If you’re a marketing professional or technology entrepreneur in Phoenix, you should check out some of the popular organizations and events for marketers in town. Each group has a different focus, but they all can help you find useful new techniques, learn from experts, and network with like-minded people.
Here are the most active, useful and popular events and groups for marketers in Phoenix.
AZIMA
The Arizona Internet Marketing Association (AZIMA) is new this year, but it has already gained quite a following among local marketers and entrepreneurs. The main dinner event each month features a nationally known speaker, with plenty of time for networking before and after. Monthly webinars for members provide detailed how-to’s of new Internet marketing tools. www.joinazima.org
SEMPO
The Arizona chapter of the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO) brings together Web search marketing experts and interactive marketers to network and learn from experts on new technologies and approaches. www.sempoaz.org
Social Media Club
The Phoenix chapter of the Social Media Club meets monthly to share knowledge about the latest social media tools and techniques. This is an energetic and casual event where local experts share information with people at all skill levels. www.smcphoenix.com
Podcamp AZ
Podcamp AZ is an annual “unconference” weekend event that teaches hands-on techniques to communicate on the Web using a variety of new technology tools. Local and national speakers lead topical discussions at this free and informal event. Everyone is encouraged to attend, participate and contribute. podcampaz.org
Ignite Phoenix
Ignite is fast-paced evening presentation event for local creative folks, not just marketers. Each Ignite meeting features 18 offbeat and interesting presentations that educate and entertain across a wide variety of topics. Always fun and provocative, you should be prepared to fight the crowds for tickets and parking. www.ignite-phoenix.org
Agencyside
Agencyside provides seminars and events for agency owners that educates about business and marketing topics to be a more successful agency. The annual BOLO event brings agency professionals from around the country for a 3-day event with speakers, education and networking. www.agencyside.net
American Marketing Association (AMA)
The Phoenix chapter of the national American Marketing Association, AMA Phoenix holds monthly educational and networking events for local marketing professionals. AMA is oriented for senior marketing folks in all industries – it doesn’t just focus on Internet marketing. www.amaphoenix.org
Business Marketing Association
The local Phoenix chapter of the Business Marketing Association provides monthly educational events and other resources for business-to-business marketing professionals. www.bmaphoenix.org
Valley PR Blog
While not technically an event or organization, local PR professionals share their opinions and discuss great topics online. www.valleyprblog.com
Marketing tactics are changing rapidly. It’s easy to hear from nationally known speakers and meet local experts to learn what’s happening at the leading edge.
Sometimes meeting in person is the best way to learn and connect. It doesn’t all happen on the social Web.