Welcome to the longest day of the year. I’m about to head out from New York City back home to San Francisco after attending the LinkShare Symposium. The event was great – not just the classy black tie awards gala. I really enjoyed yesterday’s daylong educational tracks and the multitude of networking opportunities.

The keynote by Don Tapscott provided lots of food for thought about the online world – touching on everything from Web 2.0 to the shifting attitudes of younger folks who grew up online. The Trendwatch2007 panel, which I participated in, offered a range of perspectives on what’s news, what’s coming down the pike, how to spot these trends and what to do to get on the bandwagon once you’ve identified a trend that your business can leverage and monetize.

Whenever I attend these types of events I get lots of ideas for stories that eventually make their way into the magazine. So, thanks to all who shared their valuable knowledge and perspective with me. Also, thanks to the LinkShare team (Janna Pellegrino and co.), president Steve Denton (the ultimate host) and chairman John Kim for putting on such a classy event for more than 650 people.