Content Marketing World (CMW) 2012 is coming to Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 4-6. In its second year, the conference is the world’s largest gathering of content marketing professionals.
Marketing Agency Insider recently had the chance to catch up with “The Godfather” of content marketing, Joe Pulizzi (@juntajoe). As an author, entrepreneur and founder of CMW, Joe was able to share his insight on the benefits for agencies attending the event.
1. The Speakers
MAI: The presenter roster speaks for itself, but what are the “can’t miss” sessions for agencies?
JOE: It’s hard to pick out any specifics, since all of the sessions are relevant for inbound and content marketing agencies, but some of the notables include:
- Jay Baer (@jaybaer), co-author, The NOW Revolution, on content marketing metrics
- Lee Odden (@leeodden), author of Optimize, on social media and search optimization
- Mark Schaefer (@markwschaefer), author of Return On Influence, on creating an influential organization
- Laura Creekmore (@lauracreekmore), CEO of Creek Content, on how to create a content marketing strategy that works
- Brian Clark (@copyblogger), CEO of Copyblogger, on how he grew Copyblogger to the 150,000+ subscriber level
Also, there will be marketing practitioners from IBM, SAP, Dell, Sears, Kraft, Kelly Services and more. It’s a true “who’s who” in the content marketing industry.
2. The Workshops
MAI: There are six pre-conference workshops that offer great value to attendees. What workshops do you recommend specifically for the agency audience building content services into their capabilities?
JOE:
- For beginners, I recommend Content Marketing 101 with Heidi Cohen (@heidicohen), president of Riverside Marketing Strategies. If you are just getting started, or making the transition to content marketing, this one is for you.
- If you are struggling with how to develop buyer personas, we have Adele Revella’s (@buyerpersona) workshop, Building Your Buyer Personas. Author of The Buyer Persona Manifesto, Adele is the leading expert on identifying and building buyer personas.
- For agencies, Paul Roetzer’s (@paulroetzer) workshop, Growing Your Content Agency/Consultancy, is a must. Author of The Marketing Agency Blueprint, Paul will discuss what it takes to build a content marketing agency that works.
- If you are interested in self-publishing your ebooks on Amazon.com, don’t miss the ebook master, Jim Kukral (@jimkukral) in Book Publishing and Marketing for Businesses and Brands.
3. The Networking Opportunities
MAI: Agencies have an incredible opportunity to network with thought leaders, prospects and other agencies at CMW. What events at the conference do you feel are the best to network on a personal level?
JOE: At last year’s event, more than 50% of the attendees were client-side, so this really is a must-attend event for agencies to network with the people that own the content processes on the client side.
CMW is all about education and entertainment, so much of the structure of the event is around networking and having fun. Currently, we are planning a “Vegas” night as the opening reception, and of course Rick Springfield will be performing after our first full day of sessions.
I believe this in my heart: CMW is absolutely the best event to meet and network with the brightest minds in the content marketing industry. We’ll make sure there is plenty of time for attendees to make that a reality.
4. The Sponsors
MAI: Agencies will have the chance to get up close and personal with the best in software and content management platforms. Why should agencies make a point to spend time talking with company reps and demoing the products?
JOE: We have a number of companies launching products at the show this year. I haven’t been to one conference yet that highlights content production tools integral to content marketing like we have at CMW. And the best part, we limit sponsorships, so it’s not overwhelming for attendees. Only the best technologies will be on display.
Simply put, if agencies aren’t on the cutting edge of the content marketing technology push, how can they help clients master the process? Seeing more than 20 technologies up close and personal at CMW will make a big difference.
5. Rick Springfield Concert & Outdoor Barbecue
MAI: Is there a story behind Rick Springfield’s involvement in the event?
JOE: Most people don’t realize that Rick has been dipping his toes in the content marketing waters for a few years now. I believe one of the major reasons for Rick’s comeback has to do with his dedication to communicating directly with his fans in multiple formats. Attendees will get to see some of that first hand at CMW.
Bonus Material
MAI: Tell us about the Orange Awards?
JOE: This year, we are honoring the best content marketing agencies in a very unique awards program called the Orange Awards. I encourage any agencies that feel they are leading the way in the inbound and content marketing industry to participate. The awards will culminate in a dinner reception immediately following CMW. And don’t worry, this won’t be your normal, everyday awards ceremony!
MAI: What are you anticipating the most?
JOE: Last year, more than 600 content marketing agency and marketing professionals came together around this new concept. We’ve seen how fast content marketing is growing. It’s going to be fun to see more than 1,000 like-minded people come together, surrounded by the best content marketing speaker lineup ever assembled (over 70). I simply can’t wait to see it all come together.
Content Marketing World 2012 takes place Sept. 4-6, 2012 at the Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio. Register here and follow us on Twitter at #cmworld.