Firefly, Leeds 5th July 2007

There was a rare Northern affiliate get together in Leeds this week and it turned out to be a small friendly affair. Approximately 20 people met up at Firefly and enjoyed a drink or two and free buffet.

Events like these are a must to newcomers from across the industry and here’s my spin on Kieron’s article on ‘6 reasons not to attend‘ an affiliate event:
1. I’m only 18/17/65/85 etc. and only do this part time, I’m worried that I’ll be the youngest/oldest there.

Look at the picture. I’m clearly the youngest looking one. Oh well, front left any way That didn’t stop me attending an event.

2. I don’t want to let people know what sites I run and feel I will be under pressure to tell people about my business and the URL’s of my sites.

Ok, Elaine and I tried coaxing some information out of Stu – all in good spirits – but he stuck to his guns and shall remain a mystery for a while longer.
3. I’ve never been to an event and won’t know anyone.

This was my second event but they were all new faces. It was welcoming from the moment I went into the room and met up with Nadeem, who organised the event. There were some new people new to the industry there including merchants and agency staff.
4. I can’t afford it.

I live in Leeds and technically I have to go past this venue to get to my bus stop home. The first beer was free and there was an excellent buffet. Nadeem, I really only came for the free jolly
5. Are the Wurzels really playing live? Do I have to put up with “Combine Harvester” all night?

They weren’t in attendance but there was live jazz starting about 9pm. By then Elaine and the others were the last to leave.

6. I’m worried I might get in a similar state to Frostie in that picture taken in Vegas earlier this year.

I tried my hardest with several Staropramen
The event was wrapped up in less than four hours but I have gained from the experience from meeting new people across the industry.

Business wise, it looks like three new Exclusive discount codes will be on their way to my email inbox in the morning. I attended though to meet some of the familiar faces from the Affiliates 4u site and oh, get some more friends for Facebook