Frequently Asked Questions

What is Web Analytics Wednesday?

Web Analytics Wednesday is the world's only social networking event for web analytics professionals. Founded by Eric T. Peterson and June Dershewitz, Web Analytics Wednesday is a global effort to put "faces with names" and to get local members of the web analytics community networking.

When do Web Analytics Wednesday events happen?

Web Analytics Wednesday events happen all the time all over the world! With the new system, hosts are free to plan Web Analytics Wednesday events for whatever day and time best suits the needs of their group, and you can see which cities have held Web Analytics Wednesday events in the past year.

Can anyone attend a Web Analytics Wednesday event?

Yes, for the most part. Web Analytics Wednesday's are generally for web analytics, digital analysis, and optimization practitioners and folks wishing to work in the field. Additionally, all events are private and so attendence is at the event host's discretion.

How did Web Analytics Wednesday get started?

Back in 2005 June Dershewitz started Web Analytics Wednesday in San Francisco. Recognizing that this was a great idea, Web Analytics Demystified worked with June to expand the event beyond the Bay Area and turned it into a viable event that has happened across the globe, creating networking opportunities for tens of thousands of digital measurement practitioners worldwide.

How can I plan a Web Analytics Wednesday event?

You can add your own Web Analytics Wednesday using the form found here. Try and be as descriptive as possible and make sure that people will be able to find you in the bar or restaurant you pick.

You may want to review Tim Wilson's awesome blog post 10 Tips for Web Analytics Wednesday Awesomeness (and a Downloadable Checklist) to learn more about planning and hosting your event.

What types of topics should we discuss at Web Analytics Wednesday?

This is a trick question: Ideally you'd discuss web analytic topics like favorite vendors, how your company uses web analytics and staffing issues but everyone eventually tires of talking about work. Get to know people! Especially within this community I'm sure you'll discover you have friends in common, have worked at the same places, etc. Whatever you discuss, have fun!

Who pays for Web Analytics Wednesday events?

Web Analytics Wednesday events can be sponsored by anyone and any company, with the only stipulation being that the sponsor not be too preachy or spend too much time talking about products and services (unless asked!)

Also, thanks to the generosity of Web Analytics Wednesday's Global Sponsors we have the ability to provide some funding for almost any event, anywhere! Have a look at our sponsors page and learn how we can help get your event started!

If I'm a vendor, can I sponsor a Web Analytics Wednesday event?

Sure, who doesn't like free drinks? If you want to sponsor a Web Analytics Wednesday event, please write to the local host directly and inquire with them. If there is no event planned in your city, go ahead and hold your own event!

What kind of rooms/places work best for these events?

Simply put, quiet ones, or at least places where conversations can be heard. Some local organizers have invited speakers to events and thusly found private rooms where a presentation could be given. Other local organizers have used a round-table format so that people could talk as a group. There's nothing wrong with a noisy bar but in general real networking happens when people can hear each other.

How do people find the event once they are in the bar?

Best possible question! The onus is squarely on the event host to make sure that attendees can find each other. In the past, local organizers have made sure to bring copies of Eric Peterson's book Web Analytics Demystified so that people could look for that. Other organizers have made sure that the host or hostess at the bar knew about the group and told people to ask. Don't let people show up and not find the group!