Are you ready for the Affiliate Summit East 09?

I feel like I just got back from Affiliate Summit West, but it’s already July and it’s time to get ready for the Affiliate Summit East in NYC.

Yesterday, I was reading the Affiliate Summit Monday Guide by Stephanie Lichtenstein and the actual agenda of the event.  Then, I quickly realized there are so many things I want to do and so many panels I’d like to listen to.  I am not a go with the flow kind of person and I like things to be planned ahead of time.  After going over the agenda, it is so hard to pick one session out of many for each hour because there are so many interesting topics.

I am definitely going to the Advertising Tax session because it is very important to keep up with this issue.  While I’d love to attend sessions by people I know to support, I am going to try attending some sessions done by people I have never listened to in person before.  I think we all tend to go for the “well-known” speakers, but I think everyone deserves the same attention.

How do you select which session to go to?  Do you select topics you are already familiar with to see if there are any new info you are missing or do you select topics you are not specialized to gain some knowledge? I’d love to hear how you plan your day to maximize this great networking opportunity.

Outside of attending sessions, this is what I plan on doing during the summit.

Saturday

I will be checking in and attend a few networking parties.  Also, I will make sure to take advantage of the early check-in to pick up my badge because it took me forever to get it for the last summit.  I plan on getting in early in the morning by Amtrak and do lunch and dinner with someone.  Please let me know if you’d like to meet up!

Sunday

I will be attending Affiliate Meet Market. When I heard about this meat market first, I seriously thought this was Affiliate “Meat” Market to network with other “meat” a.k.a. people.  I like scheduling meetings ahead of time, but it is almost impossible to set aside time for everyone.  Meet Market provides great opportunities for people to swing by and network in casual setting.  It’s also fun to see what kind of marketing tools each exhibitors have. You will find various free items from pens, candies, frisbee to Photo booth to take some fun pictures.

There will also be a silent auction to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City during the Affiliate Meet Market, so I’m looking forward to contributing.

So, are you ready for the Affiliate Summit?  I’m looking forward to seeing you there!!