Opus Origin promises an improved version of NamesCon this year.
NamesCon is going to a new city this year. But that’s not all that’s changed, at least behind the scenes: NamesCon is under new ownership. I reached out to Opus Origin to learn more about the company and its plans for the conference.
If you plan to attend, get your tickets before prices increase on May 30.
DNW: Tell me about the organization that acquired NamesCon and CloudFest.
Opus Origin is building a portfolio of dynamic events, media, and information services businesses. In summer 2024, we acquired WHD Events—producer of NamesCon and CloudFest—with deep roots in the domain and internet infrastructure industries. We see tremendous potential in these brands and we are now actively investing to grow them as community-driven, high-impact experiences. Our first step was bringing on an experienced U.S. event team to complement WHD’s strong European operations, enabling us to scale NamesCon and CloudFest US while maintaining the energy and quality that define CloudFest in Europe.
Opus Origin’s portfolio also includes SDxCentral, Data Center Dynamics, Yotta, and Data Center Nation.
What role will the previous owners have in the conferences going forward?
Soeren von Varchmin continues to play a central role as global content lead for both NamesCon and CloudFest, shaping content strategy to ensure the events remain timely, relevant, and impactful. His leadership is key to maintaining the unique energy and value these conferences are known for.
Christian Jaeger and Tell Ritterbach also continue to support NamesCon and CloudFest US, while focusing primarily on CloudFest Europe and the launch of MSP Global. Their involvement helps preserve a strong connection to NamesCon’s roots and ensures continued alignment with its original vision.
To build on this foundation, the team has been strengthened with the addition of a U.S.-based specialist events team led by Rebecca Sausner. This group brings deep experience in producing large-scale industry events and will play a critical role in scaling NamesCon and CloudFest USA, enhancing the attendee experience and supporting long-term growth.
NamesCon will be held in a new venue and new city this year. Why are you moving it, and why did you choose this venue in Miami?
The domain name industry practically originated in Miami, and that’s where the first events were held more than 15 years ago. We think Miami is the perfect home for NamesCon and CloudFest USA because so many industry leaders call it home, it’s one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the U.S., and it’s a great place to visit in November! As far as the venue choice, we wanted to move NamesCon out of the usual hotel conference environment and create more of a festival experience for attendees. The Ice Palace is a great indoor/outdoor venue that offers lots of content and entertainment possibilities.
Is your plan to continue to operate a combined NamesCon/CloudFest event in the US?
Yes. We think the synergy between the two events is strong, and we hope to see them grow alongside each other going forward.
What changes, if any, should people expect at NamesCon this year?
NamesCon 2025 attendees can look forward to some exciting new features alongside the cherished traditions that define the event. For the first time, NamesCon is moving to Miami in November, offering a more temperate climate and positioning the conference in a globally accessible destination. The event will be held at Ice Palace Studios, a unique arts and film venue that opens up endless possibilities for creative experiences and dynamic spaces.
NamesCon will also be hosting a 40th birthday party for domains, celebrating the anniversary of the first-ever registered domain, Symbolics.com. Networking and social events are also getting a major upgrade, with incredible parties and expanded networking opportunities that promise to build on years past.
While we hope everyone is anticipating these enhancements, the core of NamesCon remains unchanged. Attendees can still count on insightful sessions, industry-leading speakers, and an unwavering commitment to fostering connections within the domain community. It’s a fresh chapter in a familiar story—one that continues to celebrate and support everyone in the domain space.
I know many people who previously attended NamesCon but haven’t been there in a couple of years. What would you tell them to get them to come to this year’s conference?
When the new team took over NamesCon, our very first priority was to listen. We reached out to past attendees—those who come every year, and just as importantly, those who haven’t joined us in a while. We asked the hard questions: What worked? What didn’t? What would make NamesCon worth your time again? And then, we went to work.
With new ownership and a dedicated team focused solely on NamesCon, we fully recognize that trust isn’t given—it’s earned. We’re committed to doing the work, being transparent, and ensuring that building this event is a collaborative effort with the entire community.
While we know words alone aren’t enough, we’re asking domainers everywhere to give us the chance to show you what this passionate, hard-working team has built. NamesCon is evolving, and we’d love for you to be part of it. Come see what’s new, share your insights, and help shape the future of the domain industry with us.
Tickets to this year’s event are available here. Prices increase at the end of May, so consider buying your ticket today.
I’m glad they are moving as it will give the event some new energy. I just hope the CloudFest aspect doesn’t drown out the domain side of the event. While there is some overlap, I think they are overstating the synergy.