A mostmortem on last week’s TRAFFIC conference.
I enjoyed last week in the Pacific Northwest. Sometimes it’s hard to provide updates on the blog during a conference because you’re too busy meeting with people. That was the case last week. So here’s a recap of some of my thoughts from last week:
Attendance – About 150 people showed up for the event. Many more had registered but were unable to make it at the last minute, so I figure about 175 registered. Although attendance was nothing to write home about, there were many new faces in the crowd (something that one exhibitor pointed out to me; apparently happy that he could meet potential new customers). Many of these new faces were Canadians and Vancouver residents, which shows that putting on conferences in new locations is a good way to reach a broad audience.
Programming – I’ve got to be honest; I didn’t sit in on many of the sessions due to numerous meetings. That said, whenever I poked my head in the room it was full. Often times people were standing at the back of the room. As part of the $395 conference price, there were no planned parties other than drinks the first night. But a number of exhibitors filled in the gaps.
Location – I loved it. This has to be the best location I’ve ever attended a domain name show. Heck, if Vancouver weren’t one of the least affordable places to own a house I might even consider moving there. I had hoped to take a seaplane tour but it rained my last day there. That just gives me an excuse to go back.
Of all of the exhibitors at the show, I think DomainAdvertising had the biggest contingent. I was wowed by the templates it showed off. Another nod goes to WhyPark, which is getting ready to release domain apps that let you create many types of robust web sites with the click of a few buttons.
The next TRAFFIC conference is in Dublin, but registration isn’t open yet. Registration is open for TRAFFIC Miami, the only show to be put on by TRAFFIC founders Rick Schwartz and Howard Neu this year. Early bird pricing for the first 100 people is $995.
Tim says
If you don’t mind, can you tell us more about the domain apps Andrew?
That sounds interesting.
Andrew Allemann says
@ Tim – I don’t have many details now, as WhyPark just had a poster up about it. They should launch soon. But imagine being able to create a hotel page, local biz directory, or casual games page on your WhyPark domain with just a few clicks of a button.
Domainer says
Of the 150 people, how many were vendors?
Louise says
Thanx for recap! Sounds like Vancouver might become a regular destination! Maybe those who couldn’t make it this year can try for next year.
TV says
It appears there are no free domain conferences on the horizon…..like the upcoming affiliate marketing convention in Denver…..www.AffCon2010.com.
Stephen Douglas says
Ahhh… I WP is just so… great.
Dub-A, glad to have you up in the PacNorwest – feel that rain! See the green! And the people here… the best!