Are We Oversubscribed?

Posted May 2, 2009
26 Comments

subscribe button Are We Oversubscribed?Hi there.

My name’s Danny Brown, and John has very kindly asked me to look after his blog for the next couple of days while he’s at the SobCON event in Chicago.

(Not a moment too soon, either, what with Jack Tweet on the loose).

It’s almost karmic that John’s at SobCON, as it’s perfect for this post, which I was going to discuss over at my own blog. Especially after watching a video that John posted from the event, which raises questions about people’s connection to the attendees of these events.

Are we becoming oversubscribed?

Are we becoming saturated in industry events – is social media even an industry? While there’s no denying that these events hold interest and learning for both attendees and speakers, are some of them just for the sake of happening?

Looking at some of the current and upcoming events, a lot of them appear to be with the same speakers on the same topic. At least on paper – things can always change in the flesh, as the best speakers run with the audience and take their cues from there.

Take a look at the speaker lists from SobCON, #140Conf and IZEAFest. Chris Brogan, Liz Strauss, Julia Roy and others are speaking at at two out of the three (if not all).

There’s no doubting that these guys are all hugely knowledgeable and passionate about social media and what it can offer you. I’ve seen Chris speak before, and watched some of the other guys via online presentations, and they offer great insights into both social media and the online worlds we inhabit.

But do we need a change?

Are people becoming slightly blase with the abundance of conferences, topics and speakers that seem to share many similar ideas and discussions?

If so, is it the fault of the conference organizers, the speakers, or us? Should event organizers look further afield and expand their invites to others that are using the medium effectively? People like Seth Simonds who’d be a brilliant speaker on communities, or Chris Ryan who uses several media tools and combines them to thought-provoking ideas every time – they would make great speakers.

Should some of the current speakers take a breather and look at how they can bring something new to the table?

How about us? Should we be offering more reasons to offer event organizers new voices to check out? Should we be suggesting what we’d really like to learn as opposed to attending what we’re advised we should know?

Of course, every event offers something new to someone – there’s always a new member of the social media school to welcome and introduce to the playground.

But aren’t open playgrounds better than closed sandpits?

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  • mike ashworth
    hi danny, I got the impression on a recent webinar that they were having to offer heavy discounts for one of the events taking place in the US.

    Inspirational speakers for sure, however, the same message repeated again and again is going to do the whole industry nothing but harm. People will vote with their feet/wallets in these challenging economic times.

    They need to come up with some other reasons for people to attend other than the usual list of shamen, rockstars, gurus and other such people that speak at these events.

    Then again maybe people are so in awe of these "stars" that merely being in their presence is reason enough to go ;-)

    Marketing is, after all, about solving a problem/need that someone has, if they can work out what that is they will thrive..
  • Danny,

    Thanks so much for the guest post. Michelle Vandepas and I were just talking about being over subscribed and thus overwhelmed. I mentioned to her that I recently ditched my Google Reader in exchange for Alltop in an effort to strip things down.

    Diversity of thought! Very, very important if folks want to be creating something completely new. Brian Clark talked yesterday about blending previously unrelated worlds (example was cartooning and cube culture = Dilbert).

    Note: The video of Brian Clark was intended as a satirical poke at Brian. I've never been one to get caught up with a person's position when pulling punches (say that 10 times fast).

    Thanks again, Danny!
  • Absolutely. Especially as speakers like Chris make the transition from presenting at free events to pay-for events. As much as I love hearing what everybody has to say, there really is a fair amount of overlap so I REALLY better be hearing something new if I'm attending a social media gig, especially if I'm gonna pony up $295+.

    <abbr>Don Lafferty’s last blog post..Jonathan Maberry and Harvey Finkel</abbr>
  • Your argument is one's quality may be more reputable than one's quantity, no? I agree. Focus less on how many fans one has, focus less on how many subscribers one has, and focus less on how "esteemed" a person is. Rather, focus on the underappreciated. More often than not, you'll learn more from those who few know about; I do every day.

    A changing of the guard is definitely due.

    <abbr>Ari Herzog’s last blog post..Guest Interview with Ben Wayne: Why Online Video Marketing is Effective</abbr>
  • Danny: Thanks for suggesting that I am speaker-worthy! I'm very excited at the prospect. Anyone listening? But certainly, people, book Danny first. Then me!
  • Yes! I think the beauty of the web is that anyone can research and learn and become great at social media or any number of topics. There's plenty of up and comers who have fresh ideas who would better benefit from being a speaker at these events and would bring a new perspective to the talks.

    It is time for a change.

    <abbr>Adam Pieniazek’s last blog post..When to NoFollow Links</abbr>
  • I think we might be getting there for sure. The same concepts, phrases, and ideas are being passed around on a daily basis. They're great concepts, phrases, and ideas, but sitting around discussing them all day only gets us so far. We need to start executing on the current ideas and start exploring new ones as well.
  • I'm not sure if my opinion counts here because I'm really on the fence. Listening to great speakers is a good thing but what CAN'T we learn by just asking questions and connecting on FB/Twitter/etc and sharing out ideas.

    Honestly (when am I not?) I hate conferences. Well, unless someone wants me to pay to speak at one. Kidding. Fresh, new info comes to us EVERY DAY for free when we network and maybe meet up in small groups. I love to share what I know (not much) and LOVE, LOVE it when I just email or DM someone and ask "how did you do that" or "that looks great, what other ideas do you have" and we share. The old fashioned way instead of the $300 to sit in a warm conference room with water and hard candies. OH, yum.

    So much free info and great people out there willing to share. I think there is definitely an over abundance of "conferences", "summits" and "festivals". Just my humble opinion.

    <abbr>The Daily Blonde’s last blog post..The Origin of the Swine Flu</abbr>
  • Dianna Wiggins
    What I find sort of ironic is the fact that, given the topic area, more of these events aren't enabled virtually. Ok, so these things are planned by event companies and they need to make money, but given the fact that budgets are being cut and this audience is connected in all respects, why not demonstrate the power of these things by being creative with the get-togethers? I was intrigued with a notice for a "Women Who Tech Telesummit" (http://www.womenwhotech.com/) coming up this month. How easy was it to sign up for something I could choose to attend from my laptop at will throughout the day? This type of format also enables a more global and unlimited speaker pool, since they don't have to dedicate whole days for travel and can pres)umably join in from wherever they are.
  • I've enjoyed a lot of these events through hashtag twitterstreams, streaming video, and blog post recaps, and there is certainly a lot of good material coming from the A-list speakers, much of it repetitive, yes. For those new to social media, it's good for getting the basics really imprinted in your brain. However, at this point, I would love to hear more from those in the trenches, those who have implemented social marketing and have war stories and results to report. I've heard these stories from very large companies but I want to hear them from small businesses -- that's the majority of the market out there.

    <abbr>Deirdre Reid’s last blog post..Three Things That I Believe</abbr>
  • @Mike. I think you make a valid point, Mike. As you say, there's no doubt they're great speakers - that isn't in doubt. But how many times would you pay for the same Pay-per-View boxing match again, regardless of how great the fight?

    @Don. I guess the argument could be that not everyone goes to the same events - you can still choose. Although many of the events seem to be in the same cities when they come around - so diversification wouldn't harm.

    @Ari. I'm with you, Ari. The two guys I suggested in the post may not be "undiscovered" as such on the likes of Twitter, or via their blogs, but as far as a wider audience goes? They're the kind of guys that can inspire new directions - maybe it's time they and others were asked?
  • Timely post. I just really don't remember getting so many invites to conferences that feel all the same. The irony is, in this economy, the clients are not attending these conferences (the way they might have or did in past): the consultants, the vendors, the practitioners are present but not the end "buyer." Has anyone asked the clients want they would like to learn? Mine are looking for a more integrated approach; they know social media is a piece of the plan not The Plan.

    <abbr>Anne Mai Bertelsen’s last blog post..Marketing to Boomers: The New Black?</abbr>
  • Makes me think of the phrase "drinking the coolaid" ... like when people have been working at a company for a long time and they all begin to think/act the same.

    I'm one who has not attened a lot of these conferences so if i were to go i'd appreciate seeing these peeps speak, but i can also understand that people (including me) would be a bit let down if if they went to 5 different events and 80% of the speakers were the same.

    @chrisbrogan .... let some other people share the stage man!!! :)

    http://twitter.com/franswaa
  • The selling of information: A-list speakers and their books is an industry, plain and simple. "Social media" and its early adopter tech bubble, has stretched the navel gazing to its own chin. As microblogging becomes truly integrated into enterprise-level process, as well as to small and medium-sized businesses outside the tech bubble, only then will we see a tide of fresh thinking, innovative case studies, evolving uses. I, for one, am looking forward to all this moving beyond the "conversation markets" speak touted by the "purists," to next level one-way microblogging where "just in time" data streams are equally valued for their utility by very specific market segments. Like anything, this is in its infancy. But now's the time for teething.
  • Danny, totally agree. I think conference organizers need to "listen" (um, especially those putting together social media events) to what the attendees want. Personally, I think we are at a point where having beginner, intermediate and advanced tracks might be helpful. And, I'd like to hear from companies who have implemented social media...real-life case studies from the trenches if you will.

    I agree with Don Lafferty, if I am paying $295 (plus travel), I want to learn something new. A lot of these SM conferences/events also have networking factored in to them, so from that regard...it's up to the attendee to make the most of them.

    Thanks for bringing up the topic Danny, it's an important one.
  • Great post, Danny, and I think many of the comments are right on. In this day-and-age--particularly with the state of the economy right now--people want to find value in their investments, and get something unique out of the events they participate in.

    As one of the folks integral in the planning of IZEAFest I can tell you planning an event comes with cost. There's certainly no getting around that. What we try to do with our event, though, is make it affordable yet packed with value...and something different than other "conferences." We do that by keeping our event still somewhat small, and give attendees the opportunity to network and engage directly with these well-known Internet personalities - and experts at what they do.

    The feedback we've received over the past couple of years is that the main takeaway for attendees are the networking opportunities - this is what they care about the most, and what makes it worth them attending versus experiencing the event online. And while we do live Twitterstream the event and broadcast it online, engaging those who might not be able to join the event live, the chance to network just doesn't exist there.

    Of course, we also try to make the entire event an experience versus just a conference. Parties, non-conventional things...all of this provides attendees with an overall life-experience and connection with the social media Community.

    ...plus this year there's the fact that our event is happening at SeaWorld!

    Just my $.02! But great post!
  • What we try to do with our event, though, is make it affordable yet packed with value…and something different than other “conferences.” We do that by keeping our event still somewhat small, and give attendees the opportunity to network and engage directly with these well-known Internet personalities - and experts at what they do.

    Ashley, how do you define a "well-known Internet personality?" Would you group Danny Brown or John Haydon in that category? Would any of the other commenters on this post be an internet personality?

    Considering one person's value is another's silliness, how do you and IZEA determine networking value?

    <abbr>Ari Herzog’s last blog post..Internet Business Owners to Pay Taxes?</abbr>
  • @Ari Herzog Good questions!

    Firstly, to me a well-known personality would be someone who has a loyal audience, is largely recognized--and respected--by others in what they do and the space they're in, and is also an influencer. I'm not personally familiar with everyone on this list but I'm sure some fit this description - I believe Chris Brogan does.

    Secondly, I would say we determine value as it's relevant to our audience/community, and who they recognize and want to interact with at an event. Ultimately, IZEAFest is an event that we host so that those attending (and engaging virtually) can learn to monetize their blogs, grow traffic, develop and grow their brand, and if we book individuals who have not only done those things themselves but done them well and have been influencers in their space...then that's where the value exists. Me...personally...I would never attempt to put a value on any one person, but when I mention "value" it is simply referring to their relevance to our event.

    I hope this helps clarify! If not, you're welcome to respond or e-mail me directly at ashley[at]izea[dot]com.
  • @Ashley and @Ari - My two cents?

    If conferences all have the same "well-known and well respected" presenters, then all conferences are pretty much the same. After a while, we all begin to spout the same stuff - and nothing new is invented!

    So diversity is the key.

    Diversity within the niche: Ari and Danny don't have the star power that Brogan has but are just as insightful (IMO).
    Diversity outside the niche: I'd love to see the president of Sam Adams Brewery or the inventor of the Segue scooter speak!

    What is the intent of the organizers - $$$ or Value?

    John
  • It was great meeting you at SOBcon ‘09.
    Thanks for the advice on the business cards, and me and my assitant love your c.d. :-)
    I look forward to getting to know you better.
    Have a great day!
    Giovanna Garcia
    Imperfect Action is better than no Action
  • @Giovanna - Same here! Can't wait to see the new header.
  • @Beth Harte. That's not a bad idea, Beth. Almost like the trade shows that open up to the public on the last day? Then you could tailor the speakers to the attendees. Definitely worth looking at.

    @Ashley. Great to see IZEA looking out for their brand, Ashley - now where are the organizers of SobCON and #140Conf? ;-)

    Perhaps we're using the wrong terminology? You mention that you go with "Internet personalities" to counter the cost and effort needed to put on the events.

    But wouldn't it be better to call them "social media personalities"? To me, an Internet personality would be someone like Tim Berners-Lee - now THAT would garner my interest.

    Although I tend to agree with what others have said in that perhaps some juggling of the names is needed. Instead of just having social media marketers or PR types involved, get the grass root people as well.

    Lesser-known industries and niches and the people in them quite often have as interesting, if not more so, things to say.

    Cheers! :)
  • @Danny Brown Thanks for the props. More than anything, I fully believe in our company and especially our event so I just want to make sure folks have a solid understanding of who we are. Plus I just love engaging with people! :)

    And yes...I believe "social media personalities" might be a better-suited term to use.
  • I'll do my part and never speak at a conference again. If you think you're sick of me, imagine how sick I am of myself. :)

    <abbr>Brian Clark’s last blog post..Content Marketing Gets Real: Sonia Interviews Naomi Dunford of IttyBiz</abbr>
  • I think you may be talking about the game more than playing it, you know?

    Just something to think about.

    <abbr>Brian Clark’s last blog post..Content Marketing Gets Real: Sonia Interviews Naomi Dunford of IttyBiz</abbr>
  • @Brian - I'm not sick of you. But that's only because I never read your blog. ;-)
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