A4UExpo 2010 Early Bird Doesn’t Go Cheap
Posted under: A4UExpo 2010 takes place in London between the 11th and 13th October at the London ExCeL. It’s the fourth expo and this year we’re being a “new venue, new opportunities and format”. There’s even a new website coming along too. As yet the agenda and programme aren’t available, but if you like earlybird discounts you can book your ticket now.
Last year the earlybird was £249 for affiliates, although if you were quick off the block you could have picked up a pass for just £149 (A4UExpo Blog). This year, to take into account the new venue, new opportunities and format – and quite probably the rate of inflation, credit crunch and sundry extras the early bird for affiliates is a mere…. £395!
That’s a 58% increase from last year or a 165% increase if you got the cheap deal. Blimey!!
In fairness the pricing is inline with other events, such as Bingo Bullet, and in fact it’s still a bit cheaper and probably better value.
However, I’m not rushing for the early bird – not just yet.
I did enjoy A4UExpo 2009 and did get some exceptional value from attending. However, a large bulk of our time was spent doing meetings rather than being in the seminars.
Taking into account ticket cost, travel, hotel and also time off for two people that was fine. However, at the increased rates this year I’m starting to question whether we need to rethink a little. Paying out almost £800 for two tickets (£700 if you pick up a discount code on Twitter) to then go and have a few pre-arranged meetings sounds expensive, even more so if it’s at the expense of missing sessions.
The increased cost means that there now needs to be increased value in attending. That means that before parting with cash I’ll be scrutinising the sessions when published a lot more closely than normal. Also coming under the microscope will be what’s on offer during the event. An extra few quid not to suffer that club at The O2 again may actually be worth it (personally I’d prefer The Thames boat trip again… that was cool).
It may well mean that this year we have to cut down on meetings and perhaps attend more seminars. If that’s the case then they better be good. Whilst A4UExpo is great for the social aspect, there has to be more value in attending than just supping a few beers with mates. We can do that down in Plymouth. The alternative is to consider not going to Expo and perhaps spending a cheaper few days in London meeting merchants/partners etc instead.
Fortunately we’re in a position to be able to afford to attend, and perhaps still will as it’s an event unlike any other for affiliate marketing. However, for new entrants to the industry or those struggling to get a foothold the price, plus of course travel, hotels and maybe even time off work, may feel they’re being priced out of things and that’s a big concern.
The best advice if you’re after a free ticket is look out for giveaways, like this one on Affiliates4U, and discount codes which are already appearing on Twitter. There may even be some blogger passes available too!
The “earlybird” rate will expire at the end of August, although if A4U’s previous is anything to go by, it’ll get extended.
Matt suggested over at http://www.affiliates4u.com/forums/a4uexpo-europe-london/150535-cost.html that they are looking at offering “expo hall passes for day two which includes access to the expo hall and the new in-hall digital theatre sessions but not the main sessions or post event party for around £50″. For some affiliates this may be worthwhile.
Got to agree with all of this Jason which is a shame. It’s just feeling a bit too expensive this year with hotel/travel etc on top. Got to look and see if it’s the best investment of around £800 for my business and at the moment I can’t decide.
although I appreciate these events don’t come cheap to organise – the sponsors & exhibitors are paying a lot of money which I would anticipate would keep affiliate and merchant passes to affordable prices for everyone involved. If however the cost prohibits affiliates and merchants from attending, then these sponsors and exhibitors won’t get good ROI and will think twice for next year. It’s a catch 22, but at least affiliate passes should be a lot cheaper, IMO.
It’s a great event, but we need the attendance from affiliates and merchants to make it trully successful. Maybe we could have a pass that doesn’t allow party attendance?
I really enjoyed A4UExpo last year and was planning on attending again this year.
The price has put me off. Just that little bit too high for a newish affiliate who has not made it yet.
I have seen the £50 discount voucher code but am now going to wait for a larger discount to appear otherwise I don’t think I will be going.
Thanks for the post Jason; whilst prices have gone up to align with the conference industry and our actual costs as a business to run the event (read into that what you need to) I am keen to add even more value.
So how can we add more value to you?
Whilst the cost of attending A4UExpo seems high (and it is still a huge sum), it is far cheaper than Affiliate Summit.
I do however agree that for many affiliates, they are being priced out of both A4UExpo and Affiliate Summit and that many will opt for an Exhibition Hall pass and dispense with the Seminars if they were available, simply on cost.
I’m under the impression that it’s over 3 days this year, which is better value than 2, but it does mean 4 nights hotel and associated costs – we would be looking at spending over £1500+, and being ‘old timers’ it’s more a question of socializing rather than learning – it’s justifying the cost.
Has the cost to Affiliates risen rather more, pro rata than the merchants/agency cost – I seem to remember the cost to them was in the region of £500 last year, so only risen by £100!!
ps Hero if I didn’t get a party pass I certainly wouldn’t be attending
@Elaine – the event is 2 days, it’s just that there’s the preparty the night before.
What I am proposing is to have a full pass for this price, a conference-only pass for a much more reasonable price (the parties don’t come cheap) and an exhibition hall-only pass for a cheap entrace to networking. This way everyone can get what they most want for the relevant price.
We do have an expo hall pass which is valid for day 2 which will be priced at around day 2… this includes access to the digital theatre within the expo hall, refreshments, bag, brochure etc… but not the networking events.
Due to security (and fraudulent behaviour by some last year) we are unable to offer this on day one; but its a great way to meet people, arrange meetings and get a feel for the event.
If you compare our cost (£350 with discount code) with similar events (which often give you much less) I honestly believe its fantastic value.
oops.. priced at around day 2 makes no sense… I mean’t £50
Thanks for the comments.
@Matt – “So how can we add more value to you?” – to be fair I’m not sure and perhaps the responsibility of getting out value depends more on myself/Jude once the details are unveiled. The question is do we think we can get value? Last year we did a few meetings, and that worked, but a couple were with non-attendees – I’d not want to do that if I’m spending more… on the other hand will going to a seminar instead be value? That’s the dilemma.
Hi Jason,
Why do you not propose to speak? I’m sure that a great deal of people would be interested in what you had to say, they voted your blog the industry best after all.
Matt
I’ll leave the speaking to you Matt, writing is a lot easier and less stressful
Come on Jase, you were by far the best speaker at the first A4U Expo, funniest seminar I’ve ever attended!
The cost is in line with other similar events? CAP & the US Affcon are both free to affiliates. I really enjoyed the Amsterdam A4U last year, but at that price I won’t be sending myself or my staff to this year’s one. With travel and hotels, it just works out too much.
Afternoon..
We’ve listened, had a chat and decided to make available for this week only 100 tickets with a £100 saving for both affiliates and advertisers. This reduces the cost to £295 for Affiliates…. full details on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/a4uexpo these tickets are on a when they are gone basis and will not be beaten so register now!