Chicago Ad Tech – The
Ad Tech Chicago was a very well put together conference. The intimate size allows for more one on one time for deal making and exploring new businesses. I tend to find Chicago the most rewarding of the Ad Techs in terms of both deal making and deep-dish.
This year’s mix of companies exhibiting was not dramatically different than the past couple of Ad Techs. Of course there were the sponsor stalwarts of Claria and Casale- the Claria lanyards to hold our conference badges and the red-apple Casale bags (that even my Grandmother has too many of and will no longer accept).
The past couple of Ad Techs have included many more SEO companies- it looks like that industry may be shaking out a bit (alternatively they may be skipping the Chicago conference). There were still an incredible number of search companies, many of which focus on providing the most relevant search results, while not focusing as hard on the bottom line. That’s a change from the past where the mantra was “monetize, monetize, monetize-” now we’re back to the build traffic and then monetize model. Well either way…
But search is still a hot area. Many companies are trying to figure out “the search-engine revolution- how best to use information technology…” So says Colin Powell in Wednesday’s Wall Street Journal (after being asked why he was joining the VC firm Kleiner Perkins).
Wait a second, former Secretary of State Powell? Talking Search? Can’t you just see him at next years Ad Tech surrounded by skimpy-top-wearing-hired-hands that wouldn’t know a search query if it hit them in the head? Speaking of, is that weird to anyone else? Do women in tight tops really attract profitable relationships? Is that even legal? At offline conventions I’ve attended, I’ve seen apple-pie-offering-employees (dressed in full 1950’s regalia) and even Joe Montana (Joe attracted a crowd, the pie did not).
But back to the pizza. Giordano’s is still classic but Gino’s holds its own as well. But you know what? I live in New York, and my favorite pizza is three blocks away from me, at Lombardi’s. That’s where I can really close the deals.
