This Search Power List was created by the team behind brightonSEO San Diego, through consultation with the industry and our audiences.
For anyone unfamiliar, brightonSEO began in Brighton, UK, in 2010 and has since grown into one of the world’s largest search marketing conferences, bringing together SEOs, digital marketers, content specialists and analytics professionals for expert talks, practical insights and industry discussion.
The San Diego edition was created back in 2023 to bring that same community-focused approach to the US search industry: a place for people to share ideas, learn from one another and connect with others working across every corner of search marketing.
That spirit is also what inspired this list.
SEO has always been an industry built on shared knowledge, experimentation and community contribution. The people featured in this booklet represent the many different ways individuals help move the industry forward, whether through innovation, education, research, leadership, tool-building or supporting the wider SEO community.
The 100 people featured will also be recognized at brightonSEO San Diego 2026, taking place this September 15–16 at its new venue, the San Diego Convention Center.
We hope this project shines a light on some of the people helping shape modern search in the USA and reflects the collaborative spirit that continues to make the SEO industry such a valuable community to be part of.
