DMA2010 Recap

I have lost count as to the number of DMA annual conferences I have been to, but this year seemed different, especially compared to the last three years or so when the attendance seemed so anemic.

This year around 10,000 people or so were present (from what I could gather) and the atmosphere was energetic. The conference was officially launched with the keynote of the DMA’s new president, Larry Kimmel. He gave a nice, genuine speech, announced a new, enhanced website and actually walked the show and talked to folks throughout; I personally spoke with him Tuesday morning. He may just be the spark the DMA needs to bolster membership and relevance in an uber-changing marketing environment.

This was also the first year I spoke the the DMA as a solo presenter, and based upon the feedback I heard the next two days after my session was over, I am happy to say it appears that I connected with the attendees to my standing-room-only speech.

We also had several meeting the three days we were in San Francisco and most marketer’s we met with are really trying hard to test and find ways to make their marketing more effective. That was very encouraging.

Of course, we did meet up with several friends for breakfast, lunch and dinner, attended a few dinners and parties and felt very good about the direction the DMA is heading and the direction that measurable marketing is taking in the overall marketing space.

I’m looking forward to DMA2011 in Boston.