Stephanie Lichtenstein

Monday may be the most important day of the conference. It’s when things really start kicking so you have to be prepared. Like me, you may have stayed up to bowl for a cause. Shortly after you realize it is time to get up again. If you are not a morning person grab some coffee because Monday is the first day the exhibit hall opens up.

One thing worth getting out of bed for is the keynote speaker. Do not stay in bed, take this opportunity to invite someone to sit with you and watch the keynote. I always find the speakers to be inspirational. It can affect your outlook for the better and make you think outside the box. I find it is the perfect way to start the day.

Todd Crawford from ImpactRadius finds the keynote interesting!

What: Opening Remarks and Keynote, Influence During Times of Uncertainty
In today’s uncertain environment, the need for simultaneously effective and ethical influence is necessary, pertinent, and now more vital than ever to our success. During this profound presentation, Dr. Robert Cialdini briefly reviews six research-based universal principles of influence, but focuses on those principles that are most effective during conditions of uncertainty and that leaders can employ to bring about positive and lasting change among individuals located both inside and outside their organizations.
Who:
Dr. Robert Cialdini, President, INFLUENCE AT WORK (Twitter @RobertCialdini)
Dr. Robert Cialdini, author of the ground-breaking book, Influence, and co-author of the New York Times best-seller, Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways To Be Persuasive, is your guide in translating highly relevant but poorly-understood…
When: 9:45am - 10:45am
Where: Penn & Teller Theater, Rio
Passes: Platinum, Gold, Silver

If you are still not convinced to get out of bed. I will let it slide. However, I suggest attending at least one of the two keynotes. When you are finished with the keynote or finish getting up you can head to the exhibit hall. It will be opening up at 10:00 am. The exhibit hall is probably the biggest and most lively area throughout the entire conference. This is a must see and more than one time.

Sarah and CTang's smiling faces ready to help at the ShareASale booth. :)

What: Exhibit Hall
Who: The Exhibitor List
Check out the companies exhibiting during Affiliate Summit West 2010.
When: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Where: Amazon G-T Rio
Passes: Platinum, Gold, Silver

You need to walk through the halls and see who you want to talk to. For some affiliates, especially the most sought after they try to avoid the exhibit hall. This is because everyone is after them. If there is someone like this you want to meet. I suggest never to bombard them instead try to get introduced by a mutual party. They have heard it all, have been offered it all, and probably make enough money to not need anything from you. What they are looking for are quality relationships. Ones that make sense to them, compliment their business, and catch their attention.

One great addition to Affiliate Summit this year is the Affiliate Showcase. There are usually many networks and merchants on display. This time there is a chance for affiliates to do the same. I will definitely be attending to see who is there. Another smart move considering the showcase and the exhibit hall is to check out the exhibitors ahead of time. Below are two great affiliates that will be a part of the showcase (@kimarketing, @quityourdayjob).

Dinner at ThinkTank with a couple affiliate showcasers: Kim Rowley and Jeremy Palmer

What: Networking Event, Affiliate Showcase
Who: The Affiliates Showcasing! there are in-depth bios you can take a look at ahead of time.
Affiliate Showcase will be an opportunity for affiliates to preside over tables where merchants and networks can visit with them to discuss working together.
When: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Brasilia 4-5 Rio
Passes: Platinum, Gold

Let’s not forget about the sessions. This is going to be a packed hour. Not only is the affiliate showcase going on but sessions and the exhibit hall are as well. During this time there are also two speakers that I want to watch. One I have never seen speak before and another is among the best and I recommend him to anyone.

Wil Reynolds I have heard is a fantastic public speaker. Not only that but he just seems like a down to earth guy who knows what he is talking about. I have heard he is engaging and informative. Wil speaks on SEO and for some odd reason we have never met. I am not quite sure how this happened. This time I will make it a point to go say hello and hopefully I will get to catch him speak this time around.

I am going to see Wil because I am interested in him as an industry leader and from a speaker’s perspective. Another reason you should see Wil is if you are interested in SEO tactics. His tips are sure to improve your ROI with SEO. I would recommend this session for merchants and affiliates alike. It can help both sides grow their online businesses. FYI this session is for Platinum pass holders only.

Wil Reynolds speaking at SearchCamp Philly I found on the internets :)

What: How to Fix Failing SEO Efforts
There are many misconceptions about search engine optimization. This session will detail five reasons SEO efforts fail.
Who: Wil Reynolds, Associate, SEER Interactive (Twitter @wilreynolds)
When: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Brasilia 1-2, Rio
Passes: Platinum

Next up is another industry leader by the name of Scott Jangro. He will be moderating a panel on datafeeds. This can be something worth attending and can improve the way you are running your affiliate business as a merchant and an affiliate. This is what he has to say about the panel in his words, “We’re going to talk about best practices for merchants and affiliates, how to get started with datafeeds, the possible creation of standards, and more.” Here is a post he made on his affiliate marketing blog: AffBook.com. If you want to learn more about datafeeds I definitely recommend attending this session.

Scotty knows...

What: Product Datafeeds, the Next Level
Product datafeeds are among the most powerful tools available to affiliate marketers. We’ll discuss the current state of datafeeds and industry progress, best practices, and moving toward standards.
Who:
Scott Jangro, President, MechMedia, Inc. (Twitter @jangro) (Moderator)
Larry Adams, Product Manager, Google
Shergul Arshad, VP, Business & Corporate Development, StyleFeeder, Inc. (Twitter @shergul)
Brian Smith, CEO & Founder, SingleFeed (Twitter @singlefeed)
When: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Brasilia 6, Rio
Passes: Platinum

Now it is time for lunch. You need to reenergize. It is a good time to take a moment. Stay focused on what else you need to get accomplished for today and tomorrow. Now that you have grabbed a bite or even a nap you can head back to the exhibit hall or catch another session. I try to pick a few sessions that interest me. I end up only having time for one or two tops. Once you are in the exhibit hall networking it is harder to leave for a session.

I pick one that I cannot miss and make it a point to go. The reason I do this is because I always learn something new. I like to come back home with ideas or things to blog about that are impacting our industry. If you are brand new to the industry I would try to attend as many sessions as possible. There is a lot to take in and it is important to truly understand affiliate marketing in order to become an effective marketer.

Another key thing you need to do is network. I think it makes more sense if you meet a few really good contacts instead of leaving with hundreds of business cards. These contacts can begin the network you are building and can even help you along the way in your journey into the industry.

I am going to leave you with two more sessions that I find worth attending. Keep it in mind that each session is different for everyone because it depends on what kind of marketing or niche you focus on. The last two sessions of the day both have to do with social media. One focuses on Facebook advertising and another gives you top ten monetizing tips. For the rest of these sessions you will also need a Platinum pass. The other thing you can do is check out the exhibit hall if you don’t have one.

Myself and Jim's mandals.. I think we need a new pic at #asw10!

Out of these speakers I know Jim Kukral. He makes a big impact through social media and in affiliate marketing. Thanks to the internets I looked up Alex Schultz. What we learned about him is that he wears purple bowties and is the head of internet marketing at Facebook. This looks like someone I want to say hello to and have some great conversations with. I recommend attending this session because you are getting tips about Facebook from Facebook. You can’t beat that!

What: Killer Facebook Advertising Tactics
Tired of ad disapprovals, low CTRs, terrible conversion rates, and inconsistent traffic volume? CPM or CPC? Pages or direct link? Hear how several super affiliates do it, plus tips from Facebook.
Who:
Markus Frind, CEO, Plentyoffish
Dr. David Klein (dk), CEO, Purpose inc (Twitter @purposeinc)
Alex Schultz, Manager, Internet Marketing, Facebook (Twitter @alexschultz)
Jim Kukral, CEO, JimKukral.com (Moderator) (Twitter @jimkukral)
Mark Colacioppo, President, Globalizer, LLC
When: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Where: Brasilia 6, Rio
Pass: Platinum

Let’s end the day right with the golden boy. I am talking about Jay Berkowitz. One thing I admire about Jay is his speaking skills. What I love about him is that he gets to the point and still covers everything you need to know. Since he keeps everything in tens for some reason it makes me take notes or listen up for the key points he is making. These strategies will be great for newbies and even though I’m not new, I want to attend because I enjoy hearing Jay speak. If you want to learn more about social media don’t miss this session!

Jay will tell you his Ten Golden Rules

What: Making Social Media Make Money: Ten Strategies
Social Media Websites such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter have exploded in popularity. This presentation will share 10 proven strategies to generate massive profit from top social media websites.
Who: Jay Berkowitz, CEO, Ten Golden Rules (Twitter @JayBerkowitz)
When: 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Where: Brasilia 6, Rio
Pass: Platinum

I don’t know about you, but I am exhausted. Let’s try to make it a low key night. Yes we have events to go to but we can take it easy tonight. Well that’s what we want to try to do but sometimes it’s hard not to get distracted…It is Vegas after all!

I will start out with the Trivia Tweetup. One of my favourite hosts Lisa Picarille is running the show. She hosts her own podcasts, moderates panels, and runs affiliate thing with Shawn Collins. No matter what the situation is she runs everything so smoothly. There is something I love about Lisa being in charge. This is a great time to wind down and network. Bring your A-game because there is no phone or internet usage by players allowed during the game!

Your hostess with the mostess, Lisa Picarille!

What: Affiliate Summit Trivia Tweetup, register here
Sure, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of all of the dog’s names that have lived in the White House, but will they buy you drinks? Give you prizes? We don’t think so.
So, here’s your opportunity to get what you deserve. Join the Affiliate Summit Team and your Trivia Who:
Host, Lisa Picarille (@lisap) for the Affiliate Summit Trivia Tweetup where you can show off your random-fact prowess, get unexpected high-fives and make some new friends. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even win drink tickets or passes to Affiliate Summit East 2010 in New York City!
When: 9:30pm - 11:59pm
Where: Miranda 1-3 and Patio, Rio
Passes: Platinum, Gold, Silver

Once the Trivia Tweetup has ended I am going to head over to a GTO Management event. If you like Beer and you are an affiliate you should attend! They are hosting on behalf of MakeBeer.net. If you are interested in attending and are an affiliate (spots go to them first), feel free to email Wade (at) gtomanagement.com. He will get you signed up for the event. I took the liberty of signing myself and my three mentees up.

Karen Garcia from GTO and I trike racing at #ASW09

What: Have a Beer with MakeBeer.net and GTO Management
Who: Affiliates
When: 11:00pm – 12:30am
Where: McFadden’s Irish Pub, Rio

If you still want to check out more Monday events there are plenty listed on Missy’s full list of parties and special events. With Monday’s lighter schedule my night will end at a decent hour. I may even have a moment to hit the craps table.

This is what happened the first time I hit the craps tables #asw07!

That was my first Affiliate Summit and my first time in Vegas. What a trip! It may have been the first time I fell in love with our industry. To this day I still love it. Even though time is running out stay tuned for the Tuesday Guide. I find it helpful to use these guides as references during the conference to keep up and find everything on time. I can’t wait to see your smiling faces there!