Alas I was not there at CJU this year so instead of telling you all about how sad that made me I thought it would be much more interesting to interview Luke Judge of Net Media Planet about his experiences there.

So how did you end up at CJU US?

One cold winter afternoon in early January my CJ UK Account Manager sent me news of a CJ UK competition that involved me taking a photo of the CJ UK team photo (wow – that’s a mouthful – Editor’s note, you can read all about it here) in an interesting place or situation. After racking my brains for 0.315624 seconds and generating 215.897034 results I had the smart idea of taking CJ UK to Las Vegas for the week. The next day I was off to London Heathrow and aboard a Virgin Atlantic flight. THe CJ UK team were with me at every stage, occupying the space in my inner jacket pocket between the pen, sunglasses and cuban cigar.

A few days later I had a handful of great photos with CJ UK all over Las Vegas. Thanks has to go to the brilliant support provided by photographer elect, Magnus Nilsson, for his creative input and support.

Luke and CJ UK in Las Vegas

On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited were you about your little trip? Did the prospect of going with Daniel add to, or reduce, your excitement?

A week in Santa Barbara, California? A conference I have heard many good things about? The chance to do no-BS business with hungry Americans? And all under the late summer sun…..I’d say about 9.6754 out of 10.

It would have been 9.6714 out of 10 if it weren’t for me knowing that the big Daniel Powel would be hosting, especially with him being an ex Santa Barbarian himself. He was an outstanding host it must be said.

Daniel - being an excellent host!

Any travel stories of interest?

Nope. None. Not one…. apart from the taxi that we ordered which turned out to be a ‘Rock Star Limousine’ playing rock classics the whole trip. And how can I forget being on stage with Mr Powel himself providing his services as a backing singer to the local country music singer, being cheered on by a gang of local Harley Davidson riders. And then the karaoke…..oh and poor Daniel got foor poisoning which took him out for the next few days.

What did you think of Santa Barbara?

What did I think of Santa Barbara…well I am going back there for Christmas so that answers that! It’s great. Beach side town with mountains just behind, hills all around, islands just out to sea, tropical climate… and then there’s the food which Daniel didn’t get on too well with. I thought it was great though, especially the Sushi.

What was CJU like as an event?

There was an event?? Daniel didn’t tell me about that! Haha. No seriously, it was excellent! Really well put together with loads of opportunities to network, share stories, drink cocktails and do good business under the open skies of the outdoor auditorium/meeting room.

The seminars were excellent, insightful and in true form for the US – the questions were challenging and often the best part of the session.

Did you go to many conference sessions? What was your favourite/most interesting?

Yes, I went to lots. The most interesting one was about the great benefits of using Paid Search as a central part of your affiliate marketing mix, outlining how merchants shouldn’t be afraid to open up the brand keywords to their trusted affiliates. By working more closely with your allies you can squeeze out those competitors who are riding on your brand terms. Great session!

Anything else you would like to add?

Of course I would like to say thank you to CJ UK for sending me away on such a great trip and for help Net Media Planet to extend its business into the US, further strengthening our relationship globally. Also, thanks to all of the CJ UK team for being so welcoming and accomodating, and for setting up so many high quality meetings.

Finally, if you ever have the chance to go to CJU or Santa Barbara, together or separately, jump at the chance!

Thanks Luke – great that you had a good time. If anyone wants to know about CJU or any of the sessions then email me at admin@cjblog.co.uk