The conference was good for catching up in one-on-one conversations.
On Sunday afternoon I touched down in Orlando to attend the inaugural Merge conference for about 48 hours.
One of my main reasons for attending was to learn more about blockchain and how it can transform businesses. Unfortunately, most of the blockchain programming was during the weekend and I missed it. So I missed out on some of the “merging.”
But I still got a lot out of the conference. The main reason people might criticize the conference is the main reason I got a lot out of it: it was relatively small.
I love NamesCon and ICANN meetings but there are so many people there that many of the conversations end up being superficial. At Merge (and other smaller conferences in the past) I find that I get to have in-depth conversations with people in the hallways, at the bar, etc. This was one of those conferences.
It was also nice getting together with fellow members of the Internet Commerce Association.
On next Monday’s podcast, you will hear from some of the people I caught up with at Merge.
Ron says
I understand if you live nearby, or are close to the venue, but from the pictures posted the convention looked sad, and more of a meeting of old friends from way back when. The seats looked empty, the booths were sparse, just did not look like a happening event. I am not trying to be negative, but not many can go to multiple venues, and who can say no to one stop shopping in Vegas. Just my honest opinion, I am sure many put a lot of hard work putting it on.
Willox Perez says
I am with you on that, not many can make it but it is great for those nearby who can. This is why is important to have a live online broadcast or recording of it for people all over to participate that cannot make the live event.
– Will