Returning from eBay On Location

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“Viva La eBay Vegas” was the motto many of us motivated sellers were calling the eBay On Location event, which took place last week in Las Vegas. I like to use my time at eBay events to socialize and network with many familiar faces and meet new people full of enthusiasm for eBay.

My plan for eBay On Location was set before I left knowing which sessions were my priorities. A few overlapped, so attendees had to pick and choose which ones would best meet their needs. The array was very fair, with sessions both for the new seller and the experienced seller.

The day kicked off with Griff, the dean of eBay Education, as he shared news and suggestions for getting the most out of eBay On Location. Dane Glasgow, vice president at eBay, also shared some enthusiasm.

CJ Jacinto presented the first session I attended. Her topic was “Selling 101,” and no, I did not need this session, but CJ is a good friend of mine and I wanted so show my support. Like me, CJ is a certified Education Specialist trained by eBay. She did a fantastic job with her presentation. There are clearly many people who still want to learn more about selling on eBay. The room was packed!

After the break, I stood in line to attend “Marketing Strategies and Synergies” with Richelle Parham. She has been the chief marketing officer at eBay since November 2010. The audience embraced her energy, and we all felt reassured eBay was working hard to market the site, which means the more marketing strategies they use, the better the odds for our personal sales.

Lunch time was a fantastic networking experience with eBay members exchanging cards, stories and tips. I even heard Auctiva mentioned by many users.

After lunch I attend Lisa Suttora’s session on product sourcing. Lisa, like me, is a contributor for Auctiva EDU, and it was the first time I had the pleasure to meet her. I was impressed with her style and the generous knowledge she shared with everyone. She was a true crowd pleaser, and I look forward to working with her in the future.

The expo hall was my final stop at eBay on Location as I wanted to take advantage of the eBay staff that was on hand to answer questions. I was not the only one that took advantage of this opportunity. eBay had laptops set up on tall tables with bar stools and one or two people could sit and chat with each eBay staff member. I had questions about eBay Motors and was able to meet with the only eBay motors person on hand. I spent well over an hour with him as he helped me work out an issue I had with selling a truck on eBay Motors. I left there quite happy from that session.

John Donahoe, eBay’s CEO, was MIA, and he was indeed missed by many. Rumor was he had business in Europe—working on another mobile deal, or a marketplace partnership, perhaps? One can only guess. But I do hope we are able to see him in the fall for the next eBay on Location.

Good times and great learning were had by all. The only thing that bothered me was the cigarette smoke and the dry air, but that’s Vegas. eBay had no control over that part of it.

We are all waiting patiently to hear the announcement of the next eBay On Location scheduled to take place this fall. I look forward to attending.