Kicking things off with an educational bent was the slate of morning seminars. SEO: What Everyone Needs to Know attracted a thick early morning crowd. Since SEO correlates with every aspect of operating an online business, Kevin Godbee of Web 3.0 Internet Consulting discussed keyword rankings, overall search engine optimization and best SEO practices.
Following that was the uber-popular Speed Networking, which has been a “must attend” since its inception. The rapid-fire meet-and-greet between industry players in all sectors makes connections quickly where participants pitch their companies or projects to every other attendee. Nowhere else do you get as much networking bang for your buck.
Of course, the pool was a huge attraction and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Frolicking and chilling poolside were some of the hottest stars in adult entertainment. Nikki Jayne, Renee Perez, Joanna Angel, Alexis Texas, Trisha Uptown, Kagney Linn Karter, Kiara Diane, Mia Lelani, Brynn Tyler and Angelina Armani all were spotted worshipping the sun.
Perhaps the day’s most intriguing panel was the one on social networking. Moderated by publicist Brian Gross, the panel discussed the benefits of social media to promote personalities, products and companies to a seminar room that was standing room only.
“Social media has changed the dialog from one to one to one to many,” Gross said. Panelist Gram Ponante said that “its injected personality,” while Pink Visual brand managed Kim Kysar said that its extended the reach of her brand, tapped into new audiences, and allows consumers of her company’s products to get feedback right away.
Michael Terpin of SocialRadius commented on the effectiveness of Twitter for promotions because each Tweet gets picked up by Google, whereas MySpace and Facebook operate “closed systems” where the community is closed off to outside searches and Google.
Burning Angel’s Joanna Angel told the attendees how her Twitter followers helped her come up with a movie’s title, scene setups and even dialog. Not only does Twitter help her promote the Burning Angel brand, it’s also resulted in a small revenue stream. Angel said that her sales conversions from Twitter traffic is 1:150. Ponante said his was 1:900.
After the social media panel, the bulging crowd staying for Smart Business Strategies for Today’s Recession and Tomorrow’s Recovery. Moderated by Colin Rowntree, panelists discussed business strategies in time of slow economic growth. What cuts can a business make to save overhead? How can you tap into new markets? Speakers included Caryn Goldberg of Minds Over Matter, Tony Morgan of National Net, Joel Tucker of Stockroom.com, Dave Levine of CNV.com, Morgan Sommer of Cybersocket and Brad Mitchell of Mojo Host.
The Iron Man Boat Races returned to the pool where the defending champions, Team Flame, lost to a crew led by Hustler Cash’s Nick Amoroso. Following that, web starlet Ashley Fires took home the Miss XBIZ Summer Babe crown with Trisha Uptown as the runner-up.
After the pool closed and the seminars wound down, attendees shuffled off to dinner and had their choices of where to continue the party. Cybersocket threw a webmaster party inside the Hard Rock’s celebrity suite and the Player’s Ball was in full effect at the Penthouse Club with DJ Quick performing.
The XBIZ Summer Forum ’09 wraps tomorrow with a farewell brunch.
