Two domain conferences on agenda for next 6 weeks.
Domain industry professionals have two conferences on the agenda from now until the end of February.
In less than two weeks, DOMAINfest kicks off in Hollywood, California. DOMAINfest, organized by DomainSponsor, is the largest industry conference by attendance. DomainSponsor will spend about $1 million organizing the show, including parties at Universal Studios and the Playboy Mansion. The conference starts January 27 with a “bootcamp” for new and intermediate domainers and the evening will conclude with a Moniker domain auction. Official sessions start January 28.
The agenda for Domainer Mardi Gras is coming together nicely. Organized by Modern Domainer magazine and taking place in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, the event runs February 19-21. Domainer Mardi Gras’ educational components will focus exclusively on risk management issues. Panel sessions will include risk management, diversification, running a business offshore, and tax risks. Confirmed speakers include: Matthew Berman from Deloitte & Touche; Sandra Brooks from DomainTaxGuide.com; Andrew Allemann from Domain Name Wire; Ron Jackson from DNJournal; Michael Collins from the Internet Commerce Association; Rick Latona from RickLatona.com; Patrick Carleton from Associated Cities; Tim Cole from ICANN; Craig Rowe from WhyPark.com and Sam Nunez from SEDO.
I will be at both events, so be sure to find me and say hello.
Finding Andrew says
I guess attendees will not have difficulty finding you since I believe attendance will be down a lot from past the DomainFest shows.
You stated that DS will spend $ 1. mil on this tradeshow.
I assume DomainFest makes the reveue to cover the tradeshow from –
1. admittance charge. (mid to large customers receive a refund of fee)
2. Sponsors.
3. Domain Auctions.
4. Subsidy by DomainSponsor.
Last year, approx. 700 people attended Domainfest. If the same amount attend this year that is $ 1,428. per person.
But, because of the economy and the drastic decline in ppc revenue, I doubt they will get 700 attendees.
I have a feeling point # 4 will be larger this year.
Andrew Allemann says
Other than the economy, do you have any reason to believe attendance will be down? I’ve talked to a lot of people who are going, and they aren’t all conference regulars.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s down, but I suspect it will still be a big show.
RKB says
I am still confused that many of the companies keep hosting these shows, but have hardly improved their systems in last 2 years or so.
Still they keep putting spin on how great they are doing for their customers while ppc earnings are down 50% and no company has come up with any break thru so far.
M. Menius says
One of these days, someone will get the bright idea to webcam each session, i.e. virtual attendance over the net for the bulk of the conference, for a FEE! I’ll pay. Someone set it up. 🙂
Stephen Douglas says
Sandra Brooks has informed me she won’t be attending Domainer Mardi Gras this year and never confirmed for it.
Domainer turning developer says
If DomainFest is not successful this year, will DS do it again in 2010?
I realize a lot can happen in 12 months.
Just look what happened to our ppc revenue.
24 months ago, DomainFest was one of the important shows to attend for domainers.
In 2009, I believe Traffic and the Pubcon conferences (London-July or Vegas-Nov) will be the most beneficial for domainers.
Andrew Allemann says
@ 7 – I suspect all companies evaluate their conferences each year. If it doesn’t add value to the company, they will adjust it to make sure it does.
kris says
hi, does anyone know of a link that lists all of the domaining conferences for the year.. I seem to remember having seen something, but can’t remember where i saw it..
Andrew Allemann says
@ Kris – try DNCalendar.com
bob says
What names are going to be in the Marti Gras auction?
Andrew Allemann says
@ bob – not selected yet