On November 21- 22, 2024, Peak Acers Bastian Grimm, Sarah Weingarten and Marie-Josephine Sassmannhausen attended the Online Expert Days (OXD) in Salzburg to soak in new knowledge, talk all things digital marketing at our stand, and – in Bastian’s case – deliver the SEOkomm keynote. Here’s a recap of our highlights, including a closer look at Bastian’s session.
Day 1: OMX – Cross-channel digital marketing
OMX 2024 opened with the dynamic keynote “Der Mensch im KI-Zeitalter – wie nehme ich andere mit?” by Klemens Skibicki, exploring how businesses can navigate AI-driven change. The program featured a mix of beginner and advanced sessions, including:
- “Barrierefreier Content: Zugänglichkeit für alle schaffen” by Lisa Bleser, which emphasised accessible content creation.
- “LinkedIn Newsletter: Maximale Leadgenerierung” by Selma Kuyas, which showcased innovative lead generation tactics.
- “Nachhaltigkeit: Klimaschutz im Online-Marketing” by Stefan Fischerländer, which integrated climate-conscious strategies.
Conversations about AI’s transformative role dominated the day, and attendees flocked to our Peak Ace booth for discussions and to take part in our AI Quiz. There were a few prizes to win, of course, including some exclusive merch and the opportunity to attend a workshop with our experts. Thanks to everyone who came by and congratulations to our winners!
Day 2: SEOkomm – Redefining SEO
SEOkomm 2024 explored the future of SEO amidst rapid changes in AI, e-commerce, and search behaviours. The highlight? Bastian Grimm’s compelling keynote session on staying competitive in an evolving digital landscape.
A Closer Look at Bastian’s Keynote Speech
In “The Future is WHAT?” Bastian explored the seismic shifts in the SEO industry over the past year and what they mean for the future.
The keynote began with an overview of the major events shaping 2024, including Google’s landmark antitrust case in the USA, and the appointment of a new Head of Google Search, Nick Fox, whose leadership has already brought notable changes to the SERPs, such as the introduction of AI Shopping results, increased visibility for platforms like Reddit, and the implementation of the Helpful Content Update (HCU).
Bastian highlighted that these changes are just the beginning. As we look to 2025, SEO professionals can expect continued disruption driven by emerging technologies like ChatGPT Search, advanced AI tools, and large language models (LLMs). These technologies promise not only to streamline SEO processes but also to intensify the competitive landscape, making organic visibility harder to achieve.
To prepare for this rapidly evolving future, Bastian emphasised the need for SEOs to focus on adaptability, creativity, and data-driven strategies. He shared actionable insights on:
- Leveraging AI for efficiency: Integrating AI tools to automate repetitive tasks, optimise workflows, and analyse data more effectively.
- Understanding new search behaviours: Adapting strategies to address the growing complexity of user queries and preferences, particularly in the context of AI-driven search interfaces.
- Competing in the SERPs: Developing robust content strategies to stand out amidst heightened competition and evolving ranking factors.
The session concluded with a compelling call: SEOs must embrace change and remain forward-thinking to stay competitive. Overall, Bastian’s keynote provided not only a roadmap for navigating current challenges but also a vision for thriving in the years ahead.
Other key SEOkomm sessions
Post-keynote, we attended standout sessions such as:
- “DIY SEO-Tools für E-Commerce” by Uwe Roll, which offered practical optimisation solutions.
- “Search Experience Optimisation (SXO)” by Isis Sarah Neuerbourg, which focused on user-centric experiences.
Our Peak Ace booth was abuzz with discussions about AI’s role in SEO, and more attendees joined our AI Quiz to test their knowledge and win prizes!
Peak Ace at OXD 2024
Throughout the event, Sarah Weingarten (Expert Consultant Digital Strategy) and Marie-Josephine Sassmannshausen (Senior Sales Consultant) represented Peak Ace at our booth, engaging attendees in insightful conversations about the future of digital marketing.
From Sarah and Marie-Josephine’s expert knowledge-sharing to Bastian’s keynote, Peak Ace fully embraced the energy and innovation of OXD 2024.
Our Takeaways
OXD 2024 highlighted the importance of creativity and adaptability in a rapidly evolving landscape. From integrating online and offline touchpoints to harnessing AI for greater efficiency, the event underscored how businesses can thrive in an AI-driven era.
You can learn more about the future of search – specifically through chatbots – in our AI Brand Monitoring Guide. Download your copy today!
