Another Affiliate Summit is upon us, and for the second time this year, I’ll be missing it. It seems to be my pattern: my first time was in 2006, I missed both in 2007, went in 2008, then missed both in 2009. I guess that means I’ll be going again in 2010!

My experience with Summit has only gotten more positive each time I’ve been. My first time was East in 2006, and I was as green as green could be. I knew almost nobody, and the only real reason I attended was because it was being held in Orlando, and I was living in Orlando at the time. I had a basic expo pass and spent most of my time nervously watching people walk by. The conversations that I tried to participate in were way over my head. There was an event going on simultaneously that I helped to organize for a print-on-demand company, and that was great. In fact, that was the first time that I met Deborah Carney and Jen Goode in person – two women who have been great friends to me over the past five years or so.

When next I attended—Summit West in ’08—I was far less nervous about the whole thing. I knew a lot more about affiliate marketing going into the event, and I knew a lot more people. Summit East in ’08 was even better. Boston is a great city, and I was very comfortable with the entire experience.

I’m definitely making a firm commitment to attend West in January, 2010. It’s being held at the Rio again, which is fantastic because I’m familiar with the Rio, having stayed there last year. I’m not the kind of guy that feels comfortable in new situations right away, so anything familiar when I travel is a plus. If you’re planning on attending, let me know, I’d love to say hello at the show.