Online Revealed Calgary 2008

Message From the Editor By Alicia Whalen s the World Wide Web evolves around us, one thing remains a constant – change! As we take a look at the topics we covered in our first two Online Revealed conferences, many of the concepts such as best practices in search engine optimization, learning how to play the pay per click marketing game, and Blogging tips remain hot topics – while new, quickly evolving tactics, such as social media marketing and new media tools like online video distribution, are added to the roster. A gation, compelling imagery, and interactive features, such as consumer forums and online contests to attract and retain an audience that will, otherwise, leave quickly and find the competitor – no matter where that competitor is in the world! No matter what your business, it is imperative to have an interactive, engaging and effective on-line presence – and now more than ever a long-term Web Strategy. The Web strategy goes beyond your website to include distribution within all channels driving traffic and conversion to your brand. We as tourism marketers have to continue to tell the stories to engage and convert our customers – and the web presence has become the most important marketing vehicle we have to do this. Our goal at Online Revealed is to demystify internet marketing through a straight-forward, hands-on approach to learning. It is our mission to provide a forum to educate travel and hospitality industry professionals in a supportive un-intimidating manner – with real people presenting case studies, tips, and best practices from all sectors of the industry. We hope that you leave ORC Calgary 2008 with a new understanding on how to tackle the world of internet marketing with empowerment and confidence. Ultimately, our Online Revealed community can provide a place to connect and share experiences and leave with action steps in executing a successful web strategy. The 3rd Annual Conference in Calgary May 12-14, 2008 promises to be interactive, fun, and engaging. There are many opportunities to network with key travel professionals and an array of highly qualified guest speakers, panellists, and workshop leaders - all ready to share a wealth of knowledge. As we move forward and grow Online Revealed, we are thrilled to introduce the 1st Inaugural Online Revealed Caribbean Conference in Puerto Rico September 18-19, 2008. We welcome you to join us in the sunny South to network with new and exciting industry partners. We will also continue our quest to offer continued learning through our road shows across Canada—to ensure we keep on the cusp of what is important to you. Bookmark www.onlinerevealed.com to stay updated about all our exciting new workshops ahead. Enjoy our magazine, take the opportunity to meet many of the authors of the articles we are sharing with you at the Calgary conference, and remember to stay connected! As we in the tourism industry understand very well, travel research is an emotive process, and one that has always been heavily influenced by “word of mouth.” With Travel being the biggest online spending category in Canada, accounting for almost 60% of total consumer spending (Source: eMarketer), and with online usage shifting beyond search engines to include social networking forums like Blogs, communities like Facebook, and special interest communities like YouTube and Twitter – “word of mouth” has taken on a whole new meaning! We have shifted from a world where the marketer had control of the brand message, to a place where consumer feedback is a critical component in telling the brand story. In order to do this, static websites with stock photography and lengthy copy are evolving into Websites with “sound-bites” of copy, clear navi4 | ONLINE REVEALED CANADA 2008 | onlinerevealed.com Cheers! Alicia Alicia Whalen is the co-founder of Online Revealed Canada, and A Couple of Chicks e-Marketing. She is also the author of the tourism marketing Blog www.ideahatching.com http://www.onlinerevealed.com http://www.ideahatching.com http://www.ideahatching.com http://www.onlinerevealed.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Online Revealed Calgary 2008

Online Revealed Calgary 2008 Contents Message From the Editor Blog-itorial Click Here with New Media Blogologue Social Community Web World Online Revealed Canada Conference News Sound Bytes Destination Mash-up! Instant Message Thank you from The Chicks!

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