That’s right – it’s that time of year again.... No not Back to School – but Back to the Affiliate Summit East for year 3 in the big apple. Just like any scholar student would show up for the first day of school with a fresh box of crayons, AKMG is planning on showing up to ASE with our most polished team to date. Most of our affili-friends are used to looking for the booth with “all the girls” on the show floor, but we like to switch things up a bit and are bringing Cory Gilleland and John Cody to represent AKMG in addition to Layne Kennedy, Cathy Zandueta and Wendy Adams. Of course, Kim and myself will be present on the exhibit and dance floor! The team of AKMG is planning on hitting ASE harder than a heat wave hits The Hamptons, so it’s only necessary we put together a preparation list to survive the upcoming marketing mayhem. Make sure to take notes on the below, because these are words of wisdom from trade show veterans that can run marathons in 6 inch heels. To aid in your reading (and aesthetic) pleasure, Miss Layne Kennedy is going to highlight everyone’s favorite part of any trade show: the buzzing party scene. From there, I am going to circle back around and go over the “must attend” keynote sessions and speakers of the conference. After all, ASE could best be compared to the forever adored mullet hairstyle circa 1985 >>> All business in the front and party in the back!
As with every year, you’ve found yourself in the same life-altering predicament. You have now RSVP’d to a dozen parties for Sunday and Monday night. The same go-to venues, all your favorite companies, promising the best DJs and open bars all over the city. Well it’s time to make the hard decisions - which events to attend, and which “parties” to leave to the ASE newbies.
On Sunday night head to the meatpacking district and hit up Neon in NYC at Dream Downtown for cocktails with EmpYre Media. Mix and Mingle for a late-night happy hour at the swanky rooftop pool and “beach” (boasting real sand), surrounded by the NYC Skyline. Once you’ve gotten your fair share of Downtown, follow our stilettos back to Midtown to the Neverblue party on top of the Roosevelt Hotel at Mad46. Elevate your NYC experience at this private soiree hosted by AKMG’s parent company (PM us if you haven’t yet made the cut), sipping dirty martinis while rubbing shoulders with the “who’s who” of the industry. Dance the night away, as with all things AKMG, this chic and sexy exclusive event promises not to disappoint.
On Monday evening, stroll over to the Affiliate Ball at the undisclosed location near the Hilton (admit it, the mystery is alluring enough in itself). Cultivate your business while dancing to the beats of DJ Doug-E-Fresh, with an abundance of sponsors including Wicked Fire, CPA Trend and PlentyofFish. Then it’s time to head off to the main event at the Greenhouse in the South Village, one of Manhattan’s best spots for nightlife. Take advantage of this networking opportunity with some of our favorites from A4D and EngageBDR, who definitely know how to throw a party….(Flashdancers 2010 anyone?)
So there you have it, you know where to be, when to be there, and most importantly, where to find all of us!
Thanks Layne... Make sure to bring an extra phone battery because I have a feeling you will be getting of texts from your many adoring affili-fans and industry colleagues.
So after you pop a few Advil and get those bumpin’ house beats out of your head – you will want to make sure to attend some of the promising key note sessions at the Hilton. Feel free to stop by the AKMG booth, number 217 in between these sessions to tell us how much fun you had hanging out with us an how excited you are to do more business with us, as those are our favorite booth visitors!
One of the most important sessions to attend is being held is 9D Tuesday the 23rd at 2:00 PM in the Sutton, in which the main topic is educating those on the proposed new privacy laws that will not only diminish user’s internet experience, but also devastate all online advertising. If you want to be able to keep poppin’ bottles at each tradeshow, I highly recommend you attend to learn more about how to rally, educate and fight these misguided efforts. Our very own Kimberlee White will be one of the speakers, along with Sarah de Diego, attorney at law, Peter Hamilton from HasOffers and Brad White, the Director of Business Development for uSamp.
For all you tech buffs, sink your fangs into the Mobile Marketing Campaign Optimization session. The main speaker will be Gregg Stewart, the VP New Media Platforms at Neverblue. We all know the mobile revolution is changing and Gregg is going to speak about what it takes to be a successful mobile publisher and the key components to making a successful campaign. Sounds digitally stimulating and since this event is taking place on Tuesday at 11:30 AM, you will have plenty of time to recover from the ultra-elite Neverblue Party on Sunday. If you need more tips on how to make the most out of your ASE trip – or be added to the VIP list, be sure to follow @kymbrla, @laynekennedy511, or @ambspaul for real time reporting.
See you all in NY... Make sure to look for the red 6 inch soles ;)
