I probably judge too harshly, based more on what others told me versus what I experienced myself, since I walked out of the breakout sessions within 15 minutes each because they were too basic. It was the SEO session (first one) that for me was a total informercial (except Pete McNamara, but he talked PPC). I even watched as speakers improperly answered questions. Whatever reason they had for that - either because they didn’t know the answer or because to answer them might take potential work away from their companies - is a bad reason.

I did hear really good things about Hubbard’s presentation - wish I hadn’t missed it by going to the SEO one…

I found the conference to be highly valuable for me, and others expressed the same thing to me. Seeing the MM management and staff, feeling the positive vibe, hearing the commitments to quality, all were excellent. I just felt the breakout sessions themselves could have been more practical, and less beginner-level, just as my opinion. I put similar comments in my conference feedback form (albeit too late to win a prize)…

i didn’t say it was a miva merchant employee. didn’t say it wasn’t. not saying either way now. sorry, didn’t mean to imply that it was either way.

jason

jason

thanks. yeah, I came upon quite a few people laughing about it after it happened. word traveled fast. hope to see you sooner than later

jason

jason

i remember you. yes, it was an interesting turn of events to say the least.

jason

Anywho, though I found all of the breakout sessions informative since this was my first formal experience with Miva, I found the hullabaloo at the second SEO session very odd. Despite my dumbfounding reaction, it was cool to see someone speak out against something said/done by a presenter, which is the only time I saw such a thing at any sort of corporate conference I’ve attended.

For the record of the 16 breakout sessions this year 5 were taught by Miva Merchant Employees and 4 were taught by sponsors; which leaves 7 sessions from independent presenters, more than either employees or sponsors. However, I didnt hear anyone suggest that David Hubbard or Jeff Collins used their sessions as infomercials. In fact I only heard that about complaint about 2 specific sessions.

Next year we’ll have a longer conference and more of a focus on high quality breakouts, but I can’t promise speaking slots to everyone who inquires.

I agree completely with your analysis and suggestions, Jason. I also believe attendees would like to see some practical Miva Merchant information, versus theory and beginner generalizations. For example, nobody should walk away from a conference like this one without getting info they can use when they get home (or back to their hotel), like changing pages in admin, adding modules, which modules are available, etc. - practical stuff! I, too, offered to speak, to have a session on tips and tricks that would have given 100% practical information on day to day use of Miva Merchant. I also said I’d record my whole session and give everyone there a CD with the full session, including screen captures, but I was denied. I think it boiled down to most of the speakers were either Miva Merchant employees or conference sponsors, so the sessions were really paid infomercials.

Just for the record, I did speak at the conference and I am not a Miva Merchant Employee. I made it a point in my presentation not to recommend anyone company over another. In fact on the third screen I actually displayed the following:

What you won’t hear:
All the answers
Specific software suggestions
Specific vendor suggestions
How to make millions and millions

I used my clients as examples and I did not push my services during my presentation. I tried to present information I have learned over the years that can and will help anyone who wishes to utilize it.

I just wanted to set the record straight and not be lumped in with all the rest of the non Miva Employees who may have pushed thier products instead of provide valuable information.

Anyone wanting a copy of presentation can have it, just contact me.