Sponsored search is a multi-billion dollar industry in rapid growth. Typically, web search engines auction off advertising space next to their standard algorithmic search results. Most major search engines, including Ask, Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo!, rely on sponsored search to monetize their services. Advertisers use sponsored search to procure leads and manage their customer acquisition process. Third party search engine marketers (SEMs) help advertisers manage their keyword portfolios and bidding campaigns. Academic work on sponsored search has only recently begun.
NOTE: You can indicate your intent to attend here, though official registration must go through the WWW2007 conference.