I'm posting live today from the first-ever Web 2.0 Expo. Last year it was just a conference. Now it's a full-scale expo (with full-scale pricing) all about doing fun and innovative things with the Web. When you think of where really interesting things – the black swans if you will – are taking place in tech, this is it.
Right now I'm listening to a session about local search marketing. It does seem like Web 2.0 systems could improve a lot over the Yellow Pages by tapping into folks who know best about local hotspots, the best roofers or tastiest pizza. Early efforts like CitySearch back in the Web 1.0 era never seemed to really resonant.
So what's the black swan here?
Here is one. Yahoo! points out that mobile could be a big driver since people are often out and about when they want something. Perhaps they want to do instant price comparisons. Or, if restaurants get on board, the guest book could be put online and people could scan for open tables. If this data starts getting gathered, some interesting trends could emerge. I don't know if this is revolutionary, it could make it easier to find small businesses, and for small business to market themselves more effectively.
Now back to the price aspect. For this session, there were five panelist who largely gave product demos followed by a Q&A. If I had actually spent the $1,500 conference fee, I wouldn't be a happy camper. As an experienced tech-trade show attendee, I can safely say I didn't pay $1,500. I've always maintained that presenting useful information leaves a much better impression than product demos during trade show talk. That's something that will never change. Hey guys, I don't care if its Web 2.0 and cool, I don't want to hear you hype your product on my dime.
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