I admit it, although I’ve been online since 2007, I’ve not attended a lot of Internet marketing conferences. NAMS sounded interesting, but there was always some reason why I couldn’t go. Finally, this year, my calendar was clear for the dates of NAMS6 and I excitedly purchased my ticket.

But… I was a little uncertain if I would get out of it as much as I wanted. You see, I had a couple preconceived notions about how it would go.

#1 NAMS was going to be clique-ish.

That notion was bashed the night I got there. Once I got away from the drunk insurance salesman at the bar (really!), I met people like Sharyn, who were friendly and talkative. I also met and chatted with Connie Green, Nicole Dean and many others I’d known online but never met in person.

What I found was everyone, instructors and instructees alike, were approachable and more than willing to include me in their reindeer games.

#2 NAMS was going to be a pitch-fest, even though it was billed as “NOT a pitch-fest”.

Whew, I’m glad I was wrong. The only links given were those helpful for people wanting to go above and beyond with a particular instructor. No products were pushed, no classes were thinly disguised sales pitches with little meat.

The instructors were giving away valuable informational gems right and left, especially Terry Dean. I also learned from other attendees, even the ones that were brand new to affiliate marketing. I was able to help some people out and made some great contacts. Some of these contacts meant JV opportunities and have already impacted my bottom line.

My biggest takeaway from NAMS6 was when Helen Raptoplous spoke after winning the affiliate contest. She said she was tempted to blow off the first NAMS class after learning of the affiliate contest so she could start promoting, but then realized she could do both things. Her ability to be productive, even in short spurts of available time, has really inspired and challenged me. Thanks Helen!

I was delighted to have my preconceived ideas trashed. I’ve come away with clearer focus, new friends, cross-promotional opportunities, better relationships with old friends, and an enhanced knowledgebase regarding affiliate marketing. I’ll see you at NAMS7! 🙂

Peggy Baron can be found hanging around her blog sharing Internet marketing insights at www.PeggyBaron.com or her main place of business, www.AllstarPLR.com. And if you don’t see her there, say hello on Twitter @pegbaron.

If you attended NAMS6, we’d love to hear your biggest ah-ha moment during the weekend too. Submit your short article at here. And if you’d like to read how you can win a $100 gift card just for submitting your special takeaway moment, read why you should submit your big NAMS6 discovery here.