When you are involved in the online world professionally (who isn’t anymore?), it is important to keep up with certain things. Social media, especially in a marketing context, is a big one. The reason there are so many events aimed at social media is that it has become the primary means of promotion on the web.
But if you are going to go to one, you might as well go to the most interesting one possible. Different conferences have their own special charms. My own decision is usually based on the location where they are being held. There is nothing better than going out on the town in a cool place after a long day of lectures.
Obviously, “cool” is subjective. But here are my own five picks for upcoming social media events in awesome locations.
1. SES Toronto
The SES series is incredibly popular, and it is held all over the world. Chances are, you are going to find one of these puppies out there in a city you want to visit. This one is in Toronto, which happens to be one of my favorite all time locations. It will be held from May 14 – 16, 2014, so there are no real details on schedule or speakers. But every SES event attracts some of the leading powerhouses in the industry. It also sells out fast, so you will want to sign up for a reminder the moment tickets go on sale.
Location: Toronto, Canada; Marriott is the official venue.
2. NMX
New Media isn’t all about social media in the traditional sense. It does cover blogging, but also podcasts, web series and other forms of content that have become prevalent in recent years. It is also held in Las Vegas, Nevada, and in January from the 4 – 6, 2014. For those who don’t know, Nevada is a desert. So winter is a great time to go there, to escape from the cold while enjoying the slots. There are some great speakers this year, like Carol Cain, Heather Greenwood Davis, Patrice Yursik, Chris Christensen and Rob Barnett, among many others.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada; Here’s good guide into Vegas hotels.
3. Social Media Marketing World
Being a social event, you are expecting plenty of opportunities to network. But you would be surprised by the number of events that forget this part of the equation. This one, held in sunny San Diego, is a good mix of sessions and chances to connect with fellow attendees and speakers alike. The schedule is full of social times. It is also a short conference, held March 26 – 28, 2014. So you don’t have to worry about being burnt out.
Location: San Diego, California; for some traveling info and help, try Go San Diego Card.
4. SMX
Next to Toronto, London is another of my favorite cities in the world. Perhaps it is a lifetime of reading Victorian literature, where all the most exciting scenes seemed to occur in London. But I suspect I am not the only one. Add that to the fact that they are hosting SMX, an massively popular annual multi-series, and you have a winner. The conference and International Search Summit are being held on My 13 – 14, 2014. Few details have been released yet, but you can register soon.
Location: London, England; Here’s the official accommodation site.
5. Ad:Tech
When you think of glittering cities, Tokyo has to be on the top of your list. Anyone who has walked through the streets has probably been stunned by the bustle activity, the bright lights, the overall tone that is a tech-friendly paradise. They are going to be hosting a part of the Ad:Tech series next year, though the date hasn’t been finalized. There are plenty of others in areas like Beijing, Sydney and New York. But it is worth waiting fort the Tokyo event, in my opinion.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Do you have an event in a cool place you want to share? Let us know in the comments!
Michelle Fach is the social media enthusiast and community building strategist working from her home. You can see her tweet at @TekSocial