Earlier today I was blogging, responding to email, taking phone calls, chatting with co-workers, overseeing online proofs of the next issue of Revenue, planning out the March/April issue, instant messaging, surfing the Web, and attending the fourth bi-annual eComXpo.

That, for me is the biggest problem with the virtual tradeshow. I’m a multi-tasker and there is just no way I can sit at my desk and not perform at least two of those other tasks, while “attending” the conference.

I’m willing to admit that the virtual tradeshow is a unique experience for a variety of online marketers including search, interactive and affiliate marketers, but it’s just not for me. I blogged about the show last February and the same reasons I had back then for not embracing the concept of a virtual trade show still apply today.

In the name of full disclosure, I should tell you that Revenue is one of the sponsors of the event. Our sales and marketing team worked hard to put together a deal with the eComXpo folks because they believe the event is a good one for the magazine and our readers.

That is probably true, but no matter I’m still having trouble mustering up much excitement. I reluctantly signed up on Monday morning – despite many, many emails inviting me to do so dating as far back as three months ago.

I tried – I really did – to have an open mind about the whole experience but after the third time that my browser crashed, I just simply gave up. I’m sure there were things that I could have done on my end to prevent those technical problems, but I didn’t have the time or the inclination.

I did hear portions of one panel discussion and it seemed interesting, but every time my phone rang or someone popped into my office, I missed what was being said and I’m not likely to go back and listen to the on-demand playback. But I’m sure many will.

I agree the conference organizers have gone to great lengths to provide a realistic (albeit a virtual) experience and it’s great for many people. The show is growing each time it takes place. This time around there are reportedly about 7,000 attendees, 450 exhibitors and over 40 presentations that will take place during the three-day event, which kicked off Monday morning.

The organizers tout the show as having all the benefits of a regular tradeshow without the travel or hefty expense. It’s free to check out the show floor with lots of exhibitor booths and you can also attend some live presentations as well as some on-demand presentations. Or you can spend $99.95 to enroll in eComXpo University and have access to more than 175 presentations any time over the next four months. And yes, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home or office.

And the lineup of speakers is pretty impressive. Keynoters include “The Long tail” author and Wired Magazine editor, Chris Anderson along with John Battelle, CEO of Federated Media, a founder of Wired and the Industry Standard, and author of “The Search.” Plus, there’s a cadre of performance marketing luminaries: LinkShare President Steve Denton; Andy Sernovitz, CEO of WOMMA; consultant Shawn Collins; Brook Schaaf, co-founder Schaaf Consulting; Missy Ward from CPA Empire; Kristopher Jones of PepperJam; Affiliate Classroom CEO Anik Singal; Chris Henger, head of affiliate marketing for Performics; Todd Crawford, vice president of sale and business development at Digital River; and Rosalind Gardner, author of the Super-Affiliate Handbook.

Regardless of the big names, the travel expenses saved, and the idea of chatting with industry big wigs via IM in my PJ’s, for me, nothing beats a face-to-face meeting. Give me some real eye contact, a firm handshake and some good industry gossip shared at the hotel bar in the wee hours. Maybe that’s why I look forward all year to shows like Ad:Tech and the Affiliate Summit.

Clearly, there are others in the affiliate space that are excited about eComXpo:
Adam Viener, Shawn Collins and Vinny Lingham to name a few.

I’d love to hear your opinion on the virtual tradeshow experience. lisap@revenuetoday.com