by.

So we'll watch it in the bar - i get into Ohare @ 2pm, so I won't be that far behind you.

[sheseltine]

Nice, not as good as proper Rugby but still fun to watch :D

That'd be Rugby League then :p

I also checked into Hockey this week, no home games for the Blackhawks during SES.

I'll be getting there around noonish, so I'll look forward to seeing you face to face later that afternoon Duane

[AussieWebmaster]

Yep, until yesterday, Chicago had one of the best records in the league, and their fans are pretty dihard, so tickets are definitely hard to come by.

So we'll watch it in the bar - i get into Ohare @ 2pm, so I won't be that far behind you.

I am in at 1:35.... share a cab to the Hilton?

[AussieWebmaster]

Use contacts for Google on Tuesday and TrueLocal (don't know the date)....

[storyspinner]

I get in to Chicago at 1:15pm on Sunday, so up for watching a match if we can get a group together?


so does this mean by arriving at 3:15 or so and getting to the hotel shortly there after mean, I might catch a picture of you in a sober state ;)


On another note, I could have sworn I heard and Ad for a WebmasterRadio Bash on Wednesday?? Was I just imagining things again? Or wishful thinking?

[storyspinner]

I am in at 1:35.... share a cab to the Hilton?

Hey AW (and everyone else) ... the "hil'on" (for anyone who heard me talk you'll get that joke) told me there's a shuttle service that's a lot cheaper than the cabs I think they said it was 12.00. It's called Continental Air Transport 312-454-7800, just give them a call when you get your baggage and they'll come and get you and bring you right to the hotel.

[evilgreenmonkey]

Hey AW (and everyone else) ... the "hil'on" (for anyone who heard me talk you'll get that joke) told me there's a shuttle service that's a lot cheaper than the cabs I think they said it was 12.00. It's called Continental Air Transport 312-454-7800, just give them a call when you get your baggage and they'll come and get you and bring you right to the hotel.Nice find Li, think I may just get a cab and stick it on expenses though :)

[Chris Boggs]

Li I am not much into affiliate stuff but you should work on setting an arrangement up with Continental. :p

[AussieWebmaster]

Li I am not much into affiliate stuff but you should work on setting an arrangement up with Continental. :p

Now why didn't I think of that!

[Chris Boggs]

Now why didn't I think of that!

hehe yeah right Aussie you probably have three by now...

[AussieWebmaster]

hehe yeah right Aussie you probably have three by now...

Well I do get a few bucks from the search engines for putting links to the party pages... they pay me in beers!!!

[rdrysdale]

Hey AW (and everyone else) ... the "hil'on" (for anyone who heard me talk you'll get that joke) told me there's a shuttle service that's a lot cheaper than the cabs I think they said it was 12.00. It's called Continental Air Transport 312-454-7800, just give them a call when you get your baggage and they'll come and get you and bring you right to the hotel.

Sounds good to me! Thanks for the tip.

I get in around 2pm and it's my first conference, so I'll be the nervous redhead glued to her cider in the bar. Glad to know they have wifi though, thanks SG. Too bad da bears and blackhawks aren't a possibility, that would have been icing on the cake. :(

[storyspinner]

hehe yeah right Aussie you probably have three by now...

one of these days i'm gonna learn my great tips could make me "mo money" :D

BTW.... I've gotta meet Aussie Webmaster this time around :)

[sheseltine]

...I'll be the nervous redhead glued to her cider in the bar. :(

At least you did the research to know that they do have cider there :)

[AussieWebmaster]

one of these days i'm gonna learn my great tips could make me "mo money" :D

BTW.... I've gotta meet Aussie Webmaster this time around :)

I am on the Arbitrage panel - Frank Watson... and should be visible after hours everywhere the beers are cold.

[AussieWebmaster]

Sounds good to me! Thanks for the tip.

I get in around 2pm and it's my first conference, so I'll be the nervous redhead glued to her cider in the bar. Glad to know they have wifi though, thanks SG. Too bad da bears and blackhawks aren't a possibility, that would have been icing on the cake. :(

No reason to be nervous - this is a very laid back crowd in general!

[evilgreenmonkey]

I am on the Arbitrage panel - Frank Watson... and should be visible after hours everywhere the beers are cold.Cool, looks like I'll be blogging your session (http://www.seroundtable.com/archives/006787.html) for SER then. Don't speak too quickly, especially at that time in the morning ;)

Rob

[Chris Boggs]

Cool, looks like I'll be blogging your session (http://www.seroundtable.com/archives/006787.html) for SER then. Don't speak too quickly, especially at that time in the morning ;)

Rob
It's OK Rob, by the time you have spent a few hours with him in a bar, you'll be used to his accent. Shoot you guys may walk from the bar to the session together. :p

[AussieWebmaster]

Cool, looks like I'll be blogging your session (http://www.seroundtable.com/archives/006787.html) for SER then. Don't speak too quickly, especially at that time in the morning ;)

Rob

Yeah I know... it is some sort of perverse joke I think Danny likes playing... let's have Frank on the earliest possible panel.... but I do most of my best work when I am hung over...

[evilgreenmonkey]

It's OK Rob, by the time you have spent a few hours with him in a bar, you'll be used to his accent. Shoot you guys may walk from the bar to the session together. :pLOL. I've got an Australian housemate so can translate for you if you want. Ozzies don't seem to be able to understand by Essex/London accent though ;)

[Mel66]

I hope everyone packs their warmest clothes for Chicago. Check the forecast if you haven't already. :eek:

As I write this I am home with my kids for a snow day here in mid-Michigan. We don't have much snow but we've had freezing rain all night so the roads are a sheet of ice. Chicago is getting basically the same weather.

Last year we got a snowstorm the day I came home from SES. Coincidence? Hmm!

I look forward to meeting many of you next week. It's going to be a busy show!

Melissa

[rdrysdale]

Yeah... I'm from Florida and they're saying it's supposed to snow 12 inches tonight, that'll be interesting. Well, it isn't a true Chicago holiday experience without snow! Hopefully, no planes run off the runway this year though.

[AussieWebmaster]

Yeah it looks like freezing temps all four days... nights in single digits so pack a warm coat for the trips to the parties....

guess the hot short dresses will be replaced by flannel.....

Can these events be better temp coordinated going forward? Seem to remember reading a post about how they were scheduled around Danny's family events (at least SJ and NYC).... but really think that was a joke.

[Elisabeth]

Yeah it looks like freezing temps all four days... nights in single digits so pack a warm coat for the trips to the parties....

guess the hot short dresses will be replaced by flannel.....



come on - you know me better than that - i will have my pink puffy coat, a short skirt, AND my fuzzy fur boots:)

[lorenbaker]

Are these the ONLY parties?!?

How about an unofficial Snowball fight after the YPN party?

[Joseph Morin]

guess the hot short dresses will be replaced by flannel.....

Do you SERIOUSLY think Heather will show up wearing long flannel? In the past 5 years I cant recall ever seeing her in a pants suit (or a skirt longer than 8 inches for that matter...) including Stockholm!

[AussieWebmaster]

come on - you know me better than that - i will have my pink puffy coat, a short skirt, AND my fuzzy fur boots:)

But Elisabeth we all know you follow the beat of a different drum.... or maybe some exotic synthesizer ;)

[AussieWebmaster]

Do you SERIOUSLY think Heather will show up wearing long flannel? In the past 5 years I cant recall ever seeing her in a pants suit (or a skirt longer than 8 inches for that matter...) including Stockholm!

Funny how that comment got a few people worked up....

[David Wallace]

So I guess I won't be packing my shorts which I wear all year long here in Arizona. ;)

Hopefully David Warmuz from Trellian wears more than a single button shirt this year. He about froze last year waiting to get into Buddy Guy's.

[Elisabeth]

So I guess I won't be packing my shorts which I wear all year long here in Arizona. ;)


david - you should bring your flipflops though -in fact, i think you could do a whole new game just based on "SEOs and their funky shoes" - i know of one player who will be sporting her new manolos purchased in vegas...

[evilgreenmonkey]

Any SEW member that grits the runway in Chicago for me on Sunday gets a shiney green reputation pip ;) Not looking forward to the landing :(

[pleeker]

Looks like most of you will be sh--face drunk by the time I get in at 9:30 pm Sunday night. :)

Anyone getting in around the same time? Care to rideshare?

[David Wallace]

Looks like most of you will be sh--face drunk by the time I get in at 9:30 pm Sunday night. :)

Anyone getting in around the same time? Care to rideshare?
Li Evans posted this earlier in this thread:

the Hilton told me there's a shuttle service that's a lot cheaper than the cabs I think they said it was 12.00. It's called Continental Air Transport 312-454-7800, just give them a call when you get your baggage and they'll come and get you and bring you right to the hotel.

I get in at 5:30pm Matt, otherwise I'd gladly split a cab.

[Heather Lloyd-Martin]

Do you SERIOUSLY think Heather will show up wearing long flannel? In the past 5 years I cant recall ever seeing her in a pants suit (or a skirt longer than 8 inches for that matter...) including Stockholm!

Who, me? :D

Even if I'm in moving hell right now (from Bellingham, WA to Portland, OR), my clothes are already packed. I have priorities!

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

[pleeker]

the Hilton told me there's a shuttle service that's a lot cheaper than the cabs I think they said it was 12.00. It's called Continental Air Transport 312-454-7800, just give them a call when you get your baggage and they'll come and get you and bring you right to the hotel.Just an update on this company. I called and the phone system directs you to airportexpress.com for more information. Looks like the fare is $20 from Midway and $25 from O'Hare. Still a good deal, I think.

Thanks for the help, gang.

[rustybrick]

It is freeeeezzzzzzing..... :eek:

[Elisabeth]

update here- I"m still in SLC - now on a 5:15 pm flight, getting into O'hare @ 9:24pm..

[rustybrick]

safe flight elis...

[Chris Boggs]

stupid Chicago flight traffic...sitting on the runway in Philly for a two hour delay due to "volume and traffic." aaaaarg.

[Justilien]

Took a taxi... Cost about $38 for two people from O'hara to Hilton.

brrrrr...Chicago is windy and cold. What is with all these sports fans in the hotel? LOL I thought this was a geek fest! Opps I mean marketing fest ;)

[evilgreenmonkey]

Ouch, I thought that my 30 minute wait on the runway at London was bad, Chicago airport didn't look too busy when I was there and the runway is clear of snow.

Make sure you sign-up for the HHonors customer loyalty card online if you haven't already. It's my first time in a Hilton although I still got a nice upgrade to the 21st floor (not a suite, but still nice). Anyone else finding the WiFi really slow in the rooms?

Not sure if I can handle going down to the bar tonight, it's 11:15pm already according to my body clock. Anyone nursing a beer and a laptop down there at the moment?

:cool:

Rob

[Justilien]

Internet is fluxuating for me....

Will be down there later tonight.

[evilgreenmonkey]

Have started my photo blogging, looks like I'm first in on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/evilgreenmonkey/sets/72157594404147717/

(Remember to tag your photos "seschicago06" if you'd like to share your snapshots with us all)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/seschicago06/

:D

[deathbyseo]

Im a bit late as most of you are here in Chicago but last night the wind and cold made for a cold night downtown.

For those that havent made their way - the temp is not always what you think it is. For those that have been to SES Chicago you know just how windy it is and how it cuts right through your jackets. Be sure to have a drink or two in you to keep you warm at night.

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/60605

[evilgreenmonkey]

mmm....

I'm blogging the last session on "Advertising In Social Media" today, then got SEMPO 6pm-7pm and Yahoo 7pm-10pm. Not sure when I'm going to get to eat some dinner. What's everyone elses plans?

Rob

[Arizona Web]

Wish I was there.. hope you guys have tons of fun, leanr a bit, make some friends, and most importantly, talk about me as much as humanly possible. GOod or bad doesn't matter, I'm an attention whore :-)

[AussieWebmaster]

stupid Chicago flight traffic...sitting on the runway in Philly for a two hour delay due to "volume and traffic." aaaaarg.

Yeah but you made it... wish I had been delayed... killed too many brain cells last night!

[pleeker]

update here- I"m still in SLC - now on a 5:15 pm flight, getting into O'hare @ 9:24pm..
Whoa. Crazy. That was my flight, too. Smooth as silk, wasn't it? (Unless you were supposed to be on an earlier flight, I suppose...)

[evilgreenmonkey]

Hooray to Lee Odden for accompanying me in the Flickr Photo-blogging Fest (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/seschicago06/)!

:D

[evilgreenmonkey]

Looks like last night was quite an event in the bar. On reflection, I should have gone down there even if it meant falling asleep at the bar.

Anyway, I'll be in the bar after the last session of the day. Would be great to meet any and all of you - think of it as a belly warmer for the coach ride to Yahoo's party.

:)

Rob

[Elisabeth]

Whoa. Crazy. That was my flight, too. Smooth as silk, wasn't it? (Unless you were supposed to be on an earlier flight, I suppose...)

heh. 2 of the boys from Marketleap/Axciom were on the flight as well - too bad we didn't see ya!

[AussieWebmaster]

Yeah the bar on Sunday night is always fun... saying hello to the people you only see at conferences... catching up.... meeting newbies... now if I can only replace the brain cells I killed last night!!!

[storyspinner]

I've got the first bunch of pictures I took up. Both regular pictures (http://www.searchmarketinggurus.com) and HatBait (http://www.hatbait.com) pictures.

And Aussie - I think we ALL killed too many brain cells last night! :p

[kid disco]

I was supposed to be as SES :(

Chicago is my digs... Never been to Enclave on a Tuesday, but I'm sure it'll still be fun with all ya'll there. Have a couple for me!

[rdrysdale]

I've got the first bunch of pictures I took up. Both regular pictures (http://www.searchmarketinggurus.com) and HatBait (http://www.hatbait.com) pictures.

And Aussie - I think we ALL killed too many brain cells last night! :p

Awesome, I made it into the gallery as the girldavidtempletookpicof. I think I want this to become my sn.

Anyways, I had a great time meeting everyone Sunday night. Thanks for the fun memories!

[AussieWebmaster]

so does this mean by arriving at 3:15 or so and getting to the hotel shortly there after mean, I might catch a picture of you in a sober state ;)


On another note, I could have sworn I heard and Ad for a WebmasterRadio Bash on Wednesday?? Was I just imagining things again? Or wishful thinking?

LOL.... you missed me at the bar early and had to go with an inebriated one later that night.... I love those hats!

[lolaris]

Hey just wanted to say thanks all the sessions were pretty cool this time in Chicago, & A HUGE shout out to the guys at truelocal.com they sure know how to throw a party! Also you made great booth neighbors! I'll post pics soon :D

[Astir]

Elisabeth was pretty cute in those blue jeans. Disappointed to learn she is engaged.

[storyspinner]

well all those hatbait pictures are up and if you want to vote (http://www.searchmarketinggurus.com/search_marketing_gurus/2006/12/vote_for_your_f.html) on them, feel free! might even have honorary categories, like "Most Tortured", "Cutest". it was a blast doing this and it was great to meet everyone who let me take their picture in my "goofy" hats. :D

[AussieWebmaster]

well all those hatbait pictures are up and if you want to vote (http://www.searchmarketinggurus.com/search_marketing_gurus/2006/12/vote_for_your_f.html) on them, feel free! might even have honorary categories, like "Most Tortured", "Cutest". it was a blast doing this and it was great to meet everyone who let me take their picture in my "goofy" hats. :D

Cuyest has to go to this one:
http://www.searchmarketinggurus.com/photos/hatbait/jenlaycockemmitthatbait.html

Should have the drunkest looking - I think I could win that one!

[Elisabeth]

Elisabeth was pretty cute in those blue jeans. Disappointed to learn she is engaged.

aw... thanks for that;)

StorySpinner, not that i got an official hatbait photo of me - but here's me in my black hat (http://www.flickr.com/photos/toprank/315737690/in/set-72157594411302535/) bought by Danny Sullivan:)

[evilgreenmonkey]

here's me in my black hat (http://www.flickr.com/photos/toprank/315737690/in/set-72157594411302535/) bought by Danny Sullivan:)You two look too trendy in that photo, I'll have to get a real Hatbait style geeky/drunken photo of you next time we meet ;)

The great thing about this trip was that I never got too drunk - I didn't even go onto shots. I know that's a little boring although you remember peoples names and where you went to that way. A bit of a revelation for me. This will soon change though:

December - 2 company Christmas parties
January - Vodcasting a roadtrip around Ireland (Yahoo Answers/Guinness)
February - SES London
April - SES New York - may need some help getting my boss to approve this one!

:D

Rob

[sportsguy]

Cuyest has to go to this one:
http://www.searchmarketinggurus.com/photos/hatbait/jenlaycockemmitthatbait.html

Should have the drunkest looking - I think I could win that one!

Just ran a quick Google on hatbait...smg outranks hatbait domain (http://www.google.com/search?q=hatbait&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a) - LOL

Oh, wait - it's one in the same...LOL

[storyspinner]

Just ran a quick Google on hatbait...smg outranks hatbait domain (http://www.google.com/search?q=hatbait&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a) - LOL

Oh, wait - it's one in the same...LOL

yep ... that it is! ;)

Hope you enjoyed the pictures - it's been a heck of a lot of fun doing this and seeing who's voting and who's winning.

Right now... Karl Ribas, Neil Patel and Chris "Silver" Smith are leading the way! :D

[lolaris]

Well the LifeTips crew had fun.

SES Chicago (http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?Uc=oul4ngm.at2eut6&Uy=7tfkuy&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1). :D

[AussieWebmaster]

Just ran a quick Google on hatbait...smg outranks hatbait domain (http://www.google.com/search?q=hatbait&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Cimg%20src=%22images/smilies/redface.gif%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20tit le=%22Embarrassment%22%20smilieid=%222%22%20class= %22inlineimg%22%20/%3Efficial&client=firefox-a) - LOL

Oh, wait - it's one in the same...LOL

yeah but it shows that hatbait needs to work the meta tags... come Li

[storyspinner]

yeah but it shows that hatbait needs to work the meta tags... come Li

Ohh geesh I just threw the galleries together and its totally redirected to my typepad! I just did this for fun, and to meet people. Besides, after this who's gonna type in hatbait ;)


BTW... there's a three way race ... Aussie ya ain't far behind at all!

Y'all have till tomorrow to vote for your favorite picture (http://www.searchmarketinggurus.com/search_marketing_gurus/2006/12/vote_for_your_f.html).