WAW 11/20/13 Sponsored by TopSpot Internet Marketing

TopSpot shared insights on "true" conversions which included multi-session and multi-channel evaluation.

Topic:  “ Not all Conversions are Created Equal”
Summary: Sure, Google Analytics is a fantastic tool for tracking user behavior and conversion paths, but it does not allow a data scientist to accurately assess the quality of each conversion. Aaron Efland, Director of Technology at TopSpot Internet Marketing, will share analytics tools and tips for capturing form data and reporting true website leads. Additionally, Aaron will be discussing the importance of tracking offline conversions and how TopSpot uses call tracking for B2B companies.

Guest Speaker:  Aaron Efland, Director of Technology
Aaron Efland is the Director of Technology at TopSpot Internet Marketing in Houston, TX. He began as a Web Analytics Engineer at TopSpot in 2009.

A California native with a degree in Management Information Systems from the University of New Mexico, Aaron is experienced in the analysis, design, implementation and management of technology-based solutions.  Aaron’s distinct ability to easily explain technical concepts and his mastery of analytic tools allows him to navigate TopSpot’s IT strategies in our ever-evolving industry.  Aaron resides in Houston with his wife and daughter. 

WAW 8/28/13 Sponsored by Tealium

Jace Dicker with Tealium provided insights on the challenges of tagging and benefits of centralization.

WAW 6/26/13 Sponsored by Adobe

Adobe gave an excellent presentation on their marketing cloud solution that broke all digital silos and created a central work flow system for analytics, testing, marketing, social and content.

Topic:  Adobe Marketing Cloud- Redefining the role of a Web Analyst

Guest Speaker: Kevin Cobourn | Adobe Solutions Consultant

Kevin Cobourn has spent 9 years practicing web analytics and living the life of an online enthusiast. At Adobe Kevin’s working as a Solutions Consultant.  He focuses on showing organizations how they can positively impact their business using Adobe’s Analytics & Target solutions.  Prior to working at Adobe Kevin was a leading Sr. Web Analytics Manager at Dell.  In this role he was responsible for online global strategic analysis programs involving voice of customer data. He was also involved with helping Dell shape strategies for things like mobile and online support as well as leading analytics and measurement for content programs such as expert 3rd party content, online video, dell.com homepage optimization, and shopping help content.  Kevin has also led demand generation & web analytics at Volusion shopping cart software, managed a team of web analytic consultants at Versata Software, consulted at Clicktracks Web Analytics, and managed web analytics for Reynolds & Reynolds auto dealer websites.

WAW 5/29/13 Sponsored by Pandora

We hit a break by having Pandora be our first official sponsor and the turnout was tremendous...

Topic:  Mobility- Pandora’s Abilities and Development

Guest Speaker: Jeff Makitka, Vice President of Sales

WAW 3/27/13

The second event where we discussed Mobile and quickly learned that we needed a projector screen.

About the Speaker:
Kashif is a leading expert in Web Analytics and has over 9 years of experience in digital marketing and analytics.  He graduated with an MBA in Finance & Management Information Systems from University of ST. Thomas and completed his undergraduate from University of Houston in Marketing & Finance.  He is currently at Waste Management as a Sr Strategist of Web Analytics and has held many leadership roles at organizations such as Charles Schwab, Reliant Energy and TravelClick. In addition, Kashif also leads the Houston chapter for Web Analytics Wednesdays (an International web analytics networking association).  When he is not at work, you may find him on bewildered lands and off-road parks trying to free up his jeep from the dirt.  Kashif currently resides in Sugar Land with his lovely wife & daughter.

@kashifkhurshid

WAW 2/27/13

This was our first event where we discussed ideas on future events.  The faith was undetermined.