This year Search Engine Strategies Expo and Conference, New York (SES NY) will be held March 23-27 at the Hilton in New York City. With a focus on search engine marketing and search engine optimization, it is a worthwhile event. To suit your individual needs, different passes are available including a free expo only pass if you register in advance.

Whether you are new to the field or have been around a while, you will find several sessions geared towards your needs and level of knowledge. The expo hall will provide you with an opportunity to meet with different exhibitors. My experience has been that the exhibitors are  both friendly and knowledgeable. Most seem to be willing to take the time to talk with every one and tailor their conversation to the needs shown.

If you have never been to a conference, I recommend you attend SES and get your feet wet. In addition to learning more about  search engine strategies, you can use the conference to learn how conferences work. Take time to walk around the Expo hall and speak with the representatives at the booths. Practice your “elevator pitch”. Strike up a conversation with someone when you grab a cup of coffee. If you practice networking you will become more confident and comfortable and as they say, practice makes perfect.

Be sure to bring a batch of business cards and exchange with a few people. I actually bring an assortment of cards. Mostly, I like to use a generic card, it has my name, a short bulleted list of what I do, and an email address. Of course if there is something that is a very targeted mutual interest, I use one of my targeted cards. All contact information on all my cards is good, I just find it easier to try and organize incoming emails before they even start.

SES conferences are held throughout the year in various locations please see SES for full details.

I will be in attendance, so maybe I will see you there.

This week Brian Littleton, CEO and founder of ShareASale announced that he will be holding a round table discussion at 3pm central Tuesday, February 3, regarding the acceptance of toolbar affiliates into the ShareASale network. In the past, ShareAsale has not allowed affiliates who utilize toolbars or reminder software to participate in their network. That stance has apparently been softened.

The purpose of the the conference call on Tuesday is to explain what toolbars will be allowed and the conditions. It is also to allow for discussion. There is a long thread at AbestWeb, SAS and Toolbars, and reading through it will give you a good idea of the many concerns expressed by affiliates, merchants and program managers.

I have to admit, I am very concerned about this development; I am also a bit shocked. For me, one of the appeals of ShareASale has been its ethics and its stance against parasites and toolbars. Brian and ShareASale have always been fair and ethical and I am looking forward to the round table for clarification of the new stance on toolbars. Once I have all the information I can make a more definitive opinion. I will hold my final decision until then. My biggest concern is the monitoring and enforcement of the standards, it is a very difficult task.

I appreciate that Brian has kept communication open, he has been answering many tough questions the past few days. In recent months, others have not done this; they chose a different path – a path of silence. For now, though nervous, I am keeping an open mind.

If you would like to participate in the round table conference call  visit Brian’s post at the ShareASale blog at ShareASale and Toolbars. You need to request to participate and the RSVP information is there.

As technology and the industry advance, we must address new issues. Be sure that your voice is heard. If you are an affiliate, merchant or program manager RSVP to participate in the conference call. Hope to see you there.

I was surprised to learn I was one of the finalists for an Affiliate Summit Pinnacle Award. Affiliate Summit, founded by Shawn Collins and Missy Ward, is the premier affiliate marketing conference. This year, Affiliate Summit West 2009 is taking place in Las Vegas January 11-13. The third annual Affiliate Summit Pinnacle Awards will be awarded on Monday, January 12. The finalists for the awards were announced on December 30 and I am truly honored to be listed.

You can read more about the awards at the blogs of Missy Ward and Shawn Collins.  Thank you for the nomination!

The finalists are:

Affiliate of the Year
Scott Aiken
Mike Allen
Kim Rowley

Affiliate Manager of the Year
Angel Djambazov
Stephanie Harris
Kim Salvino

Exceptional Merchant
4Checks.com
Amazon
CelebrateExpress.com

Affiliate Marketing Advocate
Michael Coley
Brook Schaaf
Melanie Seery

Best Blogger
Jamie Birch
Angel Djambazov
Scott Jangro

Affiliate Marketing Legend
Connie Berg
Scott Jangro
Kellie Stevens

Congratulations to all the nominees, I am honored to be listed with you. Good luck to everyone.