Branded3’s five best bits of Internet World 2011

Well that’s another year exhibiting at Internet World over, and once again, the Branded3 stand received an overwhelming response, making the three-day event a huge success.

Surrounded by all-things digital, and enjoying the free education programme; the Branded3 team learnt plenty about our industry and came away with some valuable experiences. We’ve managed to whittle our favourite bits from the digital exhibition this year down to five, and here they are:

1. Being the first to find out inside knowledge

The seminars seemed to be a highlight for most of the 12,000 people visiting this event, with queues snaking around the stands to listen to some of the leading professionals in the industry. After quickly learning that arriving at the theatre five minutes before the talk began probably wasn’t a good idea; I joined the crowds of visitors queuing up half an hour early, and managed to catch a particularly interesting seminar from Bruce Daisley, the man responsible for sales across Google’s Display Network.

Talking to the digital enthusiasts, Daisley unveiled some interesting new techniques from Google to target specific audiences. Inside info like this wasn’t rare at the event, and gave visitors the chance to be the first in the know about new technology and methods.

2. The popularity of the Branded3 stand

Sandwiched in-between various SEO agencies from across the country, with dozens of posters and testimonials lining their walls, all trying to vie for attention; Branded3’s all-black stand stood prominent, projecting just one simple message.

No, the simplicity wasn’t because we’d forgotten our props, it was intentional; and it worked. Standing out amongst a sea of colours, the Branded3 stand drew people in, and our equally simple and effective approach to web development and SEO kept them there.

3. Checking out the competition

It’s something everyone does at an industry exhibition, but no one admits; scoping the competition. Sure, we like to think of Internet World as an opportunity for the digital community to come together, but of course it’s also a chance to check out what our contemporaries are up to, and compare techniques.

As always, the competition is tough, but we still believe our organic attitude to SEO and integrated approach to web development places us firmly as the top choice for digital needs.

4. Getting advice from some key industry figures

With talks from some influential figures from the likes of Facebook, Amazon, and Yahoo!, it’s no wonder the seminar programme at the Keynote Theatre was so popular. One particular highlight for us was a talk from Yann Depoys, the Head of Display Advertising for eBay Europe.

Looking at the future of online advertising and offline retail marketing, Depoys attracted a huge audience all waiting in anticipation for tips on how the UK’s biggest e-commerce site works (although the audience could have been bigger; some seemed distracted by the ladies dressed in tutu’s just by the entrance of the theatre..).

5. Landing the best stand in Earl’s Court

Yes, the seminar programme was extensive and educational; and yes, we were surrounded by people from some of the biggest internet companies in the world; but our personal best part of the whole event, was being situated opposite the café.

Ok I’m probably exaggerating, but it was pretty handy, and not only that; but whilst the internet buffs sat sipping their coffee and eating their sandwiches, they could take in all that the Branded3 stand had to offer, and many came to speak to us once they’d finished. With our comfy sofas and convenient location, visitors were only too happy to come and have a chat with us.

BY Felicity Crouch AT 1:12pm ON Tuesday, 17 May 2011

With a journalism degree and plenty of experience as an online writer; Felicity is our Marketing Manager. Raising our profile in the industry and making sure our achievements are heard, Felicity manages our marketing output and internal events. Follow Felicity on Twitter.