Introducing SphinnCon; SphinnCon Israel Agenda Posted

The agenda is now up for our first SphinnCon internet marketing event — SphinnCon Israel, to be held on February 5 in Jerusalem. Below, more about the inaugural event and details about the low-cost networking series that is backed by Search Engine Land’s forum site, Sphinn.

The idea behind SphinnCon is simple. Many readers know about our SMX: Search Marketing Expo conference series. Those aren’t going away, but we also know that we can’t bring a traditional two or three day conference to all the cities in the world that people wish for. SphinnCon is designed to be "low impact," which means low-cost plus a time-friendly half-day format. We expect to do a panel or two at a SphinnCon, followed by ample networking time.

Our first event is happening in Israel because Search Engine Land news editor Barry Schwartz is heading over for a visit there and thought doing a get-together made sense. Since we first announced the news on Sphinn itself, he’s been busy with others assembling the program. Full details are on the SphinnCon Israel site, but here’s a summary of the day, which runs from Noon to 6pm:

• SEO Panel: Paid Links & Penalties
• PPC Panel: Will the PPC Model Hold Up as Click Prices Rise?
• Social Panel: Should You Social?
• After Hours Party & Networking

Local search marketers and reps from search engines like Google will take part. Cost is US $50, and there are only about 75 tickets left. Register now if you’re thinking of going — seating is limited.

Where to, after Israel? We’re currently running through a list of places that Sphinn members have suggested. You can still add your own thoughts here. Shortly, we’ll draw up a short-list and start booking some venues and dates.

Don’t forget — our first SMX show of the year, SMX West, is coming up fast. Held in California from Feb. 26-28, it offers over 50 sessions covering all aspects of search marketing. The early bird registration discount expires this Friday, so register soon in order to save. Here are some past posts about the show:

• SMX West Early Bird Price Expires Friday
• Glimpse The Future of Search at SMX West
• SMX West 2008 Agenda Up: 3 Days, More Than 50 Sessions!
• Search 3.0: The Blended & Vertical Search Revolution
• First Networking/Extracurricular Activities Announced For SMX West
• SMX West Keynotes Focus On "Future of Search"

Also, be sure to check out these key pages on the SMX West site:

• Agenda At-A-Glance (With cool ski run-style skill level icons)
   
• Pass Types (Expo Only, Networking & Full Conference passes, each with their own level of benefits)
   
• Bonus Offers (Extra goodies you get just for registering)
   
• What To Expect (No box lunches, for one thing — plus a summary of other things that make SMX unique)
   
• Testimonials (Don’t just take our word for it that SMX is great!)
   
• Guarantee (We’re the only major search conference that backs our events with a guarantee)
   
• PDF Brochure (In case you need a nice looking printed brochure for that conference pass approval)
   
• Register (What are you waiting for!)