The panel discusses whether search marketing is recession-proof. While some panelists believe search is recession-proof, others believe it is not or it depends on certain factors. The document then discusses trends in search behavior and purchase behavior during a recession, such as people spending more time online for escape and searching more but being more cautious consumers. It provides recommendations for search marketing best practices in a recession, including focusing keywords and messaging on price, differentiating on brand attributes, testing landing pages, and optimizing bid and campaign management.