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Which sessions will you choose at the MarTech conference in San Francisco this May? Okay, sorry, that was kind of a link-baity headline. But seriously, with over 70 presentations by more than 100 speakers, packed into 2 days and 8 tracks — plus over 100 leading marketing technology vendors at the largest, independent exhibit — you’ll have to pick the subset that are most compelling to you, to augment or complement your expertise and worldview. …

Toughest decision to make about the MarTech conference Continue Reading »

It’s the Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S. tomorrow, and I want to take the occasion to say a heartfelt “thank you” to — first and foremost — you, dear reader. Over the past year, chiefmartec.com has grown to more than 75,000 regular readers. I am deeply honored that you’ve taken the time to read this blog and share it with your friends and colleagues. More than ever, it feels like a real community has …

Thank you to a kaleidoscopic marketing tech community Continue Reading »

Apologies come in threes? Today they do. First, I apologize for the example of a 3-vendor multi-platform stack article from earlier this week. I’ve heard from multiple readers that it came across to them as an uncharacteristically promotional post, not what they’ve come to expect from my blog. As I tried to disclaim in the introduction to the post, I thought it was interesting that Battery was positioning three of the companies from their portfolio …

3 apologies from an imperfect marketing tech blogger Continue Reading »

UPDATE: Okay, okay, the jig is up. Way too many people have been genuinely congratulating me on this “acquisition.” Apparently, I am terrible at this whole April Fool’s thing — or too good at it? — as it’s not supposed to be that believable. Anyway, I’ll leave this up for posterity’s sake, but just to be completely blunt: everything below was completely made up. I love the good folks at Microsoft, but we’re not married. …

Microsoft announces acquisition of chiefmartec.com Continue Reading »

I’m feeling giddy again. We’re in the middle of programming the agenda for the next MarTech conference, which will take place in San Francisco on March 31 – April 1, 2015, and I’m already floored by the first wave of speakers who have confirmed their participation — and amazed by the incredible suggestions coming in from our open call-for-presenters. A huge thank you to all who have submitted ideas. You’re making our job of selecting …

Come join us in San Francisco for MarTech 2015 Continue Reading »

I’m here at Content Marketing World in Cleveland tonight. Actually, that’s not true. I’m more than an hour outside of Cleveland at some rundown, roadside motel, having been bussed here by the hotel I was supposed to be staying at tonight, the Westin Cleveland Downtown. You know, as a hotel, your core brand promise is pretty simple. Someone books a room. You give them a room. Sure, there are other finer points of expectations, but …

5 lies Westin told me at Content Marketing World Continue Reading »

We’re only a month away from the inaugural MarTech Conference here in Boston, and here are three terrific reasons to register for MarTech today. #3. The “beta” rate expires next week — register now to save $150. First, the reason why you should register for MarTech today, instead of, say, in a couple of weeks: the discounted “beta” rate expires on July 11. That’s your last chance to save $150. After that, we’re in “release” …

3 compelling reasons to register for MarTech right now Continue Reading »

Marketing has had, historically, a bad rap for being — how do I say this diplomatically? — creative with the truth. Not necessarily lying outright, although that’s certainly happened. But often deliberately choosing words — as well as choosing what to omit — so as to lead people to slightly or wholly inaccurate conclusions that favor the marketer. One of the things I love about where marketing is headed today is that leading marketers are …

Google, don’t break my heart with shoddy marketing Continue Reading »

Lattice Engines was kind enough to include me in a recent list of their favorite marketing nerds. I’m certainly honored by the esteemed company they put me in, with true tech-savvy marketing wizards such as Ann Handley, Mike Volpe, Christopher Penn, David Raab, Joe Chernov, and many others whom I admire. But I have to admit, I find the label flattering unto itself. When I was growing up, “nerd” wasn’t usually a complimentary label. But …

10 reasons why marketing nerds are so darn lovable Continue Reading »

The start of this new quarter has proven to be a tipping point. We’ve now heard of several leading enterprises that are undertaking a major restructuring of marketing, IT, and sales to better align themselves with the market forces of the 21st century. Under this new organizational structure — code-named “Greener Grass” at one Fortune 500 firm — the following changes are being implemented immediately: Marketing will now officially take over IT. This shift was inevitable …

Marketing takes over IT, sales takes over marketing Continue Reading »