The Google Dance Is Back For Search Engine Land’s SMX West Search Conference

The Google Dance is back.

Don’t know what the Google Dance is? Sure, it’s the nickname given to when Google’s search results dance around after an algorithm update. But it’s also the name of an annual gathering for search marketers that Google hosted at its Googleplex headquarters from 2002 through 2008.

Now the Google Dance is back. It’s happening again in conjunction with our SMX West search marketing conference that runs through March 1 to March 3 in San Jose.

The History Of The Google Dance

It’s great to see the Google Dance’s return. Search marketers have contributed so much to Google’s growth over the years. I always loved that the Google Dance was a way for many of them to actually visit Google itself, as well as being a great venue for them to interact with each other and Googlers.

For history buffs, Google itself still hosts a collection of photos from the first Google Dance held in 2002, which includes many of Google execs in their younger days mixing among search marketers. Here are Google co-founders Sergey Brin & Larry Page giving away some swag:

And some general dancing:

You can find more photos from Google Dance 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 (after that, Google didn’t keep its own official photo archives).

The Google Dance was such a big event in Google’s history that two years ago, there was even a special T-shirt for sale in the company store memorializing it:

Google Dance 2016

The return of the Google Dance — which has come about through the efforts of webmaster trends analyst Gary Illyes and search quality analyst Nathan Johns — will happen on March 2, from 7:30pm to 11:00pm PT, at the main Google campus. Transportation from the SMX conference venue in San Jose will be provided and begins at 6:30pm.

Attendance is open to the first 500 SMX West “All Access” pass holders registered (sorry, one day All Access passes aren’t eligible). If you’ve already purchased an SMX West All Access pass (or are a speaker), you’re automatically registered for check-in at the Google Dance. If you haven’t, you’ll automatically be registered until all 500 passes are gone. More details are also on the SMX networking page.

You can learn more about the show at the SMX West site, including seeing the full agenda. We’re looking forward to seeing many of our readers out there and at the Google Dance!

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