7 Important SEO Conferences to Look for in 2014

Attending conferences is a vital component for professional development in any industry, particularly Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Marketing as a whole is continuing its transition to online and digital media, so the practice of optimizing a website’s content to rank highly across search engines is becoming crucial to successful marketing strategies.

This makes SEO one of the frontrunning fields in the overall marketing vertical.

As search engines evolve to ensure the trustworthiness and authority of high-ranking websites, so too does the science of mastering search engines. New trends, developments, and innovations in SEO arise almost daily, and to be an effective SEO professional, you must stay ahead of the curve. This is why conferences are so important; they provide you the opportunity to connect with and learn from the most important thought leaders in the space. If you are a marketer who oversees a team of SEO analysts, consider sending them to conferences, and if you are an SEO professional, consider encouraging your employer to incorporate conferences into your professional development.

The following are seven important SEO conferences to keep your eye on in 2014.

SMX Advanced

Hosted By: SMX Advanced
When: Wednesday, June 11, 2014–Thursday, June 12, 2014
Where: Seattle, WA

According to their site, SMX Advanced is “the only search marketing conference designed exclusively for experienced internet marketers.” This popular conference features over 30 fast-paced sessions that tackle a plethora of SEO and overall internet marketing topics. Attendees are able to participate in Q&A sessions with every speaker, and data driven and intense to promote active critical thinking and learning. Register here.

SES Conference

Hosted By: Search Engine Watch
When: Multiple events, the next being SES Atlanta: Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Where: Atlanta, GA

Brought to us by Inclusive Media and Search Engine Watch, SES Conference is the “original search marketing event.” Beginning in 1999, SES focuses on educating marketing professionals in the latest industry trends, while also integrating networking sessions and additional events for attendees to connect with one another and share their own experiences. The upcoming event is SES Atlanta, which will focus specifically on paid search tactics and effective marketing campaigns. Register here for SES Atlanta, and visit the SES homepage for additional conferences in 2014.

MozCon

Hosted By: Moz (formerly SEOMoz)
When: Monday, July 14, 2014–Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Where: Seattle, WA

When it comes to SEO, Moz is one of the first names that comes to mind. Beginning in 2004 as an SEO consulting company, and evolving into an influential voice in SEO, they host an annual conference in Seattle that is promised to be “not your typical marketing conference.” Each year, MozCon brings together dozens of speakers for “forward-thinking, actionable sessions” that allow attendees to personally interact with important industry thinkers. SEO, social media, community building, content marketing, analytics, and conversion rate optimization (CRO) are just some of the areas explored at MozCon. Register here.

SearchLove

Hosted By: Distilled
When: Thursday, September 11, 2014–Friday, September 12, 2014
Where: San Diego, CA

SearchLove is a conference hosted by Distilled: a company begun in 2005 as a web development agency until 2011 when it transitioned completely into online marketing, both organic and paid. The conference is attended by a diverse range of speakers, and is targeted at advanced and experienced marketers. In-house SEO professionals, agency professionals, marketing managers, and business owners can all benefit from the highly interactive seminars and engaging marketing events. Register here.

Inbound

Hosted By: Inbound
When: Monday, September 15, 2014–Thursday, September 18, 2014
Where: Boston, MA

“Come together. Get inspired. Be remarkable.” Inbound is an all-encompassing conference that covers the entire spectrum of inbound marketing, which includes SEO as well as content marketing, social media marketing, and other strategies. Inbound brings together an impressive roster of speakers for bold sessions, roundtable discussions, and demonstrations that provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of inbound marketing. Register here.

Inbound Marketing Summit (IMS)

Hosted By: Inbound Marketing Summit
When: October 2014
Where: Boston, MA

IMS is described as a series of “networking events for marketers, thought leaders, and innovators to celebrate the practice of digital marketing.” It is an opportunity for SEO professionals and other marketers to connect and learn about the best and latest practices in digital, mobile, and social media marketing. IMS Boston is the signature event, though due to its popularity, IMS has launched a new series of IMS Executive Summits specifically geared towards marketers at the executive level (vice presidents, chief marketing officers, etc.).  The next IMS Executive Summit is in Atlanta, and will be held in mid-to-late June 2014. Register here for IMS Boston.

PubCon

Hosted By: PubCon
When: Tuesday, October 7, 2014–Thursday, October 9, 2014
Where: Las Vegas, NV

Celebrating its 15th year of innovation, PubCon is considered by Forbes to be a “must-attend” conference. PubCon gathers an international conglomerate of speakers, businesses, and innovators to educate marketing professionals on the latest trends in social media, organic marketing, SEO, and digital advertising, with a particular emphasis on the trajectory of the field and future technologies. These three days are packed with an array of multi-format events, including labs, master classes, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and more. Register here.