This month, I attended two awesome search and digital marketing conferences in Europe: SMXL Milan and ISS Barcelona. I’ve spoken several times at these events in the past, but it’s been a while since the last time I attended. While there are many great industry conferences in the USA, you always find and experience something different at these events. It was really great to be back.

Compared to huge conferences with hundreds and thousands of delegates, these are smaller. It creates a classroom-like environment where all delegates pay close attention to the speakers and ask lots of good questions, which I really enjoyed.

Since these events are in Europe, most businesses and site owners are used to thinking outside their domestic market. International SEO and SEM are parts of their daily work and lives. That was another reason why I enjoyed many sessions and learned a lot. Each market has its unique challenge. Hearing some of that firsthand itself was truly eye-opening.

It was also an opportunity to meet some of the “old” industry friends many of whom are like extended family to me. As I’m planning this year’s Thanksgiving dishes, I am thankful for this amazing industry that has given me extraordinary opportunities to work with wonderful clients, meet great people, and visit amazing places around the world.