I have attended every PeSA apart from the first Gold Coast one (due to family committments) and, all I can say, is that if you are serious about selling online (and not just on eBay), the conferences are invaluable.
The extensive range of speakers, sponsors and third-party service providers is incredible - there is something for every seller at every level. Everyone there is more than happy to chat with you and it's always great to be able to "get your gob" in front of the decision-makers. As Sonia said, the answer may not always be what you want, but at least you have a chance to be heard. I was able to renegotiate my entire Australia Post contract based on the fact that I had met a regional manager of Aussie Post at PeSA, met with her again back in Sydney and then was able to contact her when my contract was less-than-desirable. She went in to bat for me and I have never forgotten that. If I hadn't attended PeSA, I would have had absolutely no contacts and no chance.
Quite apart from the fabulous friends I have made, the opportunites to meet with other sellers, both big and small, are also so helpful. I have learned sooo much from others as hints and tips are bandied around constantly. I also met a "competitor" last year and she and I are now firm friends (waves to Rowena!) and shared a lot of ideas. We even met with some of the sponsors together!
I completely understand that it is a financial committment to attend and involves time away from your business and family - every year I have a little stress-attack about leaving! But if it is within your means, it is so worth it.
I attend quite a few conferences a year and, hands-down, PeSA represents the best value for money by far. Don't forget your $375 includes a 2.5 day conference, drinks on the first and last day and all morning and afternoon teas and lunches.
I also love the Gold Coast venue even though it involves more cost such as flights, accommodation etc. Everything is within walking distance, including the local accommodation, restaurants, bars etc and that way, it's so much more inclusive and keeps everyone together. It's a short trip from the airport and it's very handy to have a big shopping centre nearby too. I think it's far superior to any other venue I have been to, including the Sydney one where I live.
Phil is an ethical, serious businessman and the lambasting he's copped here for merely passing on a special offer is incredible to me. You may not personally know him but he has gone in to bat for eBay sellers, on his own time and dime, against eBay in the past - as in the "Paypal Only" debacle which many of you may remember. While the Gold Coast may not be your preferred venue, it obviously is for a heck of a lot of people as the numbers of attendees were massive, much bigger than any I have witnessed at other PeSA events.
I do find it quite perplexing how people can tear-down something they have never attended. If it's not for you, that's totally fine, but I'm not sure why the need is felt to berate Phil and poo-poo the conference when you have no idea what it's all about. If someone who attended made negative comments, I would accept that as their opinion, but to pass judgment from a place of ignorance doesn't put you in the best light.
Anyway, whatever! Attend or don't - it's your money, your time and your business. All I know is that I'll be there again next year and am looking forward to it ๐
Beck
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