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Having been to the “big one”, Danny Sullivan’s (and partners) Search Engine Strategies Conference and the smaller, less harried High Rankings Search Engine Marketing Seminar, I can say that both are fun and educational to attend.

Still, a smaller, more intimate setting is conducive to learning. There’s less rush and less competition over what workshop to see at 1pm out of the 3 selections, which of course, all sound exactly like what you want.

Moreover, there’s the money factor. For small businesses, who often squeeze “continuing education” out of their office supplies budget, the opportunity to attend a smaller conference is deeply appreciated. If it’s presented by well-known industry leaders, who care more about your success than meeting investors’ demands, better still.

Two new, smaller, search engine marketing seminars are on the docket.

1.) Search Engine Marketing Made Simple, presented by Matt Bailey of The Karcher Group and Jennifer Laycock, Editor, Search Engine Guide.

“Matt Bailey and I will be putting on an all-day search engine marketing seminar in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday, September 27th. The seminar is aimed at helping the small business market really get a grasp on the basics of search engine marketing. We’ll be trading off speaking spots from 9am to 3pm and then wrapping it up with two hours of interactive Q&A where we’ll review attendee’s Web sites and will offer up some specific advice and feedback. “

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2.) High Rankings Search Engine Marketing Seminar (Note: The link goes to their last one in Seattle, WA so you can see what type of program is offered.) The next one is scheduled for November 3rd and 4th, 2005, outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Stay tuned to Jill Whalen’s Advisor newsletter for updates on their plans for this one, and she’ll post the link for seminar registration.

Bill Slawski (aka “bragadocchio”) of Cre8asiteForums and myself are planning to attend the High Rankings seminar in November, as it’s practically on our doorstep. We had a blast at the one we attended in Boston, MA and look forward to reuniting with the High Rankings folks again.