Content Marketing World: The Countdown Is On In Cleveland

3,500 attendees, 225 speakers and more than 550 companies, all in 123 hours … and all in Cleveland, Ohio.

The much-anticipated Content Marketing World (CMWorld) is back, and only two weeks away. 

From September 8 – 11, thousands of marketers worldwide will unite at the Cleveland Convention Center to hear from some of our industry’s greatest voices. Guest speakers include John Cleese (@JohnCleese), Kristina Halvorson (@halvorson), Jay Baer (@jaybaer), Rand Fishkin (@randfish), Marcus Sheridon (@TheSalesLion), Robert Rose (@Robert_Rose) and Paul Roetzer (@paulroetzer), among many others. 

And of course, CMWorld wouldn't be the same without the man in the orange suite, Joe Pulizzi (@JoePulizzi).

If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time. And, if you’re gearing up for a trip to Cleveland, below we’ve listed 5 things not to miss in Browns’ town, and how to get the most out of CMWorld.

A Cleveland (Mini) Bucket List

Cleveland is in the midst of renaissance. And, I’m not just saying that because I’m a homegrown Ohioan. You’re coming to Cleveland at the right time.

So, if you have a few spare hours between sessions, workshops or during the evening, below are 5 sights to see (or sample). 

1. Taste-test at the West Side Market. Personally, this is one of my favorite Cleveland traditions. (It was established in 1840!) The market features more than 100 local vendors, varying from baked goods, meats, seafood, pastas, fresh-brewed coffee and vegetables. The best part? You can eat as you go. Tip: I usually start with the coffee and cannolis.
2. Go to happy hour at Great Lakes Brewery. Across the street from the West Side Market is Ohio’s most talked about brewery. Great Lakes offers free tours, or you can simply park yourself at the bar to try a signature brew. Happy hour is from 4 – 7 p.m.
3. Tour the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. If you’re a music fanatic, look no further. Rock was born in Cleveland, and its legacy lives on in the Rock Hall. Special exhibits currently at the museum include Paul Simon, The Beatles, Legends of Rock and Elvis.
4. See what’s playing at Playhouse Square. It’s like Broadway … but in Cleveland. Here’s a list of upcoming events. Plus, while you’re in Playhouse Square, check out the GE chandelier, the crown jewel of a $16 million development project.  
5. Absorb the colors at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Feeling creative? Over the past decade there’s been quite a bit of change in Cleveland’s art museum. In 2002, the museum kicked off a $350 million renovation project. See what’s happening now on the events and exhibitions page. And the best part is, admission is free.

For a much more comprehensive list, check out Cleveland Scene’s 100 Things Every Clevelander Must Do Before They Die. And, for more on the local marketing community, see why Why Cleveland is the Home of Content Marketing.

How to Prep for CMWorld Today

Events are exciting, yes, but they can also be overwhelming. Don’t get swept up in the hustle, and lose sight of your end goals. Hoping to bring back an actionable content strategy for your team? 

Mentally prepare for the conference with the following checklist. 

• Review the full conference agenda, and secure a spot in your priority sessions. (Note: This could take 2 – 3 hours, but definitely worth it to make the most of your experience.)
• Download the event mobile app (only available if you’ve registered).
• Make your own Cleveland bucket list.
• Find a place to stay, or confirm your reservations.
• Determine your top goals for CMWorld. Think: What do I want to walk away with?
• Participate in the conversation on Twitter by following the #CMWorld hashtag.
• Bring business cards!

And, for more conference prep, below are a few related resources we like:

• 5 Tips for Making the Most of a Conference via 99u (@99u)
• 14 Helpful Tips for Getting the Most out of a Conference via HubSpot (@HubSpot)
• How To Get the Most out of a Conference via Harvard Business Review (@HarvardBiz)

If you’re attending CMWorld, feel free to reach out to me (@SandieMYoung) or Jeremy Bednarski (@JeremyBednarski), who will be attending on behalf of PR 20/20.

And, while you’re setting your agenda, don’t miss out on Paul Roetzer’s session, The Content Marketing Metrics That Matter: How To Measure, Visualize and Report on Content Performance, on September 9 at 2:30 p.m.