Will you be attending Domain Roundtable or TRAFFIC 2006 Vegas this year?

[RJ]

The two big conferences for the domain industry are coming up soon! Both of these events require registration within the next week to lock in the lowest registration price.

Domain Roundtable 2006 April 19-21 in Bellevue, Washington
This show is hosted by NameIntelligence (Whois.sc)

More info at
http://www.domainroundtable.com

T.R.A.F.F.I.C. WEST 2006 May 2-5, 2006 in Las Vegas, NV
Hosted by industry pioneer Rick Schwartz and Howard Neu

More info at
http://www.targetedtraffic.com/lv_show.html

Who is planning on attending?

 

[America First]

Thanks Francois.
Good to hear from a LV local. The reason I'm asking these questions is to justify the cost.
Is $3K a reasonable investment considering all long-term opportuninies? Anyone wants to share a room?

Yes it is worth the cost and you can have a good time on vacation here in Las Vegas.
Im sure I could get you a players rate( based on my play) at the Monte Carlo, for around 100 to 125 per night you would need to let me know if you when you would be coming and how long. Its a Top rated hotel on the strip, look it up.

 

[JMJ]

So you believe it should be FREE? Its still a business venture that is helping YOU the business improve or learn what they have done to be successful. The only seminars that I know of that are free are scams, they ask for money to get all the info they were talking about and the stuff they didn't talk about at the end in a DVD set or book.

You see this is where I see it differently. You see it as a learning tool. And I guess for someone wanting a crash course on the business $3,000-$4000 might be a wise investment.. Or mabey not. It could be starting you off that much in the hole. I on the otherhand would only be shaking hands, putting faces to a name and spending a nice chunk of change to do so.

So the answer is yes and no. Some fee mabey but $1500? No. This is the way most conventions work. Sponsors pay for exactly that, sponsorship. Attendees, attend to be wowed by said sponsors with the hopes of gaining new business from attendees or as an appreciation to current clients.. The sponsorship fees cover expenses. I'm not referring to get rich scheme seminars which is the class for which you are categorizing it.

 

[America First]

So the answer is yes and no. Some fee mabey but $1500? No. This is the way most conventions work. Sponsors pay for exactly that, sponsorship. Attendees, attend to be wowed by said sponsors with the hopes of gaining new business from attendees or as an appreciation to current clients.. The sponsorship fees cover expenses. I'm not referring to get rich scheme seminars which is the class for which you are categorizing it.

Ok i see your point, you cant justify the cost, but in business it should be part of your accounted expence. ( you do know about conventions like CES)I have done( put them on, its not cheap) conventions for 9 years prior to this business, (sports collector shows TRI STAR ) and i would charge per booth, and at the door, and if you wanted an autograph of a player that is showing up you had to pay for each autograph you wanted. If you had table or 2 and wanted 4 autographs it could cost you as a vender 350 for the weekend, remember they are feeding you,(great food the whole time) golfing, and other stuff as part of you time here. (last year Marlyn Monroe and Elvis showed up) :tu:

 

[harpo]

hey if the roundtable comes to Hawaii , i probs will go..... hey you domain planners
Hawaii is a great place and i could help get a place or Hotel for a better price than Las Vegas... than after talking about domain we could go surfing in the ocean or at a cafe

 

[JMJ]

I'm quite familiar with the hospitality industry aswell but I quit counting those years. lol I'm not going to go picking it apart and I'm not saying I wouldn't learn a thing or two. It would be nice to meet some of those that I've done business with over the years but I can find a better way to invest the dough and find what I would learn for free from here and there. Thats the sacrafice one must take to stay alive in the dog eat dog world.

Mabey a few years down the road when the cash is falling out of my pockets.

 

[America First]

hey if the roundtable comes to Hawaii , i probs will go..... hey you domain planners
Hawaii is a great place and i could help get a place or Hotel for a better price than Las Vegas... than after talking about domain we could go surfing in the ocean or at a cafe

HARPO.......dont steal are thunder, beacuse you live in paradise :tu:
The domainers love "SinCity"
Just Kidding :lol on another note the big sports show that was there (Hawaii) less then 2 weeks ago is moving here next year and it looks to be that way for years to come.You had it for 15+ years Sorry.

Mabey a few years down the road when the cash is falling out of my pockets.

NM, hopefully sooner then later :tu:

 

[smub]

i might attend it if my parents allows me

it is a bit high of my budget but i'll try my best

 

[RJ]

Even if your budget doesn't allow for the $1500 conference, coming to Vegas at the same time could allow some of us to get together outside the TRAFFIC event.

Vegas is pretty darn fun anyway.

 

[Keral_Patel]

I would love to be there. Am bumping my head for this.

I live in India and don't think It will be in budget for me to go there and attend this one.

I hope in future I have enough to make a tours like this one.

 

[America First]

Even if your budget doesn't allow for the $1500 conference, coming to Vegas at the same time could allow some of us to get together outside the TRAFFIC event.

Vegas is pretty darn fun anyway.

If you are coming out and want to enjoy a night out on the town,
Just let me know how many people, and I will set up the rest from VIP service to reservations at TAO or anywhere. PM me and we can talk... We can enjoy a cocktail and a view at Pure, Tryst or wherever.
Francois

 

[AmD950]

nah...the air ticket is too expensive fo rme

 

[RJ]

Today is the last day to get the promo rate for Domain Roundtable. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it myself.

I am confirmed for Vegas, and will be there from May 2 to May 8.

 

[Grrilla]

If I had the disposable income- (after spending an exhorbitant amt for a new home, 4 mos ago, disposable income, already, seems like a memory from the distant past), I would love to hook up w/ -RJ-, Joker, Namenut and other and be a part of the NP contingent at T.R.A.F.F.I.C. That being said, this is my take on conventions, in general.

I have never attended a domain name convention (or (and internet based convention, for that matter), but I have been to several Broadcast/TV/MotionPicture and Music shows, in addition to a number of Consumer and Industry-specific Electronic conventions over the years, ie NATPE, NAB and NAM. If you have disposable income and time, they are nice to attend- the presentations and roundtable discussions are all worthwhile- you, defenitely, get more out of being there in person, than you do from 2nd hand reports because, if, for no other reason, you have set aside the time to focus, specifically, on the info that is being offered.

However, as far as business and making contacts that will increase/enhance future business is concerned, the conventions I attended were not, really, structured w/ the small business or independent freelancer in mind. They were good for seeing new products, picking up product info, (it's all right there for you in one central place), seeing some of the faces behind the names and you can pick up some great swag at a few , select shows. (Also, you'll always have some nice looking girls working the booths to look at.):hehe:

I made contacts, but mostly w/ other guys like myself- independents who would like to generate some business at the show, but who were, essentially out of place in that regard because the real business that goes down at a convention is between the manufacturers sales reps and the buyers and purchasing agents. The business action at a convention takes place between the movers and shakers- the guys who go there for the express purpose of selling a product and hooking up w/ existing customers or, the company representatives who are buyers and gothere to research new products and work out deals, h2h, that will fill a defined need.

I'd venture to guess that when the show closed, at least, 90% of the business cards I handed out never made it as far as the airport.

I can't address the specifics of T.R.A.F.F.I.C and other domain name/internet conventions, as I've, yet, to attend one, (consumer electronics shows are the closest I've come to one.) But, that is my take on conventions, based upon my experience of attending somewhere between 50 and 100 conventions over a 30 year span.

Go if you can afford it- it is certain to be worthwhile and probably would be alot of fun! But, if you are not a major operator of don't have a specific product or service to pitch and haven't a well defined idea of who you will be pitching to, I would suggest that you don't squeeze your budget or take out a small loan to get there and that you don't assume that the trip will pay for itself based upon future business that you will derive from the contacts that you may or may not make at the convention. :imho:
Still, I wish I could make it.

 

[America First]

Grrilla,
Very well said, I would agree that handing out cards at this type of convention is not worth your time as this is more of a learning and information convention.
Sorry you cant make it Grrilla, but if anybody wants to take your vacation here (Las Vegas) this would be a good time, you dont haveto go to the convention to meet people and learn things about this business. And Vegas is always fun.

 

[namenut]

As of right now, I'm only planning to be at TRAFFIC 2006. I look forward to meeting some of you!

My wife and I are expecting a child that's due a little too close to the Domain Roundtable dates, or else I would love to be at that event as well.

First off ....CONGRATS ! and best wishes to you and yours.

Okay, this is really a very interesting post.

Questions to Namenut and anyone who attended the last year's show(s):

• What's your technique? Do you simply approach people and introduce yourself?
• Have attending the show generated any business for you? Deals, sales, partnerships, contracts?
• You've mentioned a letter. Would you mind sharing its content? Just trying to get the feeling of what works best.
• Parking lot walk. Stuffing ads under windshield wipers, I gather? Is this an effective way to promote your agenda?
• Would you consider collecting business cards from those of us who can't attend for a fee? Say, 50 people would mail you 500 (or whatever the number of attendees is) cards each, so you can put together 500 bundles of 50 cards each, and present them to everyone?

Leo.

Okay, this is really a very interesting post.

Questions to Namenut and anyone who attended the last year's show(s):
What's your technique? Do you simply approach people and introduce yourself?

A- This Industry (tradeshows) presents many opportunities to meet and greet. In fact that is the very nature of the industry. Most of my "connections" are made by making them look great or doing them a favor. Making the time they spend here as fun and well managed as possible. Juice is what they use to call it here. That means you can just get things done. Throwing a hand out and saying "hey let me sell you and idea" is a bit risky.


Q- Have attending the show generated any business for you? Deals, sales, partnerships, contracts?

A- Yes, A tradeshow industry news paper or circulation. A loan officer's web site and domain name, A boxing promoter's website in development now, Three (3) high priced call girl's web sites, A little league sports team fund raiser ads, several dancers/strippers, Several ebay sellers, A trucking company website revamp, and a few more. But very rarely was in discussed during the shows or on the floor. Mostly before the shows during set ups or at private events like after parties or private exhibits, On the golf course or at a hotel show.

Q- You've mentioned a letter. Would you mind sharing its content? Just trying to get the feeling of what works best.

A- Yes...I am considering having the lot canvassed but not by me personally. I'm not sure why I worded that statement as such but it is in fact what I meant.
The usual litter in the parking lot is basic porn. And very unwanted. For some reason I feel the need to liquidate some domains and am considering a list (letter) this year.
Also I would point out that these exhibitors like to promote them selves and products as much as possible. The vehicles they drive are rolling billboards. They are most often very proud of them. It may sound strange but allot of casual conversations in the parking lot or the mono-rail, or even in the registration lines have lead to invites to after parties, private booths etc.

Q-Parking lot walk. Stuffing ads under windshield wipers, I gather? Is this an effective way to promote your agenda?

A- Personally ...no. I have not placed ads on cars myself. I have paid for the service. (Never including my name or contact numbers.)
But a list of domains relating to that show's theme has gained results for me in the past. As for agenda....look at some of the vanity plates in the parking lot. Six 6 months later you'll see ads reflecting some of those words.


Q- Would you consider collecting business cards from those of us who can't attend for a fee? Say, 50 people would mail you 500 (or whatever the number of attendees is) cards each, so you can put together 500 bundles of 50 cards each, and present them to everyone?

A- I would gladly circulate business cards for NP members for free. No reason to charge NP members. (I owe you if the truth be known) My problem is that I have a very unpredictable schedule. I am not sure If I will be able to attend. I could arrange for some one to attend for circulating cards and such if that is desirable.

It sounds as if this could be organized by NP's members and appraoched with represetatives. I will work on getting some passes. Maybe a NP's listing page would work for all. In Fact why don't we represent NP's as a community of designers and developers? Thats what you (we) are. I have some small popup sets and can get a booth up in one day. I'll check into some show cancellation spots and costs. (get your wallets out).

TO ADMIN....
is this doable?


namenut

 

[Smith]

the one you want to go to isn't either of these, it's a gathering in Barcelona & is invite only