A4UExpo 2010 takes place in London between the 11th and 13th October at the London ExCeL. It’s the fourth expo and this year we’re being a “new venue, new opportunities and format”. There’s even a new website coming along too. As yet the agenda and programme aren’t available, but if you like earlybird discounts you can book your ticket now.

Last year the earlybird was £249 for affiliates, although if you were quick off the block you could have picked up a pass for just £149 (A4UExpo Blog). This year, to take into account the new venue, new opportunities and format – and quite probably the rate of inflation, credit crunch and sundry extras the early bird for affiliates is a mere…. £395!

That’s a 58% increase from last year or a 165% increase if you got the cheap deal. Blimey!!

In fairness the pricing is inline with other events, such as Bingo Bullet, and in fact it’s still a bit cheaper and probably better value.

However, I’m not rushing for the early bird – not just yet.

I did enjoy A4UExpo 2009 and did get some exceptional value from attending. However, a large bulk of our time was spent doing meetings rather than being in the seminars.

Taking into account ticket cost, travel, hotel and also time off for two people that was fine. However, at the increased rates this year I’m starting to question whether we need to rethink a little. Paying out almost £800 for two tickets (£700 if you pick up a discount code on Twitter) to then go and have a few pre-arranged meetings sounds expensive, even more so if it’s at the expense of missing sessions.

The increased cost means that there now needs to be increased value in attending. That means that before parting with cash I’ll be scrutinising the sessions when published a lot more closely than normal. Also coming under the microscope will be what’s on offer during the event. An extra few quid not to suffer that club at The O2 again may actually be worth it (personally I’d prefer The Thames boat trip again… that was cool).

It may well mean that this year we have to cut down on meetings and perhaps attend more seminars. If that’s the case then they better be good. Whilst A4UExpo is great for the social aspect, there has to be more value in attending than just supping a few beers with mates. We can do that down in Plymouth. The alternative is to consider not going to Expo and perhaps spending a cheaper few days in London meeting merchants/partners etc instead.

Fortunately we’re in a position to be able to afford to attend, and perhaps still will as it’s an event unlike any other for affiliate marketing. However, for new entrants to the industry or those struggling to get a foothold the price, plus of course travel, hotels and maybe even time off work, may feel they’re being priced out of things and that’s a big concern.

The best advice if you’re after a free ticket is look out for giveaways, like this one on Affiliates4U, and discount codes which are already appearing on Twitter. There may even be some blogger passes available too!

The “earlybird” rate will expire at the end of August, although if A4U’s previous is anything to go by, it’ll get extended.