On Sunday night May 6, the Web Analytics Association had their annual meeting.  Attended by about 100 hardcore members who trekked from all over the Earth to participate, we went over the business at hand.

Some of the highlights for me:

• Positive cash flow.  The WAA’s budget is looking strong.

• Solid executive management.  I spent some time with Bryan Induni and was impressed with his plans for the organization.  I also learned that in Idaho, if you like to hike in the woods (I do), it’s a good idea to bring a gun (to prevent cougar bites).

• Strong strategic leadership.  Directors Emeritus, best-selling author Bryan Eisenberg, and savvy WebTrends CEO, Greg Drew, were presented with honors for their significant contributions to the industry.  Jim Sternepresented them with “taking sticks” and a plaque commemorating their achievements.  In Native American culture, tribe leaders presented these foot-long intricately carved totems to individuals who wanted to address the tribe.  Since Jim didn’t take them back, and I saw the guys leave with them, that means they’re sticking around, if just a bit more “personamously!”

• Expanding education.  For those not familiar with the University of British Columbia’s Web Analytics award of achievement, check it out.  My friend and co-worker, Steve Mills, took the first course, and came back with stellar reviews.  Any wonder why he always asks me excellent, relevant questions at work?

Jim Novo, emperor of all things Direct Marketing and beyond, and Raquel Collins, analytics educator and master planner, have some forward-thinking plans for the UBC WA course.  We’re going to see partnerships with other institutions of higher learning and more significant credentialing of graduates.  

• International outreach.  We all live together on Earth.  The only things that make us different are language and location.  At the end of the day, the “smile” achieved from “getting it” is ubiquitous across humanity.  I’m glad to know such fine consultancies, such as OX2, and folks like Aurelie and Rene are doing smart and fantastic things across the pond with web analytics.

• Membership survey.  Check it out.  Audience questions showed we’re “wicked” geeks–New England slang for “awesome.”  My favorite: “Have we looked at how satisfaction levels across length of membership.”  Hear that WAA?  Let’s cross dimensions! Heh.

So the future is bright for the WAA.  If you aren’t a member, you are certainly missing out on what my Greg Drew said is, and I agree, “the most exciting time in your career!”

So join!  Membership has its rewards… and discounts… and hot tamales!

And, for regular readers, I’ll be back next week, once I return from VACAY, with an update all about EMetrics intertwined with some uniqueness of experience from my time out West.  Today, I’m off to Muir Woods…

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