Marilyn Manson had nothing on the Cleveland analytics professionals who rocked the House of Blues before his concert yesterday.Prior to last night, Web Analytics Wednesday (WAW) last took place in Cleveland in December 2009.

Fast-forward to the beginning of this week, when severe winter weather, dangerous roads and wacky traffic all conspired to thwart the “re-launch” of WAW. Come yesterday, the wind-chill and snow advisories finally expired in the morning, and by 5:30 in the evening, the House of Blues’ Foundation Room was full of local analytics practitioners eager to talk data over drinks and tapas.

How eager are Clevelanders to talk analytics? In terms of actual sign-ups (80+), the comeback Cleveland event topped other events held the same day in New York and Boston combined. Way to go, Cleveland! By our unofficial count more than 50 showed up to network, talk shop, and listen to Mike Maleski share insights into how the Cavs value analytics.

Initial feedback was positive (please feel free to leave comments under this blog post), and we’re already looking forward to the next one in March. We’ll announce the details as soon as we have them.

The restored Cleveland WAW will continue every other month with new speakers and venues. Thanks to everyone who came out, and we hope to see you in the spring!

p.s.  iPhone cameras were not designed to take pictures in really dark rooms. We’ll be sure to get better pictures next time.