ShareASale ThinkTank 2009 Recap

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I just got back from ShareASale ThinkTank 2009, which took place October 23-25, 2009 at the Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, CA.

ThinkTank wasn’t a typical affiliate network event. It’s exclusive, and all invited affiliates (there is an application process) are treated to the weekend’s accommodations, food, and entertainment.

The first day started with attendees playing golf with CEO Brian Littleton. Some of us weren’t accomplished golfers, so we took to the course in a golf cart to heckle and network.

Afterwards, there was a welcome reception that was great for catching up with old friends in the industry and meeting lots of new ones.

Some attendees were so taken aback by the networking that they jumped in a fountain to sort of recreate the “Friends” opening.

The next morning kicked off with a networking breakfast, followed by a series of sessions.

Lunchtime was another opportunity for getting together for some business. Many companies had dedicated tables, so folks attending ThinkTank could drop by, ask questions, and get acquainted.

Then there was a four hour period where merchants hosted cabanas around the pool, and affiliates signed up for meetings.

Saturday night was open and a bunch of us got together for a dinner, and then some business talk back at the hotel.

The final day kicked off with yet another tasty networking event, followed by the closing ShareASale “Things We Need to Fix” Session.

This is a sort of town hall meeting where any attendees can bring up things they’d like to see changed, improved, etc. about ShareASale.

I’d say this was my favorite portion of the ShareASale ThinkTank, as anybody could add their two cents, and while Brian Littleton presided over the session, the ShareASale crew logged all of the suggestions.

People in the crowd could either take the microphone or share their opinions anonymously.

ShareASale gets comedy points for the signs being held up during sessions to prompt the crowds for laughter, applause, etc.

This was the fourth ThinkTank, but my first, and it left me wondering why I didn’t make it to the previous years. But I plan to make it next year for sure.

Check out the Tweets from ThinkTank with hashtag #thinktank09.