poll Should Domain Conferences Change It Up?

[Internet.Domains]

Should domain conferences change it up?

Today, going through the blog roll there was a post on an upcoming domain conference. In the comment section there was a very interesting post that defines what domain conferences have become. Realistically, domain conferences consist of paid advertisers lecturing to paid attendees. In other words, attendees pay to get spammed. Is it time to change it up?

In addition, is it time to change up other domain conference attractions such as auctions and events?

Comment and be constructive. Possibly organizers can learn from this and grow from it, which in return helps all domain investors.

 

[barman]

If that's how you feel why don't you go to Rick's domain meetup in August?

 

[Internet.Domains]

If that's how you feel why don't you go to Rick's domain meetup in August?

Good point. Domain conferences could have some valuable take aways when looking at that meetup.

 

[equity78]

I guess my question would be what are you looking to get out of a domain conference? That answer also depends on how often you attend.

I would say a lot of people use it as a chance to meet others like them, because more than likely in their everyday life they don't deal with a lot of people who like, understand or participate in domaining. Every single family member and friend in my day to day thinks domaining is either stupid or boring. When once telling a friend I was going to get them a domain name for a birthday, their reply was, "I would rather you just slapped me in the face."

For others it is too learn, and that learning is going to come from those who have made it in the business to some degree. Of course no one really knows the complete picture on anyone in this business, what is their true bottomline?

A conference always has to offer all things to all people, you might want to meet people, I have known some who have said they don't go to NamesCon though they love Vegas and would love to meet some companies, but they are afraid they would get into an altercation with another domainer they despise at a cellular level.

Domaining has basically become a series of echo chambers anyway so smaller get togethers make sense, but at the end of the day someone has to pay for it, and you need sponsors, they want the biggest possible audience, conferences are big business.

https://www.quora.com/How-do-conferences-make-money

http://www.theantimba.com/how-to-make-money-hosting-a-conference/

https://www.inc.com/amanda-abella/3-proven-ways-to-make-money-from-a-business-conference.html

I guess I would like to know the definition of changing it up? Some people will never be happy with a conference agenda.

 

[hawkeye]

Interesting that those that never go, are concerned on how they should be run.

 

[TCK]

I don't mind that speakers pitch their services/products as long as they offer solid actionable advice. I find that most of the time the info that is presented is just a lot of fluff. The last con I attended I skipped most of the sessions. Used the time instead in meetings. That was much more constructive.

 

[biggie]

Domaining has basically become a series of echo chambers

hello, hello, hell ooooo wo wo wo



but I say,
start a new conference
then do it, how you want it done

there's more room there, than trying to be a domainer now
you can market your own branded picks and shovels
and give some away for free, with ticket purchases

only those who want change, can make a change happen
so...gimme change for a dollar, and a free ticket

puff, puff.... ahhh

imo...

 

[Internet.Domains]

I guess I would like to know the definition of changing it up?

When I mention "changing it up" I intend to say "try something new." Change it up = try something new.

As an observer over many years, the conferences seem to be fairly consistent without much change. There seems to be little changes to attract new or different attendees. In essence they appear very stagnant. Although, this I have gathered by blog reports and comments from attendees, not first hand.

 

[Internet.Domains]

Interesting that those that never go, are concerned on how they should be run.

Well, I guess you now know why I haven't attended.

Actually, you got me. Good one. My wife always criticizes the Super Bowl halftime show. I always tell her she didn't attend so it shouldn't matter. I am waiting for the day they "change it up" so she wants to attend.

If I do make it to a conference I will buy you the first round. I've always found people are nicer in person and I am sure if we meet you would feel similar.

 

[Bob Hawkes]

I actually have had a half-written set of notes on just this topic since returning from NamesCon. But here is how I see it. Yes, I think some change up is in order. I see the main weakness is that domain conferences must meaningfully include end users and not just be domainers talking to other domainers. I think there is room for alternative presentation modes (more on that later).

Bob

 

[Internet.Domains]

I actually have had a half-written set of notes on just this topic since returning from NamesCon. But here is how I see it. Yes, I think some change up is in order. I see the main weakness is that domain conferences must meaningfully include end users and not just be domainers talking to other domainers. I think there is room for alternative presentation modes (more on that later).

Bob

Agreed. There are many trade shows that have multiple goals. Many trade shows, outside of domains, target both those within the industry and consumers (end users). The sectors of automotive, home & remodeling, and technology all have trade shows that target both those within the industry and end users. The time during the trade show is spent to attract and grow the industry, including those within and end users.

It seems, to me at least, domain conferences are not focused on the end users as much as other industries. Domains are a centerpiece of business and there is a genuine product that should be showcased, not only to those within the industry, but to those outside.

 

[NickB]

Get 15 - 30 domainers and 1 or 2 facilitators who are well known and respected in the industry.

Set the agenda.

Morning session, networking lunch, afternoon session then some networking drinks

Call it the Domain roundtable discussion series.

Do it in various cities...

Job done....

Edit.

You can get companies to sponsor this easily so domainers do not have pay....

 

[hawkeye]

Get 15 - 30 domainers and 1 or 2 facilitators who are well known and respected in the industry.

Set the agenda.

Morning session, networking lunch, afternoon session then some networking drinks

Call it the Domain roundtable discussion series.

Do it in various cities...

Job done....

Edit.

You can get companies to sponsor this easily so domainers do not have pay....

Sounds like you know what needs to be done, so why not 'you' do it?

 

[NickB]

Sounds like you know what needs to be done, so why not 'you' do it?

I do it in another industry.....I'm good

 

[Internet.Domains]

Sounds like you know what needs to be done, so why not 'you' do it?

This thread was intended to stir up ideas. It was created more as a draft, as an open discussion. A round table for suggestions etc.

At no point was this thread meant to be a "sign up" sheet if a suggestion is made.

 

[hawkeye]

This thread was intended to stir up ideas. It was created more as a draft, as an open discussion. A round table for suggestions etc.

At no point was this thread meant to be a "sign up" sheet if a suggestion is made.

Then maybe it should have been noted originally what is or isn't allowed to be posted or replied too.

 

[Internet.Domains]

Then maybe it should have been noted originally what is or isn't allowed to be posted or replied too.

Point taken. Common sense in a forum is not always standard operating procedure. I will try to do better to guide you more appropriately.

 

[NickB]

Lol oh my gosh.......what it is a better word pedantic or anal to describe the above exchange?

 

[Internet.Domains]

Lol oh my gosh.......what it is a better word pedantic or anal to describe the above exchange?

I prefer "pedantic", but that's my opinion, and like most discussions on NP opinions vary.

 

[NickB]

I prefer "pedantic", but that's my opinion, and like most discussions on NP opinions vary.

Tongue in cheek comment, hence the cheesy emojis......

Open discussions and a sharing of ides is all good - no such thing as a bad idea after all