"Having been involved in the conception of SEMPO, I'm especially thrilled to be working with the group as part of the search education process," said Danny Sullivan, co-chair of SMX West and one of SEMPO's founding advisors.

The sponsorship was announced in advance of Third Door Media's first 2008 show, Search Marketing Expo--SMX West. Held in Santa Clara, California from February 26-28, SMX West promises to be the "must attend" event for search marketing professionals of all skill levels. As a result of the sponsorship, SEMPO members interested in attending SMX West are eligible for a 20% discount on the full registration price.

Additionally, SEMPO is programming two sessions as part of the 'Sponsors & Partners' track at SMX West. The sessions are designed to help budding search marketers get a head-start with SEMPO's certification process.

"The SEMPO/SMX partnership is such a natural fit," noted Gord Hotchkiss, Chairperson of the SEMPO Board of Directors. "We're delighted to have the opportunity to spread the message of SEMPO's mission--to provide a solid foundation for the growth of the entire search marketing industry--at a conference that will attract people with so many different levels of search marketing experience."

"SEMPO members and prospective members will appreciate the quality speakers, networking opportunities and special events that are hallmarks of SMX events," said Chris Elwell, president of Third Door Media. "We're please to offer the membership of this outstanding organization special rates on all SMX events, including a 20% discount for SMX West."

Registration Information
SEMPO members need only login to their SEMPO account at SEMPO.org, then follow the on-screen instructions listed under Member Discounts to redeem their discount.

Registration from now through January 11th will be $1195 and then until February 25th will be $1395. On-site registration will be $1595. Visit SMXWest.com for details.

About Search Marketing Expo - SMX West and Third Door Media
Search Marketing Expo -- SMX West is produced by Third Door Media, Inc. Third Door Media's mission is to empower interactive and search marketing professionals by providing trusted content and community services they need to be successful. Other Search Marketing Expo events include SMX Advanced, SMX Local & Mobile, SMX Social Media, SMX Travel @ PhoCusWright, SMX London and SMX East.

Third Door Media also publishes the fast-growing search marketing news and analysis site Search Engine Land, which launched in December 2006 and attracted 350,000 unique users in October 2007. The company also produces Search Marketing Now, a lead-generation marketing solution for suppliers of SEM-related products and services, and Sphinn.com, the place for web, online, search, interactive and internet marketers to share news stories, talk within subject-specific discussion forums, build a network and stay connected to hot topics in internet marketing.

For additional information on Search Marketing Expo - SMX West, or to schedule interviews with Danny Sullivan and Chris Sherman, contact Amy Hooker, 910-362-8004 or amy at mavencom.com.

For Third Door Media, contact Claire Schoen, 203-664-1350 or claire at thirddoormedia.com

About the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO)
SEMPO is a global non-profit organization serving the search engine marketing industry and marketing professionals engaged in it. Its purpose is to provide a foundation for industry growth through building stronger relationships, fostering awareness, providing education, promoting the industry, generating research, and creating a better understanding of search and its role in marketing. Representing thousands in over 30 countries, SEMPO has over 700 members. It represents the common interests of companies and consultants worldwide and provides them with a voice in the marketplace. SEMPO's education and outreach initiatives are sponsored in part by Microsoft, Yahoo!, Google and Superpages.com. For more information, or to join the organization, please visit SEMPO.org.