The Shopit crew once again attended ad:tech this year in San Francisco. For those of you not in the tech arena, the ad:tech conference is focused around the digital marketing space and takes place in 7 countries around the world. We wanted to give you an inside glimpse of what really goes on at the event; between speakers, workshops, exhibitors, meetings, and of course some fun; ad:tech is one of the most hectic tech conferences we attend all year! Here’s the scoop from two of our attendees from the Shopit Media team: Rex Dixon, Director of Publisher Management, and Brooke Ray Director of Media Acquisitions….
Brooke: Whenever I attend ad:tech, I’m usually at a booth or walking the floor…I do not leave the crowded convention center. This time, I had the opportunity to travel about an hour to Mountain View with my Shopit partner in crime, Rex.
Rex: I love every time I get the chance to get up to San Francisco, as the vibe no matter if it’s a major conference or just a quick visit, is always up tempo. If you think you are going to sit still for a minute, you need to schedule it!
We hit the ground running as we both had morning flights into ad:tech day Tuesday. Our first run to Mt. View to meet up with a very well respected publisher took up a few more hours than expected. I always have to re-familiarize myself with the CalTrain and BART systems when back in town.
Brooke: Time flew by quickly after we met with a partner for lunch; then we had to hurry back to the city. We were bamboozled by a cab driver that should have given us a flat rate to the airport…the bill ended up being $80!
Rex: Bamboozled! (great term Brooke, because that is what it was!) So, back to Millbrae to catch the BART back to ad:tech. We only were able to hit the floor for a few and before we knew it, it was O-Party-30! Since two of our main meetings were pushed due to the Mt. View down and back event, there were two we had to meet up with. That was a success as Brooke made it over in time to finish those conversations before too many cocktails flowed in!
Brooke: We met a few partners in which we joined at the W for drinks. What is ad:tech without drinks? I don’t know about you, but I close the most deals at the bar hehe. 
We met a quality group of potential partners. I wish I had arrived a day before ad tech and didn’t have to leave the next morning because it was exhausting, yet efficient. Looking forward to seeing publishers and advertisers face to face once again!
Rex: For the quick 24 hour turnaround that occurred, we made quite a few successful contacts. I concur on Brooke’s thoughts of doing the day prior, as we could have had more time with some of our bigger publishers. As anyone that knows ad networks will tell you – it’s about the publishers and the relationships you forge that will make or break any ad network.
All in all, action packed, great, successful, and fast paced 24 hours!
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See you next year!
-Rex and Brooke
*image courtesy of ad tech participant nickycakes
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