Affiliate Summit Wrap-Up: Day 2

The second and final day of the Affiliate Summit expo was slightly less busy than the first day of the event, as many participants had a very tight schedule and needed to return to their respective destinations, or perhaps, for some, just run for the hills from the enticing allure and over-the-top luxury that epitomizes Las Vegas. Although there was much affiliate marketing, networking business and deal-making taking place during the day, for AMWSO in particular, it was a pleasant opportunity to meet and greet in person a variety of colleagues, partners and potential collaboration opportunities, in a bit more relaxed atmosphere.

Some of the interesting and extremely influential people that AMWSO had the chance to meet and talk shop throughout the day included Brett Shearing, Business Development Manager for Commission Junction, who let me know that CJ is developing a Pay-Per-Call tracking technology, as well as Jennine Rexon, CEO and founder of the Rextopia network, Brendan J. Smith, CEO and founder of the Motive Interactive affiliate network, Gary Kamikawa, VP of Interactive marketing for Mpire and one of the fastest growing java-enabled ad networks Widget Bucks in addition to truly international participants such as Scott McCarthy, International Publisher Sales Manager for the largest U.K. affiliate network, TradeDoubler.

One of the most lively and spirited conferences taking place during the last day of the show was "ABW: loved or hated, but never ignored", featuring a panel of ABW moderators including Chuck Hamrick, OPM for Affiliate Crew, Deborah Loxly, OPM for Team Loxly, Michael Coley, founder of Amazing-Bargains, Ron, OPM of 7 Days A Week marketing and of course, Haiko de Poel, Jr., Administrator and CEO of AbestWeb. The key takeaway from this conference was that AbestWeb has become over the past 6 years, a trusted third party in the affiliate marketing industry that is open and honest as well as provides an ideal platform for any affiliate, to have a fair voice to communicate their trepidations. On the horizon for Abestweb, Haiko de Poel, Jr., announced a social marketing aspect that is in development for the 42,000-plus members, which features an expanded profile and ability to add friends, create groups and other affiliate business related functionality.