While wandering the Web recently, I came across an entry on the SEMPO FAQ page about how SEMPO came to be. According to the FAQ, SEMPO was officially founded at its inaugural meeting at SES San Jose, August 2003.
But then, I want to know what happened unofficially. 
I came across this gem in an archived WebMama journal (Feb 2003):
“What is SEMPO? Is it a fusion noodle restaurant? The name of a Japanese World War II consul general who helped to save Polish Jewish refugees? A French marine environment simulator? Well, yes, but it’s much more. It’s the first professional organization for search engine marketing professionals – Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization. SEMPO.”
Barb goes on to talk about the creation and vision of SEMPO - interesting read.
Rob Garner’s take, Search in the City of Dallas, on Search Insider (Feb 2007)
“I also have a vivid recollection of Barbara Coll, CEO of WebMama.com, walking down the hallway of the Adam’s Mark in 2002 with a few other search engine optimizers to discuss the formation of a new association she called “SEMPO,” or the Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization. So Coll and company hammered out the details for what has become the national group for SEM professionals.”
There are very few people who could have pulled off the greatest rendezvous in the history of technology, so huge hat tip to Walt Mossberg, Kara Swisher, and D: All Things Digital.
For the first time in more than 20 years, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, and Apple CEO Steve Jobs sat down for a public chat at D5 – the fifth session of All Things D.
The last time the two pioneers of technology were interviewed together was in 1991 by Fortune’s Brent Schlender. The last time they appeared together on a stage was when Jobs interviewed Gates on the Macintosh Dating Game, way back in 1983. (Included on the prologue video below.)
If you haven’t seen the footage of history’s great rendezvous, it’s time you did. Allow about an hour 45 to watch from start to end, or read the D5 Gates and Jobs transcript.
The Prologue: Gates and Jobs at D5 7min 2sec
Bill Gates and Steve Jobs at D – Highlight Reel 8min 5sec
Gates and Jobs take questions 18min 44sec
Gates and Jobs on Their Relationship 4min 6sec
Gates and Jobs Look to the Future 10min 56sec
Gates and Jobs on Partnering 8min 16sec
Gates and Jobs on Past Mistakes 15min 10sec
Gates and Jobs Look Back to ‘97 11min
Gates and Jobs on Making a Mark on History 15min 5sec
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