Are you wondering which SEO conferences in 2019 were truly worth your time? With so many events worldwide, it’s tough to know where to invest your energy for the best learning and networking.
Finding the right conference can shape your SEO strategy and connect you with industry leaders. Miss the top events and you might miss out on crucial trends or insights.
This article highlights the best SEO conferences of 2019, sharing key takeaways, standout speakers, and tips for maximizing your conference experience.
What Makes an SEO Conference the Best? (2019 Edition)
When you search for the best SEO conferences of 2019, you want more than just a list of events. You want to know what sets top conferences apart, what you can expect to learn, and how to make the most of your experience. In 2019, digital marketing and SEO landscapes evolved rapidly, making industry gatherings especially valuable for professionals keen to stay ahead.
Let’s break down what made the top SEO conferences in 2019 stand out, how to evaluate their quality, and how you can get the most out of such events—whether you’re planning to attend future conferences or want to learn from past wisdom.
Defining “Best”: Key Aspects of Top SEO Conferences
Before we compare or highlight any event, it’s important to define what makes an SEO conference truly worth your time and investment.
1. Expert-Led Sessions
The top conferences bring together renowned industry leaders. These speakers share practical strategies, industry insights, and actionable tips that you can’t easily find online.
2. Relevance of Topics
In 2019, leading conferences explored:
– Voice search optimization
– Content marketing and content SEO
– Google’s algorithm updates
– Local SEO and mobile-first indexing
– Advanced analytics and conversion tracking
– Link building and outreach strategies
3. Networking Opportunities
The “best” events foster meaningful connections. Networking sessions, mixers, and workshops help you exchange ideas with peers, potential partners, or mentors.
4. Hands-On Workshops
Not all learning happens in lectures. Workshops allow for interactive learning, providing real-world tactics for immediate application.
5. Actionable Takeaways
You should walk away equipped with strategies and checklists you can use right away—no filler content or recycled presentations.
Notable SEO and Digital Marketing Conferences of 2019
While each conference has its unique appeal, here are the characteristics that made certain events stand out as the best in 2019:
MozCon
- Hosted by SEO software leader Moz, this conference is lauded for its cutting-edge sessions on search trends, user experience, and technical SEO.
- Focus on practical insights from seasoned experts who don’t shy away from controversial or advanced topics.
SMX (Search Marketing Expo)
- Designed for professional marketers, SMX covers SEO alongside SEM (search engine marketing) and PPC.
- Known for its deep dives into technical SEO, site migrations, and Google updates.
INBOUND
- While broader in scope, INBOUND features SEO-specific tracks where inbound marketing meets organic search strategies.
- Offers immersive experiences with thought leaders, hands-on training, and endless networking opportunities.
Content Marketing World
- Not limited to SEO, but crucial for content-driven SEO strategies.
- Offers up-to-date sessions on content ideation, keyword integration, and brand storytelling in search.
Other Noteworthy Events
Many smaller or more niche conferences also stood out, emphasizing innovation, digital trends, or specific SEO subtopics like local or international SEO.
How to Evaluate and Select the Best Conference for You
With so many events on offer, here’s a straightforward process to make your pick:
-
Clarify Your Goals
Are you after technical skills, broader marketing strategies, networking, or all of the above? Align your goals with the conference’s agenda. -
Review Past Agendas and Speakers
Established events often publish past speakers and topics. This helps gauge whether the content meets your needs. -
Check Attendee Mix
Some conferences skew toward beginners, others for experts. Look for attendee testimonials to see if the event fits your level. -
Assess Location and Accessibility
Consider if the venue is easy to access or if there are remote/virtual options, which started becoming more common post-2019. -
Evaluate Costs vs. Value
Price matters—but don’t just look at ticket price. Include travel, accommodation, meals, and potential time away from client work.
Top Benefits of Attending Leading SEO Conferences
Being present at a renowned SEO conference in 2019 (or planning for future editions) brings several concrete benefits:
- Exclusive Insights: Get early information on search engine updates and industry trends.
- Hands-On Skills: Workshops and clinics help develop technical abilities and strategies.
- Expanded Network: Meet future collaborators, mentors, or employers.
- Brand Exposure: For agencies or freelancers, attending or speaking boosts visibility.
- Fresh Inspiration: Returning energized with new tactics, case studies, and stories to share with your team.
Common Challenges: Overcoming Conference Pitfalls
Attending well-known events is not without its challenges. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to overcome them.
Information Overload
- Conferences can overwhelm with sessions, slides, and data.
- Tip: Prioritize 2-3 key takeaways per session, and review your notes soon after.
Cost Management
- Ticket prices, travel, and accommodation add up.
- Tip: Budget in advance, look for early-bird pricing, and check if your employer covers expenses.
Time Commitment
- Missing work or running your own business while attending can be tough.
- Tip: Block off your calendar early, delegate tasks, and use downtime productively during the event.
Networking Nerves
- Large crowds can be intimidating.
- Tip: Prepare a short introduction, set goals (e.g., “meet 5 new contacts”), and follow up post-event.
Best Practices to Maximize Your Conference Experience
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, these practical steps will help you get the most from any SEO or digital marketing conference.
Before the Event
- Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to learn, who you want to meet, and what outcomes matter to you.
- Plan Your Schedule: Review the agenda and pre-select your must-attend sessions and workshops.
- Update Your Online Presence: Polish your LinkedIn and social profiles. Share that you’ll be attending—this can spark pre-event conversations.
During the Conference
- Engage Actively: Don’t just listen—ask questions, join discussions, and make yourself visible (especially during Q&As or networking breaks).
- Take Notes That Make Sense to You: Try bullet points, mind maps, or voice memos—whatever helps you recall and implement insights.
- Network Strategically: Instead of collecting dozens of cards, aim for memorable, substantive interactions.
After the Conference
- Organize and Apply Learnings: Review your notes and make an action list. Share top lessons with your team to multiply value.
- Follow Up: Send thoughtful messages to new contacts. Mention specifics to help them remember you.
- Stay Involved: Join related online groups, forums, or post-event chats to keep learning and networking.
Cost-Saving Tips for Conference Travel
Attending conferences can get expensive, but with smart planning, you can make the most of your investment.
- Early Bird Registrations: Sign up early for reduced rates.
- Group Discounts: Some events offer lower prices if you organize a team.
- Shared Lodging: Share hotel rooms or book affordable accommodations.
- Public Transportation: Use local transit or rideshare apps when possible.
- Meal Planning: Attend sponsored events with free meals or snacks.
The 2019 Takeaway: Trends That Shaped the Year
SEO conferences in 2019 reflected several major industry shifts:
- AI and Automation: Machine learning and AI-driven tools were hot topics, influencing everything from keyword research to user experience.
- Voice Search: Optimizing for conversational search became increasingly critical.
- User Experience (UX) Emphasis: Speed, mobile-friendliness, and engagement metrics gained prominence.
- E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness): Google’s preference for credible, well-sourced content was a recurring theme.
- Authentic Storytelling: Personal branding and transparency in content strategies were explored in depth.
By absorbing wisdom from these conferences, marketers positioned themselves for the next wave of digital evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should I bring to an SEO conference to make the most of my attendance?
Bring a notebook or digital device for notes, plenty of business cards, a portable charger, and comfortable attire for networking. Prepare questions in advance for speakers and pack light snacks if allowed.
2. How early should I register for popular SEO conferences?
It’s wise to register as soon as possible—ideally three to six months in advance. Early registration often secures better prices and ensures a spot at in-demand workshops or sessions.
3. Are SEO conferences suitable for beginners, or are they more for professionals?
Most conferences cater to a range of experience levels. Beginner sessions are common, but always review the agenda and session descriptions to match your current skills and interests.
4. What’s the most effective way to network at a conference if I’m shy or new to the industry?
Set small, achievable goals like meeting three new people per day. Use icebreaker questions, attend smaller group sessions, and connect with other attendees online before the event to build confidence.
5. How can I evaluate if a conference was worth the investment?
Assess whether you gained new skills, actionable insights, or valuable contacts. Review how quickly you can apply what you learned to your work, and compare your initial goals to what you achieved during the event.
Final Thoughts
The best SEO conferences of 2019 were defined by expert speakers, cutting-edge topics, and a focus on actionable learning and meaningful connections. While trends and technologies continually change, the value of in-person (or well-designed virtual) gatherings remains high. By choosing the right event, preparing thoughtfully, and staying engaged, you invest not just in skills but in your long-term success in SEO and digital marketing.
Remember, the real magic happens not only on the stage but in the connections and momentum you carry back to your work.