What changes would you make to Internext?

[gonzo]

Aly asked what folks from Oprano wanted to see changed with the Internext show starting in Florida. So Ive opened this new thread so the discussion can flow and AVN and Aly can have one place to refer to.

My first question is pretty simple.

Why does it cost $200 for a pass to look at exhibits on the show floor?
I do think that there has to be a charge but when you historically look at other shows [yes Mainstream ones] the charge is minimal and the exhibitors are given a slew of passes to give away for free.

You get more bang for your buck by giving the exhibitors more... AVN benefits from the increased show floor traffic, the hotel draws more vistors...etc etc.


Theres an easy one for you Aly.

[Lee]

More variety on the panels.

The same speakers seem to be on the same panel topics at EVERY show ive been to in the last 4 years.

Without even checking the Internext site i would say that the gay seminars specifically will have the following people on it..

Morgan, Karl, Andy, Karen.

They always are and they always tell people the same old information so the seminar doesnt offer any value to anyone except them.

[Lee]

Oh and what a surprise..


Morgan Summer, President and CEO; Cybersocket Tim Valenti, President and CEO; Cubix Media, Inc. /Nakedsword.com Andy Fair, Owner and President; DirtyBoyVideo.com/DickMag.com Karl Edwards; Bedfellows Caryn Goldberg, President; Specialty Publications


I guess i spelt Caryns name wrong ;)

[JoesHO]

I would add to that Lee, to say keep the panels shorter, and not let people misinform you, or plug their own stuff ( pay the panel if necassary for their time ) but do not let them promote from the lecturn. Make it an actual imformative place with plenty of dicersity on the panel, and make it timed responses and adhere to them so no babbling takes place LOL

I have been to three state of the industry speeches and like Lee said, I heard the same people say the same thing ( the sky is falling)

I have yet to see people actually try to teach you something, or provide anything usefull at a panel discussion.

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by gonzo@Dec 29 2004, 05:04 PM
Aly asked what folks from Oprano wanted to see changed with the Internext show starting in Florida. So Ive opened this new thread so the discussion can flow and AVN and Aly can have one place to refer to.

My first question is pretty simple.

Why does it cost $200 for a pass to look at exhibits on the show floor?
I do think that there has to be a charge but when you historically look at other shows [yes Mainstream ones] the charge is minimal and the exhibitors are given a slew of passes to give away for free.

You get more bang for your buck by giving the exhibitors more... AVN benefits from the increased show floor traffic, the hotel draws more vistors...etc etc.


Theres an easy one for you Aly.
Thanks for starting this thread!

In the ideal tradeshow scenario, exhibitors cover the costs of the show, and anything over that, including Attendee badge sales is profit. In the case of Internext in Vegas however, that isn't the case. Exhibitor costs are kept at a lower rate (and Attendees higher) in order to make exhibiting at the show a possibility for more businesses. Exhibitors do receive additonal badges depending on the size of their booth (5 free badges, plus 5 for a discounted rate, per 10x10 booth space booked). The theory with Vegas Internext is- the more exhibitors, the more likely people are to find the convention worth coming to. The Summer Conference is now to be approached differently and be less about booths and more about everything in-between.

If you disagree with that logic, LMK!

[Nickatilynx]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN+Dec 29 2004, 05:34 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Aly_AVN @ Dec 29 2004, 05:34 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-gonzo@Dec 29 2004, 05:04 PM
Aly asked what folks from Oprano wanted to see changed with the Internext show starting in Florida. So Ive opened this new thread so the discussion can flow and AVN and Aly can have one place to refer to.

My first question is pretty simple.

Why does it cost $200 for a pass to look at exhibits on the show floor?
I do think that there has to be a charge but when you historically look at other shows [yes Mainstream ones] the charge is minimal and the exhibitors are given a slew of passes to give away for free.

You get more bang for your buck by giving the exhibitors more... AVN benefits from the increased show floor traffic, the hotel draws more vistors...etc etc.


Theres an easy one for you Aly.
Thanks for starting this thread!

In the ideal tradeshow scenario, exhibitors cover the costs of the show, and anything over that, including Attendee badge sales is profit. In the case of Internext in Vegas however, that isn't the case. Exhibitor costs are kept at a lower rate (and Attendees higher) in order to make exhibiting at the show a possibility for more businesses. Exhibitors do receive additonal badges depending on the size of their booth (5 free badges, plus 5 for a discounted rate, per 10x10 booth space booked). The theory with Vegas Internext is- the more exhibitors, the more likely people are to find the convention worth coming to. The Summer Conference is now to be approached differently and be less about booths and more about everything in-between.

If you disagree with that logic, LMK! [/b][/quote]
How much is the standard booth 10x10 booth space nowadays?

[Lee]

Originally posted by JoesHO1@Dec 29 2004, 05:33 PM
I would add to that Lee, to say keep the panels shorter, and not let people misinform you, or plug their own stuff ( pay the panel if necassary for their time ) but do not let them promote from the lecturn. Make it an actual imformative place with plenty of dicersity on the panel, and make it timed responses and adhere to them so no babbling takes place LOL

I have been to three state of the industry speeches and like Lee said, I heard the same people say the same thing ( the sky is falling)

I have yet to see people actually try to teach you something, or provide anything usefull at a panel discussion.
See i disagree on making them shorter, many of them are the right length now but, the speakers on them are more interested in plugging their own shit rather than helping webmasters to make more money which, is what the panels are supposed to be about... right?

It just seems like every panel ive attended over the last 4 years ALWAYS have the same people on them, YnotBob, SEGuru, The Gay Mafia Crowd, Colin Rowntree, Odenberger, etc etc.

Its like in 5 years there is nobody else that knows as much as or, more than the same old people spouting the same old bullshit.

Hell even if AVN has a staple of 8 speakers for each panel and they get rotated every show so there is a 'fresh face' to be seen every 2 or 3 shows, thats better than being given the same advice, show after show, after show, after show.

Thats why more people prefer to spend time on the floor or at the bar than at the panels.. because the format is stale and the information given out, for the most part, is also stale.

[Lee]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx@Dec 29 2004, 05:42 PM
How much is the standard booth 10x10 booth space nowadays?
Just shy of $3k was what we wasted for a booth that we arent going to use in Vegas.

Well, we are going to use it but not for exhibiting in :groucho:

[Nickatilynx]

Originally posted by Lee+Dec 29 2004, 05:44 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Lee @ Dec 29 2004, 05:44 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Nickatilynx@Dec 29 2004, 05:42 PM
How much is the standard booth 10x10 booth space nowadays?
Just shy of $3k was what we wasted for a booth that we arent going to use in Vegas.

Well, we are going to use it but not for exhibiting in :groucho: [/b][/quote]
Hmmm I 'm sure it used to be higher than that....

[Nickatilynx]

What criteria is used to pick the panels?


Succes?


Perceived success?


Influence?

[Lee]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx@Dec 29 2004, 05:48 PM
What criteria is used to pick the panels?


Succes?


Perceived success?


Influence?
Where would SeGuru fit on that list Nick? LOL

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by JoesHO1@Dec 29 2004, 05:33 PM
I would add to that Lee, to say keep the panels shorter, and not let people misinform you, or plug their own stuff ( pay the panel if necassary for their time ) but do not let them promote from the lecturn. Make it an actual imformative place with plenty of dicersity on the panel, and make it timed responses and adhere to them so no babbling takes place LOL

I have been to three state of the industry speeches and like Lee said, I heard the same people say the same thing ( the sky is falling)

I have yet to see people actually try to teach you something, or provide anything usefull at a panel discussion.
Hey... I was on those panels and I NEVER said the sky is falling! LOL..

You're right about the gay panel, Lee... it's very repetitive. Who do you suggest as a great gay panelist? Let's get a list together!

As far as the other panels go though, it's been dramatically revamped from the usual 12 to 20 seminars this year. Check out the new seminar schedule here if you'd like: http://www.internext-expo.com/seminars/ILV05seminars.pdf

Of course, it remains to be seen if the new format will be better... but at least there's variety now!

[Nickatilynx]

Originally posted by Lee+Dec 29 2004, 05:49 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Lee @ Dec 29 2004, 05:49 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Nickatilynx@Dec 29 2004, 05:48 PM
What criteria is used to pick the panels?


Succes?


Perceived success?


Influence?
Where would SeGuru fit on that list Nick? LOL [/b][/quote]


Being a total wanker?

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx@Dec 29 2004, 05:48 PM
What criteria is used to pick the panels?


Succes?


Perceived success?


Influence?
Well perception can be rather subjective, but perhaps all of the above!

...wanna come on a panel, Nick? :rolleyes:

[Lee]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN@Dec 29 2004, 05:49 PM
You're right about the gay panel, Lee... it's very repetitive. Who do you suggest as a great gay panelist? Let's get a list together!
Didnt you tell me a couple of weeks ago that the same speakers WERENT going to be on the panels this time around?

In all honesty Aly, i could put together a list of speakers for you but, as long as the political climate within AVN and the companies on the various panels exists, there will never be a change in who does the speaking on what panels.

It just doesnt make good business sense not to have your big spenders not on a panel, they will only whine and whinge at you when they are told they cant b a guest speaker which in the long run, will lose AVN money $0.02

[Nickatilynx]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN+Dec 29 2004, 05:57 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Aly_AVN @ Dec 29 2004, 05:57 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Nickatilynx@Dec 29 2004, 05:48 PM
What criteria is used to pick the panels?


Succes?


Perceived success?


Influence?
Well perception can be rather subjective, but perhaps all of the above!

...wanna come on a panel, Nick? :rolleyes: [/b][/quote]
awwww shucks , thks Aly lol

Ya know I think I was asked on one yrs ago , but sent Kaiser.

I turned up to collect an award though :)

And no it wasn't "best gay anal scene" ,sarettah.

If I was going , I would accept , just to taunt the other panellists ;-)))

[Lee]

Originally posted by Lee@Dec 29 2004, 05:58 PM
Didnt you tell me a couple of weeks ago that the same speakers WERENT going to be on the panels this time around?
Yep i was right you did LOL


Originally posted by Lee
Aly,

Thanks for the reply :)

On the topic of seminars.. same speakers / information as always i presume?

Regards,

Lee

To the contrary... Quite a departure from the norm actually! (FINALLY!) :biker:


The more things change, the more they stay the same :rolleyes:

[gonzo]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx+Dec 29 2004, 09:01 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Nickatilynx @ Dec 29 2004, 09:01 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by Aly_AVN@Dec 29 2004, 05:57 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Nickatilynx@Dec 29 2004, 05:48 PM
What criteria is used to pick the panels?


Succes?


Perceived success?


Influence?
Well perception can be rather subjective, but perhaps all of the above!

...wanna come on a panel, Nick? :rolleyes:
awwww shucks , thks Aly lol

Ya know I think I was asked on one yrs ago , but sent Kaiser.

I turned up to collect an award though :)

And no it wasn't "best gay anal scene" ,sarettah.

If I was going , I would accept , just to taunt the other panellists ;-))) [/b][/quote]
haha... I sit in the back of the room and do the same thing Nick.

I thought MikeAI was going to jackhammer the Spyware fag across the room from us in San Diego.

SEGuru must be telling Aly how to optimize her video stream for search engines too!

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by Lee@Dec 29 2004, 05:58 PM

Didnt you tell me a couple of weeks ago that the same speakers WERENT going to be on the panels this time around?


Yes, I did. In all honesty, I wasn't refering to the gay panel specifically though. Overall, it's far more diverse this time around.

Maybe you're right about the 'big spenders', maybe not... there's certainly logic in your argument but I have to give that more thought. I'd like to see us provide the best seminars we can. Period.

By the way, I'm not kidding when I say I have no idea what this 'political climate within AVN' is that you're refering to. :huh:

[Lee]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN@Dec 29 2004, 06:07 PM
By the way, I'm not kidding when I say I have no idea what this 'political climate within AVN' is that you're refering to. :huh:
Ill dig out a chat log i had with one of the mafia members a couple of months ago and mail it to you then... should open your eyes a little to say the least ;)

[JoesHO]

How about smaller round table like discussions with one main speaker and topic per table, then rotate maybe say maximum of 25 to a table at a time, and let different speakers say 4 or 5 speak to each topic i.e 4 tables with seating for 25 on a certain subject, then allow a time limit at each table and rotate the people


you could say have one area on traffic, one on legal , one on state of the industry wetc..like now but diversify the speakers and allow for different points of view without making it a contraversy for a peaker to have a different take on a subject, therefore allowing them to speak more freely and not defensive.

the smaller groups will provide for interaction as well and allow for a think tank type of set up.

be sure to mix experience with in experience as well.

[gonzo]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN@Dec 29 2004, 09:07 PM

By the way, I'm not kidding when I say I have no idea what this 'political climate within AVN' is that you're refering to. :huh:
Oh my...
Please be nice to Aly now...

Aly I dont have any gay sites and I can even see the Gay Porn Royalty divide.

[Lee]

Originally posted by gonzo+Dec 29 2004, 06:10 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (gonzo @ Dec 29 2004, 06:10 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Aly_AVN@Dec 29 2004, 09:07 PM

By the way, I'm not kidding when I say I have no idea what this 'political climate within AVN' is that you're refering to. :huh:
Oh my...
Please be nice to Aly now...

Aly I dont have any gay sites and I can even see the Gay Porn Royalty divide. [/b][/quote]
Gonzo..

The 'official' term for the 'Gay Porn Royalty' is the 'Gay Mafia' ;)

Has been for 5 or 6 years now ;)

[Nickatilynx]

Originally posted by JoesHO1@Dec 29 2004, 06:09 PM
How about smaller round table like discussions with one main speaker and topic per table, then rotate maybe say maximum of 25 to a table at a time, and let different speakers say 4 or 5 speak to each topic i.e 4 tables with seating for 25 on a certain subject, then allow a time limit at each table and rotate the people


you could say have one area on traffic, one on legal , one on state of the industry wetc..like now but diversify the speakers and allow for different points of view without making it a contraversy for a peaker to have a different take on a subject, therefore allowing them to speak more freely and not defensive.

the smaller groups will provide for interaction as well and allow for a think tank type of set up.

be sure to mix experience with in experience as well.
sorry...I pictured me circa 2001 (drunk off my tits)... moving from table to table saying :

"Firstly...your all a bunch of HOMOS!!!!...."

;-))))

[gonzo]

Originally posted by Lee+Dec 29 2004, 09:12 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Lee @ Dec 29 2004, 09:12 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by gonzo@Dec 29 2004, 06:10 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Aly_AVN@Dec 29 2004, 09:07 PM

By the way, I'm not kidding when I say I have no idea what this 'political climate within AVN' is that you're refering to. :huh:
Oh my...
Please be nice to Aly now...

Aly I dont have any gay sites and I can even see the Gay Porn Royalty divide.
Gonzo..

The 'official' term for the 'Gay Porn Royalty' is the 'Gay Mafia' ;)

Has been for 5 or 6 years now ;) [/b][/quote]
Forgive my hetrosexual ignorance.

Us breeder boys just call em all porn royalty. Thats how they see themselves... gay or straight.

[buckethead]

If you really want to make a difference there Aly, you should start by changin AVN from the inside.
I would start by changing their practice of extortion to the community!
it always has been, and always will be about the money to them. who are you trying to kid here?
all the spin in the world will not help the perception the community has about them, and you know it yourself.
changes aren't permanant, but change is!!!
I do believe however if anyone can do it you can. good luck to you
start on the inside first and make AVN a better place. That is the task at hand you need to focus your efforts on.

[Hell Puppy]

I actually agree with the point that you need to give the attendees something to see. It makes good business sense as the number of attendees is more or less flat, while there's definitely bleeding on number of exhibitors.

The price should not be insane, but for an adult show, $100-200 for a badge is just enough to weed out the lookie-loo's. It shouldn't deter someone who is in the business.

The real catch is finding a format that provides some ROI for the exhibitors. All trade shows including mainstream face the same challenge. A trade show used to be where everyone showed off their new products to their dealers, distributors, etc. With the web, we already know about everything that's coming in real time.

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by Lee+Dec 29 2004, 06:12 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Lee @ Dec 29 2004, 06:12 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by gonzo@Dec 29 2004, 06:10 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Aly_AVN@Dec 29 2004, 09:07 PM

By the way, I'm not kidding when I say I have no idea what this 'political climate within AVN' is that you're refering to. :huh:
Oh my...
Please be nice to Aly now...

Aly I dont have any gay sites and I can even see the Gay Porn Royalty divide.
Gonzo..

The 'official' term for the 'Gay Porn Royalty' is the 'Gay Mafia' ;)

Has been for 5 or 6 years now ;) [/b][/quote]
Oh! Okay... this is about the gay panel again. I hear ya... (but do send that chat log over, please!) I'm just glad to see there isn't some other conspiracy going on that I don't know about.

[Lee]

Aly,

Nope not about the gay panel specifically :)

But ill definately send it on over just gotta find it, i know i have it here somewhere beause it was such good reading ;)

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by buckethead@Dec 29 2004, 06:18 PM
If you really want to make a difference there Aly, you should start by changin AVN from the inside.
I would start by changing their practice of extortion to the community!
it always has been, and always will be about the money to them. who are you trying to kid here?
all the spin in the world will not help the perception the community has about them, and you know it yourself.
changes aren't permanant, but change is!!!
I do believe however if anyone can do it you can. good luck to you
start on the inside first and make AVN a better place. That is the task at hand you need to focus your efforts on.
I completely agree!

I'm not interested in putting a spin on a damn thing. I'm interested in taking something with great potential and making it better. And trust me, change is very much afoot!


OKAY GUYS.. please keep the feedback coming and I WILL answer your questions, but right now I have to run to the airport and jump on a plane to New York!

I'll bump this thread back up with LOTS of answers as soon as I can.

Gonzo... thanks so much for this.

Lee, work WITH me. I'm not here to defend anything indefensible, I'm far too proud for that. ;)

My email: aly@avn.com

[gonzo]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN@Dec 29 2004, 09:25 PM

Gonzo... thanks so much for this.


I appreciate you answering questions straight up.

I dont know about thanking me though. Lets see how you feel about it this time tomorrow night. I know this is going to be a hot thread right before the show.

[Lee]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN@Dec 29 2004, 06:25 PM
Lee, work WITH me. I'm not here to defend anything indefensible, I'm far too proud for that. ;)
I know you are hon just as you know im far to obnoxious not to send you the info ;)

[princess]

I agree with Gonzo on the price. I know there should be a charge. But. It's not like that is all that money is made on. There are the ad sales of the show, the booth cost that they collect on. If you think about it your average everyday webmaster doesn't have the money to fork out for the hotel, flight, show cost.

Heck I'd like to see something really fun one year. Maybe some karaoke. Like at a lounge or or room or something. Not have it as a open bar but just a place where those that don't want to do the parties etc.. can go and kick back and have some fun.

I probably should have waited to type this at a time when I wasn't drinking *giggle*

[gonzo]

Originally posted by princess@Dec 29 2004, 09:37 PM
I agree with Gonzo on the price. I know there should be a charge. But. It's not like that is all that money is made on. There are the ad sales of the show, the booth cost that they collect on. If you think about it your average everyday webmaster doesn't have the money to fork out for the hotel, flight, show cost.

Heck I'd like to see something really fun one year. Maybe some karaoke. Like at a lounge or or room or something. Not have it as a open bar but just a place where those that don't want to do the parties etc.. can go and kick back and have some fun.

I probably should have waited to type this at a time when I wasn't drinking *giggle*
Im sure there is an accomidation made for blocking off the rooms at the Mandalay.

Maybe a discount on the hall rental . . .

[Dravyk]

I metioned this in another thread, then saw this one. Gonzo and I agree I should place it here as well. To save space I'll make it smaller. :)

Eeeesh. 2000% humidity and hurricane threats.

I know there's a lot of good folks in FA who only (and who can blame them?!) attend these shows, and for missing those good folks, well, that is indeed a big regret -- but I don't think I'll be going to those anymore. Miami in March or November, hell yeah!. August? Fuhgetaboudit! Yes, fine, I'm a wuss.

Especially with the increase in importance and in attendance at the Phoenix and San Diego events in moderate climates at normal times of the year, I just see no point in the summer sweat show anymore.

Not enough ROI there for me to spend one week a year: impersonating a bag of boiling peas, see who pissed on the lastest boat, who broke the glass atrium this time, and purchase a bunch of $20 drinks with no alcohol in them.
In short, how about somewhere normal and affordable for the second show? They obviously did it in San Diego and Phoenix and even in Montreal. Why a sauna every year? Again, can't be expense when others can do it. That's my gripe.

Ok, that, and that the NorthEast part of the country is constantly disregarded. Two gripes ... er, um, constructive suggestions. :)

[Hell Puppy]

Originally posted by Dravyk@Dec 29 2004, 09:42 PM
I metioned this in another thread, then saw this one. Gonzo and I agree I should place it here as well. To save space I'll make it smaller. :)

Eeeesh. 2000% humidity and hurricane threats.

I know there's a lot of good folks in FA who only (and who can blame them?!) attend these shows, and for missing those good folks, well, that is indeed a big regret -- but I don't think I'll be going to those anymore. Miami in March or November, hell yeah!. August? Fuhgetaboudit! Yes, fine, I'm a wuss.

Especially with the increase in importance and in attendance at the Phoenix and San Diego events in moderate climates at normal times of the year, I just see no point in the summer sweat show anymore.

Not enough ROI there for me to spend one week a year: impersonating a bag of boiling peas, see who pissed on the lastest boat, who broke the glass atrium this time, and purchase a bunch of $20 drinks with no alcohol in them.
In short, how about somewhere normal and affordable for the second show? They obviously did it in San Diego and Phoenix and even in Montreal. Why a sauna every year? Again, can't be expense when others can do it. That's my gripe.

Ok, that, and that the NorthEast part of the country is constantly disregarded. Two gripes ... er, um, constructive suggestions. :)
Yeah, fuck florida...

Atlantic City would seem like a natural....

Although I'm guessing the unions would make exhibition costs a tad higher than other locales.

[Dravyk]

Originally posted by Hell Puppy@Dec 29 2004, 09:45 PM
Yeah, fuck florida...

Atlantic City would seem like a natural....

Although I'm guessing the unions would make exhibition costs a tad higher than other locales.
I suggested Philly to a few ears, but nothing happened. Figured, between the 20 dance clubs and bars we have on the river front, 50 bars on South Street, 20 at one intersection in Olde City, three sports stadiums, two rock concert venues, all the historical stuff, three of the top 20 restaurants in the country (by that place that rates those every year) ... plus NYC and AC and the casinos are 100 miles and 65 miles away, respectively, it would be a natural. And cheaper than NYC or AC. Ah well, maybe it made too much sense.

[JoesHO]

NOOOOOOOOOO Tootsies in south florida you cant move that one LOL


all seriousness, I agree that the northeast would be a good change.
I would like Baltimore actually on the inner harbor, several great hotels close good food nearby all the good stuff. on the water etc etc....

[*KK*]

God forbid that AVN should actually try to run a business and turn a profit.

For those of you that have never put on shows from scratch, I don't know that you comprehend just how much it takes to break even -- when I was at CCBill, the first year we started managing the Phoenix Forum we had good sponsors. And still went 60k in the hole with the number of attendees we weren't expecting based on the success of other non-AVN shows.

I won't even mention that disaster in Vancouver I ended up paying out of pocket for when one of the co-organizers ran away with the sponsor deposits.

We recently had a DRM conference in the Valley, I don't even know which organization put it together -- the single day passes were 595, and the all-inclusive was 1400 -- they had a total of 5 seminars and 7 booths.

Go figure.

[LAJ]

Hmmm... Interesting thread here.

As someone who is now one of the principal organizers of Cybernet Expo, I'm certainly paying attention here.

I've heard it all before already LOL and while there is some very good constructive criticism here, it is blatantly obvious with some of the responses that some of you have never organized a show before much less a successful gathering.

You are never going to please everyone, but a good rule of thumb is not to alienate large numbers of people.

I'll leave it at that :P

[Vick]

Originally posted by JoesHO1@Dec 29 2004, 09:55 PM
NOOOOOOOOOO Tootsies in south florida you cant move that one LOL


all seriousness, I agree that the northeast would be a good change.
I would like Baltimore actually on the inner harbor, several great hotels close good food nearby all the good stuff. on the water etc etc....
Hey Hey Hey No Baltimore
I live close by and don't want a bunch of porn mongers clogging up the inner harbor B)

Would like to see a Northeast summer show instead of Florida

New York maybe? Philly?

and why Vegas every year? Ok I'm the only one not thrilled about Vegas with the exception of the Cirque shows

New Orleans was great for shows, would make a great winter show and there is gambling

As far as panelists, I've enjoyed speaking with Colin Roundtree in the past but business is different now
Who's really going to give up any real info without plugging what they have to offer? Sometimes you get the plug with no real usable info

Processing is what to me is most important to hear about, then possible legal issues, then tech issues and what everyone else is trying to push out new


Joe may be on to something with a more "roundtable" format

I'm also a fan of sitting in the lobby and letting everyone pass by. Anyone I'd like to make contact with or speak with comes by sooner or later

Between the lobby and possible roundtables a lot of contacts can be made. Maybe the roundtables should be on the showroom floor (toward the back so everyone has to go through) to keep bodies where the exhibitors are

[Hell Puppy]

Ya shoulda made Vegas this year then Vick. The FFN's and friends are hitting KA.

http://www.ka.com

[Vick]

Have been looking at KA HP, the show looks great
in 2 weeks am going to Orlando to see La Nuba (again)
Then sometime later this year going to Vegas just to see Zumanity (then maybe off to the Elvis Chapel for a wedding - not kidding)
Already have VIP tickets to see Varekai when it comes here to Baltimore next May (saw it last October in DC)


This has nothing to do with the actual Internext show but I've always thought if I was going to do anything at a show for Cloud 9 Cash affiliates I'd get tickets for affiliates to one of the Cirque shows - most likely O

ROI on parties is near impossible to measure and from what I've heard in the past few years if anything is getting worse

Did I heard correct? That Maxcash wasn't going to do a Gameworks party this year. That was always one of the best functions of the year, lot of fun, very nice event and a great atmosphere

[Biggy]

How about getting a hotel that accomodates everyone..

seriously - moving from the venetian is horrible, im in the luxor and i booked something like 3 months in advance. The purpose of a convention is to see people and meet face to face, but what makes it harder is making everyone spread out across different hotels...

This by far is my biggest turn off.. next time around, make sure there are enough rooms, because if this happens again come Miami, I'm not going.

[Lee]

Vick,

Yep no Gameworks :( That was one of the events during Vegas i actually looked forward to going to also :(

Wonder if it would be bad form to take over that event in 2006? Hmm...

Biggy,

I hear ya on the hotel issue too, Gary and i are actually in the Luxor despite holding several sponsored events in the Mandalay which even after we paid close to 40k to them, we were still unable to get ANY decent room!

[Hell Puppy]

Originally posted by Vick@Dec 30 2004, 01:21 AM
Then sometime later this year going to Vegas just to see Zumanity (then maybe off to the Elvis Chapel for a wedding - not kidding)


Caught Zumanity during Internext last year. It's a bit different for a Cirque show, and I'm not just talking about the adult aspects. I enjoyed it and laughed out loud a number of times, but it's not one I'd likely go see again. Excellent couples show though and very unique. If you get "couch seating", figure on being part of some "audience participation"....

This has nothing to do with the actual Internext show but I've always thought if I was going to do anything at a show for Cloud 9 Cash affiliates I'd get tickets for affiliates to one of the Cirque shows - most likely O

As of right now, I agree. O is the definitive Cirque show with an absolutely amazing theater and stage. KA is trying to one-up it. I'll let ya know if they succeeded sometime next week.. :okthumb:

ROI on parties is near impossible to measure and from what I've heard in the past few years if anything is getting worse

You have to throw ROI out the window for a party. At this point you have to look at it as one of the following:

1) a celebration of a good year

2) a way to show appreciation to your affiliates and others you do business with

3) a branding exercise that lets everyone know you're big enough to be for real and have enough money to play


Did I heard correct? That Maxcash wasn't going to do a Gameworks party this year. That was always one of the best functions of the year, lot of fun, very nice event and a great atmosphere

Yup, far as I know it isn't happening.

That's a shame, definitely one of the best events of the week and one where a lot of business does get done or at least relationships get started which lead to business later. And that's all you can really ask for as an attendee....

Wish someone had picked that one up even if they had to scale it back to a cash bar or something.

[Dravyk]

Originally posted by Vick+Dec 30 2004, 12:48 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Vick @ Dec 30 2004, 12:48 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-JoesHO1@Dec 29 2004, 09:55 PM
NOOOOOOOOOO Tootsies in south florida you cant move that one LOL


all seriousness, I agree that the northeast would be a good change.
I would like Baltimore actually on the inner harbor, several great hotels close good food nearby all the good stuff. on the water etc etc....
Hey Hey Hey No Baltimore
I live close by and don't want a bunch of porn mongers clogging up the inner harbor B)

Would like to see a Northeast summer show instead of Florida

New York maybe? Philly? [/b][/quote]
No No. Baltimore, Philly and Boston are all good. NYC and DC are too expensive for a show. Imagine a normal Manhattan hotel room upped to convention prices! Yow!

As said, Philly has great attractions and is near NYC and AC.

Baltimore, as has been said, also great bars, restaraunts and the harbor thing. Also near DC for anyone who wants to do that.

Boston, never been there, but I hear it has similarly good stuff, has a bit of Philly's history, their own harbor and good food and drink joints. Not near to a lot on the one hand, but for gamblers there are the Indian Casinos which I understand are pretty good. In fact I hear Foxwoods is outstanding.

I'd say any of them in the spring or autumn would be excellent venues.

As to shows having to make a profit. I agree. Of course they have to and should. And sorry Gonz buddy, but mainstream conventions can cost $1,500 and up. Take a look at the list on Mainstream Webmasters if you don't believe me.

Oh, while we're at it. The problem with the seminars is the price difference, not the price. Get more people to the seminars is simple. You don't double it for the seminars, you up the normal price higher and have the difference between the seminars and the hall less! Duh!!

And before people start throwing rocks or donuts at me for saying up the price. Remember, the price of the convention ticket is the same thing that gets you into the hospitality suites and 95% of the parties. At least that's the way I look at it.

[Almighty Colin]

I don't think it matters what is planned. It only matters who is there. Everyone gets out of it what they want. The Orlando show in 1997 was phenomenal and it was very short on events.

A good example of how lucky we are. A few years ago Ron of Cybererotica sponsored the go-cart races at the show. Ron was just hanging out talking to anyone who approached him. In what other business does one have the opportunity to walk up to the CEOs of the largest companies in the business and talk shop?

[twinkley]

I would like to point out something small here .... play devil's advocate a moment ...

As far as location goes ...

You guys make it sound like any city here in the good ol U.S. of A. would be not only willing but GRACIOUS about throwing open its doors to a group of 3000-5000 pornographers. Unfortunately, even in the "land of the free" - this is sadly not even close to true.

I'm sure he was probably kidding, but Vicks post about "not near my home" pretty much sums up almost everyone's feelings on us. I'm certain one of the big reasons AVN keeps bouncing between florida and vegas is because those are 2 area's we are fairly welcome, without issue, that can handle a convention of our size.

Check this out. I live in Orlando. I was NOT in this industry (sad :( ) when the Orlando IA2000 happened. Too bad really, cause it will never ever happen here again. If the city of Orlando, or "The Big Rat" got wind of a PORN convention in the city, we would all be rode out on rails. Not to mention the fact that the booze train dries up about 2am here. Thats right - after 2am you can NOT get booze in the city. WTF are all the late night webmasters gonna do now??

The smaller conventions get away with different places, and give us variety, by being just that ..... smaller. If we can build a rapport with a hotel when we start small, we *might* have a chance at going back next year ... .maybe .... assuming furniture hasnt gone over balconies, carpets and tables havent been destryed by ciggarette butts, webmasters havent treated all the staff like assholes etc etc etc.

This shit really isnt as easy as it looks ....

Okay, im done ranting for now :) :rokk:

twinkley

[Bishop]

I'm actually enjoying this thread.. I have always thought that the Vegas show and the Florida show should be swapped. That way we are all in Vegas mid-year when its not chilly. We are in Florida in the winter when its not hot.

[OldJeff]

OK - here goes

Aly - you know I love you but BS on the show badges being the only profit, the floor space rates are stupid expensive

At $.25 per net square foot per show day, the cost of Las Vegas Convention Center exhibit space is highly competitive with other facilities.

Right from the convention center website http://www.lvcva.com/meetings/lvcc_info.html

- so AVN buys space at about 75 cents a SF and sells it for $25.00 - now add in the silly amounts and advertising people buy, everything from the badge lanyards to the toilet sanitizer cakes, it there is so much profit for AVN it is beyond silly, so sorry but that dog don't hunt

Stop booking the damn thing right after New Years - it is a pain in the ass - everyone and their brother has too much to do around the holidays as it is.

As much as I love Vegas, it is a stupid location for wanting to get any business done, EVERYONE is more interested in hitting the tables or the nightlife.

No one other than AVN has made any money from the Internext show (except for a few that have won givaways)

Try building an atmosphere more condusive to doing business, and less of people showing off their dick size, or pulling in a porn star to get a bunch of barely out of puberty TGP gallery builders to line up for pictures and the show MIGHT be worth the time.

[Nickatilynx]

KK,

I won't even mention that disaster in Vancouver I ended up paying out of pocket for when one of the co-organizers ran away with the sponsor deposits.

Tell us more...who was it? (For those of little faith , it wasn't me! LOL)

:groucho:

The one thing I've learned from this thread above all , and it is a damn good thread , is how lucky AVN are to have Aly on their staff.

[Forest]

Originally posted by Bishop@Dec 30 2004, 10:17 AM
I'm actually enjoying this thread.. I have always thought that the Vegas show and the Florida show should be swapped. That way we are all in Vegas mid-year when its not chilly. We are in Florida in the winter when its not hot.
Florida space is at a Premium in january

They get is cheap in August at the lowest end of the season

[Bishop]

Originally posted by Forest+Dec 30 2004, 11:59 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Forest @ Dec 30 2004, 11:59 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Bishop@Dec 30 2004, 10:17 AM
I'm actually enjoying this thread.. I have always thought that the Vegas show and the Florida show should be swapped. That way we are all in Vegas mid-year when its not chilly. We are in Florida in the winter when its not hot.
Florida space is at a Premium in january

They get is cheap in August at the lowest end of the season [/b][/quote]

So much for my idea.. haha

[leedsfan]

For me, I have seen such a change in the last 5 years of the shows in Vegas (I will get on to the other shows in a minute). Huge booths with sponsored bars and food areas have been replaced by more circumspect booths and pay your way food and drink. I know that prices of booths have risen steeply, and would like Aly to post booth prices for the last 5 years, and we'll find the rate of inflation increase and see what the disparities are. I imagine it would be quite revealing. Added to that the number of new shows, whose popularity has also increased exponentially, and you have a reason to drop prices not increase them year on year.

We stay in hotels that are more expensive each and every year, prices for entertainment get more and more restrictive, and yet there are less and less sponsored parties. I wonder why, not!

I have hosted parties regularly in both Vegas and Florida for the last few years, and have had booths at previous Vegas shows, but it is becoming a question of catering to the top 5% of companies, and shutting out the remaining companies who simply cannot afford to do 5 shows a year, and sponsor everywhere. The costs are way too restrictive. This is why people are finding more value in smaller shows like the Phoenix Forum, which had way more ROI than any AVN show has in many years.

I would like to see more companies exhibiting, returning to days gone by, and this can only be achieved by allowing more webmasters/small companies attend (reducing badge costs (and maybe moving to a smaller, less expensive hotel, say MGM grand or equivalent)). Having more webmasters mean more reasons to exhibit, and reduced booth costs in essential to entice back more companies to exhibit.

Given that both attendance and exhibiting companies have dropped in recent years, isnt this an obvious supply & demand response?

I respect Aly, and recently was quoted as saying (in response to a question asking who i thought would make a good president of our industry) that she exudes the right balance of business savvy and experience, and obvious diplomacy skills (no doubt why she was hired by AVN) to win over sceptics back to AVN's shows.

I am sure she will read all our thoughts and do what she can, however I see AVN as such a juggernaut that I am one of those sceptics that is sitting on the fence.

Good luck Aly, I truly believe you'll need it. You'll have to work with the few good eggs within AVN (and there are quite a few) and build a collective capable of dynamic change.

[Peaches]

Originally posted by Colin@Dec 30 2004, 05:28 AM
I don't think it matters what is planned. It only matters who is there. Everyone gets out of it what they want.
:pearl:

And IMHO, the $200 is NOT out of whack with other shows HOWEVER, it's almost gotten to the point where a showroom floor doesn't even seem to be needed. As HP pointed out, there's not a big amount of "new stuff" that people haven't already heard about. How many deals do you make on the show floor? Mine are all done at the parties, dinners or after the shows.

And my own personal bitchfest :awinky: Florida in August and ANY SHOW right after the year's major holidays really screws up my mojo! <_<

[taboo_gal]

I'm in total agreement with OldJeff.

We paid $5000 for a 10x10 last year, which conflicts with Lee's $3000. So is it that AVN is just sticking it to the new guys, or just non advertisers, or have they actually dropped booth prices this year only to increase attendee fees? I find the costs outrageous and their willingness to please potential exhibitors lax if not non existent. I felt, throughout the entire process, that I was being shafted in more ways than one by my "friendly show rep". Because of this and the terrible ROI of shows, we've not planned to attend any events in 2005. If we do, it will be the smaller, all biz venues. I'm just not willing to let AVN back into my pockets unless I'm to see REAL VALUE.

My suggestions for change, in addition to cost reduction, is similar to others, provide more value in seminars, areas to meet (free of charge, perhaps included with booth rental or ad space) that are rotated by appointment or blocks of time per sponsor/exhibitor, better dates and staff whose goal isn't to nickle and dime and/or bullshit me to my detriment.

[Giorgio_Xo]

Originally posted by gonzo@Dec 29 2004, 05:04 PM
Aly asked what folks from Oprano wanted to see changed with the Internext show starting in Florida. So Ive opened this new thread so the discussion can flow and AVN and Aly can have one place to refer to.

My first question is pretty simple.

Why does it cost $200 for a pass to look at exhibits on the show floor?
I do think that there has to be a charge but when you historically look at other shows [yes Mainstream ones] the charge is minimal and the exhibitors are given a slew of passes to give away for free.

You get more bang for your buck by giving the exhibitors more... AVN benefits from the increased show floor traffic, the hotel draws more vistors...etc etc.


Theres an easy one for you Aly.
My two cents:

Internext Florida. I agree with Gonzo. I don't see a need for the price to be so high.

Internext Las Vegas. I do believe the price should stay very high. I oversee several hooker discussion message boards. Many non-industry types make CES Week in Vegas a big trip. Many of these guys think that Internext is a sex show like Fan Day at AEE. AVN should discourage non-industry people from attending Vegas Internext.

[Lee]

Originally posted by Giorgio_Xo@Dec 30 2004, 02:03 PM
AVN should discourage non-industry people from attending Vegas Internext.
But not at the cost of segregating newbies who are the ones that SHOULD be attending these shows.

[SykkBoy]

Originally posted by Lee+Dec 30 2004, 05:14 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Lee @ Dec 30 2004, 05:14 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Giorgio_Xo@Dec 30 2004, 02:03 PM
AVN should discourage non-industry people from attending Vegas Internext.
But not at the cost of segregating newbies who are the ones that SHOULD be attending these shows. [/b][/quote]
I agree

[JoesHO]

Originally posted by SykkBoy+Dec 30 2004, 03:09 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (SykkBoy @ Dec 30 2004, 03:09 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by Lee@Dec 30 2004, 05:14 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Giorgio_Xo@Dec 30 2004, 02:03 PM
AVN should discourage non-industry people from attending Vegas Internext.
But not at the cost of segregating newbies who are the ones that SHOULD be attending these shows.
I agree [/b][/quote]
wich quote do you agree with?

[SykkBoy]

Originally posted by JoesHO1+Dec 30 2004, 08:08 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (JoesHO1 @ Dec 30 2004, 08:08 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by SykkBoy@Dec 30 2004, 03:09 PM
Originally posted by Lee@Dec 30 2004, 05:14 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Giorgio_Xo@Dec 30 2004, 02:03 PM
AVN should discourage non-industry people from attending Vegas Internext.
But not at the cost of segregating newbies who are the ones that SHOULD be attending these shows.
I agree
wich quote do you agree with? [/b][/quote]
about not segregating newbies

[JoesHO]

Originally posted by SykkBoy+Dec 30 2004, 05:24 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (SykkBoy @ Dec 30 2004, 05:24 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by JoesHO1@Dec 30 2004, 08:08 PM
Originally posted by SykkBoy@Dec 30 2004, 03:09 PM
Originally posted by Lee@Dec 30 2004, 05:14 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Giorgio_Xo@Dec 30 2004, 02:03 PM
AVN should discourage non-industry people from attending Vegas Internext.
But not at the cost of segregating newbies who are the ones that SHOULD be attending these shows.
I agree
wich quote do you agree with?
about not segregating newbies [/b][/quote]
yeah me too, then... I agree as well

[*KK*]

Interesting, these comments about newbies.

First off, why do we need them?

Second, why should they be coddled and cuddled? This is a business. I don't seem to recall in 99 that anyone gave me free content, free hosting, pre-made galleries, reward points, instant payouts, payouts attached to a debit card, free trips or badges to Internext, or anything else along those lines.

Corvett mentioned the story of what Kimmy used to do before the internet, and while I'm not going into a long retelling of it, let's just suffice it to say that it was another method of alternative marketing, very much like door to door sales. In the beginning when the industry and the players were new, it was in everyone's best interest to "hire 'em in masses, teach 'em in classes, and kick 'em in the asses" while we were a growing and new sort of deal.

Once we got to the point that we were running ads for national distribution on the inside back covers of magazines like Elle and Vogue, we didn't need the bodies any more to make money. They became a liability, an oversaturation of the market that caused diminishing returns for everyone's ROI.

I have nothing against newbies personally, as a matter of fact, I'm actually working with 3 different ones who might actually make it for a year, I'm just sitting here trying to figure out when the Porn Unification Plan went back into action.

[Nickatilynx]

KK,

You have to be nice to the newbies.

This biz is about fucking the next guy.

You need newbies so you can be the fucker rather than the fucked!!!


;)))



I

[Hell Puppy]

Great thread.

Wish I had grabbed a better sig position in it.

[*KK*]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx@Dec 30 2004, 09:05 PM
KK,

You have to be nice to the newbies.

This biz is about fucking the next guy.

You need newbies so you can be the fucker rather than the fucked!!!


;)))



I
I guess time will tell ;)

[Peaches]

Originally posted by Hell Puppy@Dec 31 2004, 01:16 AM
Great thread.

Wish I had grabbed a better sig position in it.
I clicked on your link and used 6 different credit cards and emails to sign up so you can get some $$$. All is good. B)

[Sharpie]

Drav....someone DID pay attention to your East Coast suggestion. This is not all as easy as it looks:-) Finding a hotel to work with is a major chore.

Forget Atlantic City - they have had so much trouble with the past Adult shows held there, that they send you to the Exibition Center (which is not what we do) Several places told me point blank that an Adult show IN the hotel is going to be very pricey. They don't want us....

I did place calls to some prospective hotels in Philly. Thier prices are just out of line and not affordable for the size show we have. For us - there is a lot of risk - Atrition could bankrupt us, if we don't fill their required rooms.

We really enjoyed New Orleans, and had a great show there in June 2000 - but there was a lot of problems with the timing of the AVN show also held in New Orleans that year - and many have a bad taste in their mouth about supporting another show there.

As far has having shows in areas during the ultimate weather conditions..... that is called peak season - it is unaffordable for the trade show company, many of the Adult companies & 70% of the webmasters. We have been fortunate to have pretty good weather conditions, but we use smaller properties.

It is not as easy as it looks. If it appears to be easy - then the company is doing a good job - because I am going on my 10th year - and I am yet to have an easy show. :P

[Wizzo]

Good Stuff...

I personally like the fact that attendee cost is what it is. Newbies that are serious about being successful will find a way, but it's enough to keep out the civilians that just want to look, yet have no interest in the biz...

Also, as far as location, I really liked having the show at the Venetian each year, because much less time was wasted trying to figure out where events and such are happening. It was great to be able to tell someone, yea "just meet me where we met last year" or whatever... It might not have been the best vacation seniro, but it was good for getting business done. Plus, it was large enough that anyone that wanted to stay could get a room...

Unlike the upcoming show where people are spread out over the strip... I already damn near need a spreadsheet to keep track of all the different hotels people are staying at that I would like to meet with...

[Dravyk]

Appreciate it, Sharpie!

And yes, I know it's a lot tougher than it looks to do these shows. The trouble they are to produce them is appreciated.

That said, still tired of sweating, and still think somewhere in the NE would draw a very large audience for any venue. Not only a lot of webmasters here, but higher per capita and it's only 50 miles between cities, not 500 miles as it is in some parts of the country. :)

[Lee]

Originally posted by Wizzo@Jan 1 2005, 11:06 AM
but it's enough to keep out the civilians that just want to look, yet have no interest in the biz...
Would not an easier way of keeping the civvies out be for registrants to provide a url upon signing up for a pass?

[kath]

Originally posted by Dravyk@Jan 1 2005, 12:22 PM
That said, still tired of sweating, and still think somewhere in the NE would draw a very large audience for any venue. Not only a lot of webmasters here, but higher per capita and it's only 50 miles between cities, not 500 miles as it is in some parts of the country. :)
I have to agree with you there Dravyk - I skipped the Florida show this year, the first Internext/ia2000 that I'd missed since that Miami one with Netpond - and with the exception of not seeing old friends and touching base with people I only see 2-3x per year - I would say that I really didn't feel like I'd missed anything that was vitally important to business.

I really get much more done at the mid-sized regional shows and at smaller, local gatherings. Now I love Vegas - but that's because we get to drive/not fly and because it's Vegas! I agree with a lot of the posts here - the attraction is not really the actual "show" anymore, but all the things you can DO while networking in Vegas. Heck - we should just have a once-a-year party in Vegas and be done with it. Fly in for a 3-day weekender, have some scheduled parties but then turn everyone loose. I think it might have the same result.

Good thoughts/ideas in this thread - and I have to 2nd Sharpie's and everyone else's comments about not knowing how difficult it is to do one of these things until you've actually done it. Those who can make it look easy are really working their asses off behind the scenes to make it look that way.

[LeeNoga]

Hi Aly,

My main concern is the power of business shifting from trade floor to off premise or soley networking at the parties and events... Many get the booths because they are AFRAID to take the risk of NOT exhibiting.

Some have decided to for go exhibiting and send a crew to network one one one to get the B2B, and B2C done.

I understand the costs of putting on a show, Sharpie has taught me well for over a decade....

But the price of an attendee ticket has to come down, or some form of payments can be made, and AVN can finance the admission some how...LOL and let webmasters make payments. Let them make payments, or let them set up something a year before the show and let them paypal in towards their ticket, gives them a year to pay in advance..instead of coming up with the money right afer the holidays or before the holidays.

This would also give AVN some operating capital :-)

Or.

Find a way to make a kick back on all parties thrown under your event and use this for profit so that floor tickets are more affordable. Rather you pinch the sponsors that the webmaster.

Foot traffic is key on that floor, and I think the price does not have the value it did when that business model went into effect in 1997.

Just my 2 cents plus prime :-)

[*KK*]

Interesting comments Lee (Noga), about pinching the sponsors. It appears the posts prior to yours were comments made by sponsors about disliking the pinch. ;)

Like AVN, hate AVN, one thing you can say for AVN, their organizational skills are far better than most. Whether you like the Diplomat, hate the Venetian, whatever, things are more professionally put together than most others, from the hotel choices to the show floors. Personally I tend to hate show floors and can't stand having to stay in someone else's idea of a hotel LOL...

[Vick]

Hmmmm
I have to think if you can afford the $200 or whatever it is for the attendee fee ....

... you shouldn't be in business

[Dravyk]

Anyone in marketing knows the biggest way to waste a marketing person is to give them booth duty. Rule number one: They have to be free to hit the floor, leave the floor, find the people, do the business.

Booths are 20% branding and 80% for the newbies.

They're not even good for finding people to talk to, since, see rule one above, the people you need to talk to aren't ever at the booth!!

Vick, 500% agree with ya! :okthumb:

[kath]

Originally posted by Dravyk@Jan 2 2005, 12:07 AM
Anyone in marketing knows the biggest way to waste a marketing person is to give them booth duty. Rule number one: They have to be free to hit the floor, leave the floor, find the people, do the business.

Booths are 20% branding and 80% for the newbies.

They're not even good for finding people to talk to, since, see rule one above, the people you need to talk to aren't ever at the booth!!

Vick, 500% agree with ya! :okthumb:
Excellent points Dravyk!

And you are definitely someone who lives by his own word.... I remember it was HELL trying to get you into the booth back in the day! lol

"Look, there's Dravyk!"
"Uh oh... where'd he go?"

:yowsa:

As much as I *hated* working the booth I really DID get to meet a lot of the newbies and get them onto the boards & into the chats/radio shows... so I guess booth-duty depends upon what your business is all about. If noobs are what you want, the booth is a good place to be. I know I *did* miss a lot by being chained to the booths though so I am much happier going booth-less this time around.

:awinky:

[*KK*]

Booth duty is a waste of time, imo. If you are stuck in your booth and other people you need to talk to are stuck in their booths, how the hell do you ever talk about the things you need to? And it's pretty well impossible to have a private conversation in a booth, no matter how big it is.

[Nickatilynx]

The one time I went to the booth...

I swapped badges with Greenguy , he promptly fired everyone...


;-)))

[SykkBoy]

one year, I WAS the booth....

[Aly_AVN]

...WHEW!...

Okay, I will address all of these posts very shortly. Just got off the show floor and wanted to see how this thread had come along but need to get my frazzled brain back in order before tackling all of this.

I now have a list of improvements and suggestions for both Internext shows that rivals 'War and Peace' in size. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people at the show who took the time to share their thoughts with me.

The one issue that jumps out immediately after re-reading this thread is the one of location and date... Vegas in early January, (which I believe Dravyk initially raised). The idea behind the date and location is to have Internext, AEE (AVN) and CES (Consumer Electronics Show) coincide somewhat. It's generally believed that many attendees and exhibitors at each of these shows benefit from keeping these shows together. I dislike the timing, too, but I definitely understand that logic. What do you think?

I'll be back with more to say here very soon! :wacko:

[Nickatilynx]

Originally posted by SykkBoy@Jan 3 2005, 01:29 PM
one year, I WAS the booth....
LOL

[OldJeff]

Back from the show

Here is a couple more suggestions.

Hire Check in people that have actually seen a computer before, If I had paid to exhibit I would have been furious looking at the huge line of people still standing at 3:00 in the afternoon. Better Yet - mail the badges to the people that pre register and have an Express ID check for them.

The hotel rooms people are staying in should be off limits, I am sick of having crap hung on my door, left in my room, or getting messages from the front desk that they have "a package" for me. As a side note to all of you people that do this, I make it a point to NOT use products / services of companies that do not respect my private space. While I am at a show - the room I am in is my home - I do not want things in my home that I do not ask for, If I want it I will pick it up at your booth.

will add more as they come to me

[LittleC]

Me too just got back from the show. Was fun to see old friends & make new ones. I must say I got good results from this show. But it was more because of personal relationships than the showfloor.

few suggestions:

- The hotel Mandalay bay was charging crazy roomrates if you compare them to Venetian Prices and service. I stayed in a nice suite in the Venetian because of the better service. Many complaints from people I spoke too about mandalay.

- after show meeting point would be nice.

- rollerskates, little cars or anything what would get me to the show without killing my feet...The distance to the showfloor was too far...

- I also saw people standing in line to get their show pass way too long and why the hell you need to give your ID ? I got someone from the organisation to bring me my pass (thank you again you know who you are !) but was not very happy to give out my passport for making a copy..(maybe a new law?)

- Smoking room at the show floor would be nice for thre addicts! LOL

- More nice Girls ! I remember a lot more girls on previous shows! They bring atmoshere to the show !

- seminar suggestion: why not give all exhibitors a chance to speak about their business and have visitors asking questions to them.

- for example: all content providers get X minutes to present their products and afterwarts the visitors can ask questions. Same for billing solutions etc..

- Just combine the AVN and internext on the same dates. 5 or 6 days of exhibition is way too long I think.

Just my 2 cents.

X, Claudia

[SykkBoy]

almost rested up after the show...
I was offline because the cable connection in my room didn't work...ah well...
outside of that, I enjoyed the hotel...we stayed at THEhotel@Mandalay bay and the rooms were amazing.

While some people complained of not being able to get a room there, we had no problems (maybe because we registered through their website?).

The registration was definately a clusterfuck of epic proportions (anyone who tried to find me and couldn't, it was because I wasn't even really on the floor until late the second day).

We had a decent show, the results of which we won't realistically be able to measure until after everyone has gotten back home and caught up on things discussed.

Speaking of which, I now have to catch up on emails, ICQ's and other assorted aftershow "fun".

[TheEnforcer]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx+Dec 29 2004, 09:14 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Nickatilynx @ Dec 29 2004, 09:14 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-JoesHO1@Dec 29 2004, 06:09 PM
How about smaller round table like discussions with one main speaker and topic per table, then rotate maybe say maximum of 25 to a table at a time, and let different speakers say 4 or 5 speak to each topic i.e 4 tables with seating for 25 on a certain subject, then allow a time limit at each table and rotate the people


you could say have one area on traffic, one on legal , one on state of the industry wetc..like now but diversify the speakers and allow for different points of view without making it a contraversy for a peaker to have a different take on a subject, therefore allowing them to speak more freely and not defensive.

the smaller groups will provide for interaction as well and allow for a think tank type of set up.

be sure to mix experience with in experience as well.
sorry...I pictured me circa 2001 (drunk off my tits)... moving from table to table saying :

"Firstly...your all a bunch of HOMOS!!!!...."

;-)))) [/b][/quote]
"And if any of you homos touch my stuff...... I'l kill ya!" :P

[TheEnforcer]

Originally posted by Dravyk@Dec 29 2004, 09:42 PM
I metioned this in another thread, then saw this one. Gonzo and I agree I should place it here as well. To save space I'll make it smaller. :)

Eeeesh. 2000% humidity and hurricane threats.

I know there's a lot of good folks in FA who only (and who can blame them?!) attend these shows, and for missing those good folks, well, that is indeed a big regret -- but I don't think I'll be going to those anymore. Miami in March or November, hell yeah!. August? Fuhgetaboudit! Yes, fine, I'm a wuss.

Especially with the increase in importance and in attendance at the Phoenix and San Diego events in moderate climates at normal times of the year, I just see no point in the summer sweat show anymore.

Not enough ROI there for me to spend one week a year: impersonating a bag of boiling peas, see who pissed on the lastest boat, who broke the glass atrium this time, and purchase a bunch of $20 drinks with no alcohol in them.
In short, how about somewhere normal and affordable for the second show? They obviously did it in San Diego and Phoenix and even in Montreal. Why a sauna every year? Again, can't be expense when others can do it. That's my gripe.

Ok, that, and that the NorthEast part of the country is constantly disregarded. Two gripes ... er, um, constructive suggestions. :)
Don't forget us midwesterners! :rokk:

[TheEnforcer]

Originally posted by Vick+Dec 30 2004, 12:48 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Vick @ Dec 30 2004, 12:48 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-JoesHO1@Dec 29 2004, 09:55 PM
NOOOOOOOOOO Tootsies in south florida you cant move that one LOL


all seriousness, I agree that the northeast would be a good change.
I would like Baltimore actually on the inner harbor, several great hotels close good food nearby all the good stuff. on the water etc etc....
Hey Hey Hey No Baltimore
I live close by and don't want a bunch of porn mongers clogging up the inner harbor B)

Would like to see a Northeast summer show instead of Florida

New York maybe? Philly?

and why Vegas every year? Ok I'm the only one not thrilled about Vegas with the exception of the Cirque shows

New Orleans was great for shows, would make a great winter show and there is gambling

As far as panelists, I've enjoyed speaking with Colin Roundtree in the past but business is different now
Who's really going to give up any real info without plugging what they have to offer? Sometimes you get the plug with no real usable info

Processing is what to me is most important to hear about, then possible legal issues, then tech issues and what everyone else is trying to push out new


Joe may be on to something with a more "roundtable" format

I'm also a fan of sitting in the lobby and letting everyone pass by. Anyone I'd like to make contact with or speak with comes by sooner or later

Between the lobby and possible roundtables a lot of contacts can be made. Maybe the roundtables should be on the showroom floor (toward the back so everyone has to go through) to keep bodies where the exhibitors are [/b][/quote]
I'm not fond of Vegas either Vick, so you're not alone!

[Nickatilynx]

I think Vancouver would be nice.

:)

[TheEnforcer]

Hahaha, why am I not surprised nick?

[gonzo]

I did have a chance to talk to Aly on the show floor. She pledges to come back round here after the show to handle the decompression as well. She is very sincere about trying to make a difference and says not for anyone to hold any punches.

Ill have mor thoughts in the morning.

[Peaches]

Originally posted by OldJeff@Jan 7 2005, 09:43 AM
Back from the show

Here is a couple more suggestions.

Hire Check in people that have actually seen a computer before, If I had paid to exhibit I would have been furious looking at the huge line of people still standing at 3:00 in the afternoon. Better Yet - mail the badges to the people that pre register and have an Express ID check for them.

The hotel rooms people are staying in should be off limits, I am sick of having crap hung on my door, left in my room, or getting messages from the front desk that they have "a package" for me. As a side note to all of you people that do this, I make it a point to NOT use products / services of companies that do not respect my private space. While I am at a show - the room I am in is my home - I do not want things in my home that I do not ask for, If I want it I will pick it up at your booth.

will add more as they come to me
A-fucking-men to both of those! That line was just bizarre.

Also wanted to echo Claudia's complaints about MB (and how the hell did I miss you??!! :( ). The lack of mini-bar and coffee maker was just silly and we paid the same rates as the Venetian with the two rooms.

[LittleC]

Peaches.. :cryin: I just have to fly out than for a next show !

[rhymer11]

Let me start by saying I have never been to internext. I suppose the reason why should be of some interest. There is no business for me to do there, so I spend my capital on stuff that makes me money. Having said that, I have been to many trade shows like the IBC which I believe is now held in Amsterdam but used to be held in Bristol as well to NAB which is the biggest in the world. I am the veteran of a few other trade shows outside of my industry for other reasons. But they all have one thing in common. They launch new products before the public gets to see them. They take orders for new products so the first adopters can get out there and make some money. In other words they provide a sneak peak into the future and give the participants a leg up on their competitors. They spend huge amounts on their displays and attract an audience with their companies chequebooks in their hip pockets.
I don't see any of this happening at internext. For instance, I have just jumped feet first into the world of high definition video production. Now it may have been at internext, but I didn't see anything about it. If you are going to be a player in the video game, this is the most important technology at the moment. Internext should have been all over this. I might have even gone for that very reason. Editing solutions, monitor solutions, transcoding solutions. The list goes on.
Another generation of affiliate programmes is nothing new as far as I can see. My suggestion is to make the show a little more technical to show the way to those who actually produce content. The old days of content trade parties where everyone and their dog has the same hotel room pictures for months after internext are hopefully over. I can't see that making money any more.
Personally, I feel that less emphasis on the Cristal and more emphasis on worthwhile money makers would go a long way to resparking interest in these gatherings.
Ya gotta make money before you can spend it, and a lot of folks are not achieving what they had hoped and are not about to drop 6k to hit vegas for a couple of free drinks and a few good stories.
I mean this post in all sincerity and hopefully you will find some of the suggestions worth considering.

[SykkBoy]

Originally posted by rhymer11@Jan 8 2005, 04:15 PM
Let me start by saying I have never been to internext. I suppose the reason why should be of some interest. There is no business for me to do there, so I spend my capital on stuff that makes me money. Having said that, I have been to many trade shows like the IBC which I believe is now held in Amsterdam but used to be held in Bristol as well to NAB which is the biggest in the world. I am the veteran of a few other trade shows outside of my industry for other reasons. But they all have one thing in common. They launch new products before the public gets to see them. They take orders for new products so the first adopters can get out there and make some money. In other words they provide a sneak peak into the future and give the participants a leg up on their competitors. They spend huge amounts on their displays and attract an audience with their companies chequebooks in their hip pockets.
I don't see any of this happening at internext. For instance, I have just jumped feet first into the world of high definition video production. Now it may have been at internext, but I didn't see anything about it. If you are going to be a player in the video game, this is the most important technology at the moment. Internext should have been all over this. I might have even gone for that very reason. Editing solutions, monitor solutions, transcoding solutions. The list goes on.
Another generation of affiliate programmes is nothing new as far as I can see. My suggestion is to make the show a little more technical to show the way to those who actually produce content. The old days of content trade parties where everyone and their dog has the same hotel room pictures for months after internext are hopefully over. I can't see that making money any more.
Personally, I feel that less emphasis on the Cristal and more emphasis on worthwhile money makers would go a long way to resparking interest in these gatherings.
Ya gotta make money before you can spend it, and a lot of folks are not achieving what they had hoped and are not about to drop 6k to hit vegas for a couple of free drinks and a few good stories.
I mean this post in all sincerity and hopefully you will find some of the suggestions worth considering.
I'm goiung to hate admitting this, but I agree with you on a lot of that. A lot of things that SHOULD have been there, weren't...they were/are at CES though.

The way I see it, they'd rather let these types of companies exhibit at CES, which is right next door to the AVN video show and don't give a shit enough about us Internet guys to ramp up their sales force to get some of these types of companies to exhibit at the InterNext show.

Those of us who've been in the business long enough are bored of the "rock star life" and just want to solidify existing relationships and maybe meet some new people face to face...and probably won't be paying $200 per ticket for that experience again, especially when I had more business-related discussions sittng in the lbooy out in front of the registration area...that's where the business talk was (or seemed to be)....

[kath]

Originally posted by SykkBoy@Jan 8 2005, 02:37 PM
Those of us who've been in the business long enough are bored of the "rock star life" and just want to solidify existing relationships and maybe meet some new people face to face...and probably won't be paying $200 per ticket for that experience again, especially when I had more business-related discussions sittng in the lbooy out in front of the registration area...that's where the business talk was (or seemed to be)....
Well said.

I heard a version of this from just about every person I spoke with at the show.

:blink:

[SykkBoy]

Originally posted by kath+Jan 8 2005, 11:32 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (kath @ Jan 8 2005, 11:32 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-SykkBoy@Jan 8 2005, 02:37 PM
Those of us who've been in the business long enough are bored of the "rock star life" and just want to solidify existing relationships and maybe meet some new people face to face...and probably won't be paying $200 per ticket for that experience again, especially when I had more business-related discussions sittng in the lbooy out in front of the registration area...that's where the business talk was (or seemed to be)....
Well said.

I heard a version of this from just about every person I spoke with at the show.

:blink: [/b][/quote]
yeah, I kinda borrowed it from Pattyecake, but it was very true

wow, that has to be the worst typo of "lobby" I've ever managed to spew from my keyboard...

[Anthony]

I can't tell you how many times just hanging out at the lobby helped me catch ppl to talk too.

It was sad to see on the first day, ppl waiting in line up to 3 hours to get in.

THAT'S THREE HOURS PEOPLE!

First day of traffic was lacking big time.

[Hell Puppy]

I managed to stay a lot busier this time than any show previous as is probably evidenced by the fact I'm just now posting. Computer was with me, had high speed, but barely had time to do a few quick email checks to make sure everything was running well at home.

But I definitely have some comments...

--Registration line: It was disorganized the day before the show started with both lines combined into what should've been the exit line while the queue lines were empty. No one bothered to come out and put up some signage or direct traffic to fix it. So it's no surprise that on the first day it was a full on goat fuck.

--Center bar: It's a well known fact that no matter what kind or size show you have in this industry, where everyone really goes to meet up after show hours is the "center bar" in the main hotel. It'll be packed to the point you cant move. That's all well and good, but it would be nice if someone would clue in the hotel management that we aren't there to dance and have the live entertainment take a couple of nights off so we can hear ourselves talk and use the band's space for a few more people.

--Location: Mixed feelings. On one hand it's the far end of the strip and a step down to 4 diamond from 5 diamond at the Venetian at the same cost. But there's convenient accomodations at different price ranges available nearby. We were able to locate FFN Central in the Pharoah Suite at the Luxor and found it fairly convenient with Mandalay being a short walk away via the Mandalay Place mall.

--Dates: Let's be real, bumping up against AVN Awards and CES is convenient for AVN and a handful of big name video performers....not the webmasters and web industry. I would say at least 95% are there ONLY for internext. It sucks being so close to the holidays. And when New Years dictates that we overlap the start of CES as it did this year, Thursday just absolutely fucking sucks. The town is packed, you cant get into anything, cab lines are insane, room rates are thru the roof, and ask for something like a late check out and the front desk just might flip you off.

--Show floor: I doubt I spent 2 hours total on the show floor. And I actually had a shopping list this year. Of the people I really needed/wanted to see for business purposes, I found exactly 3 of them on the floor. I dont need a flashy booth or booth bunnies. I dont particularly want tote your literature. What I want to do is ask some questions, get some quotes, maybe a business card with a working email/icq. Main purpose show floor seemed to serve this year is the place to go to pickup your passes for parties and other events.

--Overall: There needs to be some sort of format change that will allow you to find who you need to find and have quiet discussions without chaining people to booths. Maybe it is something as simple as an electronic registry with a list of 3 or 4 meeting points and let attendees and vendors alike pencil in a few hours were they'll be in one of these spots.

[Lee]

Well the only issues i had were already mentioned, to long to wait for passes, as exhibitors, you already have our information, why does it take 3 of us to collect our passes individually when myself, Gary or Chris could have collected id from the other two and got all three passes at once? It used to work like that, why doesnt it now?

The queue at exhibitr registration IMHO was a huge clusterfuck. It shouldnt have taken close to 2 and a half hours for us to collect our passes. Thankfully, whilst waiting in line we got some business deals done.

The venue, overall i was pretty happy with it although the walk seemed to have doubled from our room to the convention floor this time around, think its time we went on a diet lol

As for the organization on the Mandalay Bays part for the 3 Gay Webmaster Bash meals, we couldnt be happier, despite some teething problems a few weeks prior to the events, when the day for each meal arrived, things were ready, the proper signage was where it was supposed to be and the wait staff were friendly and outgoing, so much so that we asked them all to stay behind and eat with us after the meals had ended by way of thanks.

The food itself, was phenominal, that seemed to be a big talking point after each of the three sponsor hosted meals and we even managed to get some vegetarian meals sorted out at the last minute too.

All in all our Vegas experience as an exhibitor was one we will repeat again however, without the need of going through AVN, having spoken to several people at the hotel on the topic of AVN there seemed to be a lot of agreement that the redtape needed to be gone through was a little o.t.t.

Other than that, we got some great business done, from solidifying existing business relations, forging new ones and even signing contracts on the show floor itself.

This is also the first Vegas show where we have returned home actually feeling satisfied at the overall show from a business standpoint as well as a personal one, we met so many new people who were actively looking for business contacts in our field that we're going to be busy for months sorting through all the business cards and getting details sorted for some lucrative new ventures.

For those we had the opportunity of meeting at the show, thank you all, you made this show worthwhile for us on so many levels and an especially big thanks to every one of the attendees to the 3 meals and 3 after hour events that formed the http://www.gaywebmasterbash.com without your continual support they wouldnt have been as huge a success as they have been for our event sponsors, attendees and, for us.

[buckethead]

I think the bad experiences that are being sugar coated here are hideous!!!

Just say it people, this show could be the death blow for AVN on the internet side of things.

I for one will never pay for a pass to one of their shows again!

I wish Oprano would get involved and do a show the right way! maybe combine with Faye and Dave, as they are clearly the only ones that actually listen to the constituency, and appear to give a shit!

[Raven]

I've been involved with shows in mainstream....it's a huge project, especially when you consider the numbers attending this one.

The registration lines were very long, especially for the exhibitors. On the flip side, I saw quite a few opportunities taken to network, in spite of the wait. There's nothing better for business than being stuck in some line. While it may not have been very efficient, I did plenty of networking and even got some business from standing in that line. I also got to see people I might have missed. We were mostly laughing while complaining.

KK...while Vancouver may have seemed like it was a cluster fuck, the disorganisation actually worked in our favour. When you get a bunch of webmasters waiting to go somewhere, we all start talking. It's a wet dream for many of us, since we're such a captive audience. I would have preferred staying at the Pacific Palisades and maybe things could have gone a little smoother; but, so what? The bottom line is that webmasters live and love to complain. When you're on this side of the event, it's easy to complain, I think. Besides, it gives us something to talk about.

[Nickatilynx]

I think Vancouver makes a GREAT venue for the show.

Pacific Palisades would be a great base for it too.


:)

[gonzo]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx@Jan 9 2005, 03:27 PM
I think Vancouver makes a GREAT venue for the show.

Pacific Palisades would be a great base for it too.


:)
Jedi Mind Trick?

[Raven]

Went to Vancouver in October with a few friends....Pacific Palisades rocked...from room service to their wonderful restaurant...plus, location, location, location...right on Robson.

Very enjoyable.

[Nickatilynx]

Originally posted by Raven@Jan 9 2005, 12:39 PM
Went to Vancouver in October with a few friends....Pacific Palisades rocked...from room service to their wonderful restaurant...plus, location, location, location...right on Robson.

Very enjoyable.
I actually have used it myself.

Suites are cheap.

Best value for money hotel in the city...


Plus we have great golf , webmaster friendly strip club

http://www.no5orange.com/


did I mention golf?

[Opti]

As a long distance traveller.. I would be more likely to attend if there was a Vancouver show one weekend and a Miami show the following weekend.

Might work if both organisers did a discount for sponsoring both events.... and had a reason to help promote each others event. They might even find a way to cut costs with a bookend event schedule.

If it brings in a lot more International webmasters than usual that could cover the higher costs of doing 2 shows for sponsors too.

Might even get Nick to Florida if we do a "cannonball run" from Vancouver to Miami over the 4 days between shows B)

[Nickatilynx]

Originally posted by Opti@Jan 9 2005, 01:20 PM
As a long distance traveller.. I would be more likely to attend if there was a Vancouver show one weekend and a Miami show the following weekend.

Might work if both organisers did a discount for sponsoring both events.... and had a reason to help promote each others event. They might even find a way to cut costs with a bookend event schedule.

If it brings in a lot more International webmasters than usual that could cover the higher costs of doing 2 shows for sponsors too.

Might even get Nick to Florida if we do a "cannonball run" from Vancouver to Miami over the 4 days between shows B)
Driven Vancouver - Orlando in 3 days 2 nights :)

Its only 3300 miles :)


Through South Dakota the only things going faster were stealths ;-)))

[gonzo]

Originally posted by Opti@Jan 9 2005, 04:20 PM

Might even get Nick to Florida if we do a "cannonball run" from Vancouver to Miami over the 4 days between shows B)
Opti if you only knew....

[Nickatilynx]

Originally posted by gonzo+Jan 9 2005, 02:31 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (gonzo @ Jan 9 2005, 02:31 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Opti@Jan 9 2005, 04:20 PM

Might even get Nick to Florida if we do a "cannonball run" from Vancouver to Miami over the 4 days between shows B)
Opti if you only knew.... [/b][/quote]
ahahahahahaha

A bunch of FFN in an Escalade kicking it accross country LOL

[LeeNoga]

=Also wanted to echo Claudia's complaints about MB (and how the hell did I miss you??!!


Cuz' Ms. Claudia was with me :-))

No shit.

Ask her :-))

[Peaches]

Originally posted by LeeNoga@Jan 9 2005, 09:17 PM
=Also wanted to echo Claudia's complaints about MB (and how the hell did I miss you??!!


Cuz' Ms. Claudia was with me :-))

No shit.

Ask her :-))
But I saw YOU!!!

[Opti]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx+Jan 10 2005, 08:40 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Nickatilynx @ Jan 10 2005, 08:40 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by gonzo@Jan 9 2005, 02:31 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Opti@Jan 9 2005, 04:20 PM

Might even get Nick to Florida if we do a "cannonball run" from Vancouver to Miami over the 4 days between shows B)
Opti if you only knew....
ahahahahahaha

A bunch of FFN in an Escalade kicking it accross country LOL [/b][/quote]
Ahem... Bentley??!

[Hell Puppy]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx+Jan 9 2005, 05:40 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Nickatilynx @ Jan 9 2005, 05:40 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by gonzo@Jan 9 2005, 02:31 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Opti@Jan 9 2005, 04:20 PM

Might even get Nick to Florida if we do a "cannonball run" from Vancouver to Miami over the 4 days between shows B)
Opti if you only knew....
ahahahahahaha

A bunch of FFN in an Escalade kicking it accross country LOL [/b][/quote]
A Sexcalade would merely be the blocker....

The FFN's would rather be piled up in one of these with donuts and ice wine.

http://www.featherlitecoaches.com/

[Carrie]

Having the Vegas show at the very beginning of January is only so that AVN can save money by stringing Internext and AEE together. Any other reason is just bullshit.
If it weren't bullshit, then it would be at another time, period.
Immediately after the holidays and just days from New Years when everything is still at triple pricing makes the show very non-webmaster friendly and non-family-friendly. (As in to those who have families, not as in taking your family with you.)

Nick I'm sending you a PM. I've pitched the idea to a few other people and no one has had the balls (or maybe the organizational skills) to do it... maybe you will. No, it's not a business/investment proposal... just an idea for something you can do at the FL show.

[Hell Puppy]

Another obnoxious thing I noticed this year is how aggressive the booth bunnies were at giving out literature.

There were some aisles that when you went down them it felt like you were walking down the strip with all the hawkers wanting to put ads for horizontal refreshment in your hand. And it worked much the same way, if you took one, the rest of the flock would immediately pounce.

They were also straying well away from the booths. More than once I saw people getting pounced while trying to make a phone call from the back side of the floor, etc.

I'll go to the web to get my literature, with me it's very rare that anything larger than a business card makes it back to the room.

[Carrie]

Originally posted by Carrie@Jan 11 2005, 02:15 AM
Nick I'm sending you a PM.
Scratch that... your PM box is full.

(While you're at it, scratch this damn stop-smoking patch on my arm. Thing itches like crazy.)

[gonzo]

Originally posted by Carrie+Jan 11 2005, 02:37 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Carrie @ Jan 11 2005, 02:37 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Carrie@Jan 11 2005, 02:15 AM
Nick I'm sending you a PM.
Scratch that... your PM box is full.

(While you're at it, scratch this damn stop-smoking patch on my arm. Thing itches like crazy.) [/b][/quote]
Mine isnt.

[Opti]

Originally posted by Hell Puppy@Jan 11 2005, 04:12 PM
The FFN's would rather be piled up in one of these with donuts and ice wine.

http://www.featherlitecoaches.com/
ROADTRIP!!

[Peaches]

Originally posted by Opti+Jan 11 2005, 11:40 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Opti @ Jan 11 2005, 11:40 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Hell Puppy@Jan 11 2005, 04:12 PM
The FFN's would rather be piled up in one of these with donuts and ice wine.

http://www.featherlitecoaches.com/
ROADTRIP!! [/b][/quote]
Just an FYI, Gabe is a licensed commercial truck driver.... B)

[Nickatilynx]

Originally posted by Carrie@Jan 10 2005, 11:15 PM
Having the Vegas show at the very beginning of January is only so that AVN can save money by stringing Internext and AEE together. Any other reason is just bullshit.
If it weren't bullshit, then it would be at another time, period.
Immediately after the holidays and just days from New Years when everything is still at triple pricing makes the show very non-webmaster friendly and non-family-friendly. (As in to those who have families, not as in taking your family with you.)

Nick I'm sending you a PM. I've pitched the idea to a few other people and no one has had the balls (or maybe the organizational skills) to do it... maybe you will. No, it's not a business/investment proposal... just an idea for something you can do at the FL show.
Sorry cleared some space up lol.

Fireaway :)


(What can I say , I like pming people..I'm a chatter box LOL)

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by Carrie@Jan 10 2005, 11:15 PM
Having the Vegas show at the very beginning of January is only so that AVN can save money by stringing Internext and AEE together. Any other reason is just bullshit.
If it weren't bullshit, then it would be at another time, period.
Immediately after the holidays and just days from New Years when everything is still at triple pricing makes the show very non-webmaster friendly and non-family-friendly. (As in to those who have families, not as in taking your family with you.)

Nick I'm sending you a PM. I've pitched the idea to a few other people and no one has had the balls (or maybe the organizational skills) to do it... maybe you will. No, it's not a business/investment proposal... just an idea for something you can do at the FL show.
You know.. I'm here to take advice to improve Internext and AVN, NOT to sit and defend them! You're really not helping out by making statements of fact that are factually incorrect! LOL..

As I mentioned before, Internext is currently slated around the same time as AEE and CES because there is a cross-over between the shows that is seen as beneficial to Internext exhibitors and attendees. It doesn't save AVN money particularily... well, maybe a few airfares saved I suppose.

Hope you find someone with the balls/ organizational skills to assist you in your evil plans for global domination... I just hope they don't interfere with my own. B)

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by Raven@Jan 9 2005, 12:19 PM
I've been involved with shows in mainstream....it's a huge project, especially when you consider the numbers attending this one.

The registration lines were very long, especially for the exhibitors. On the flip side, I saw quite a few opportunities taken to network, in spite of the wait. There's nothing better for business than being stuck in some line. While it may not have been very efficient, I did plenty of networking and even got some business from standing in that line. I also got to see people I might have missed. We were mostly laughing while complaining.

KK...while Vancouver may have seemed like it was a cluster fuck, the disorganisation actually worked in our favour. When you get a bunch of webmasters waiting to go somewhere, we all start talking. It's a wet dream for many of us, since we're such a captive audience. I would have preferred staying at the Pacific Palisades and maybe things could have gone a little smoother; but, so what? The bottom line is that webmasters live and love to complain. When you're on this side of the event, it's easy to complain, I think. Besides, it gives us something to talk about.
Yeah... The lines were ridiculous. But big, huge kudos to you for making the best of the situation as always! You're so damn good..! LOL.. Love proactive people. :wnw:

[gonzo]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN@Jan 11 2005, 02:32 PM
You know.. I'm here to take advice to improve Internext and AVN, NOT to sit and defend them! You're really not helping out by making statements of fact that are factually incorrect! LOL..

As I mentioned before, Internext is currently slated around the same time as AEE and CES because there is a cross-over between the shows that is seen as beneficial to Internext exhibitors and attendees. It doesn't save AVN money particularily... well, maybe a few airfares saved I suppose.


Maybe theres a communication breakdown here Aly.

You guys maintain that theres a benefit to the crossover.

What I think people are telling you is that its not a benefit to most of us.

And I have to call bullshit on the attendee statement. Maybe in the beginning you had surfer attendees at Internext.

Given the $200 price tag... less and less scantilly clad bunnies and even less valuable trinkets I dont think the average street rube is coming in off the street to see what the porners are doing.

Quite frankly I see it as a huge mistake if AVN is marketing to surfers for Internext.... dont you?

[Almighty Colin]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN@Jan 11 2005, 02:32 PM
Hope you find someone with the balls/ organizational skills to assist you in your evil plans for global domination.
She didn't spend all those years playing Dungeons and Dragons and not learn a little something about courage.

[Almighty Colin]

Originally posted by Anthony@Jan 9 2005, 12:53 AM
It was sad to see on the first day, ppl waiting in line up to 3 hours to get in.

THAT'S THREE HOURS PEOPLE!

Trapped people? Now I see that as an opportunity.

[Dravyk]

Hire Check in people that have actually seen a computer before, If I had paid to exhibit I would have been furious looking at the huge line of people still standing at 3:00 in the afternoon. Better Yet - mail the badges to the people that pre register and have an Express ID check for them.

Well the only issues i had were already mentioned, to long to wait for passes, as exhibitors, you already have our information, why does it take 3 of us to collect our passes individually when myself, Gary or Chris could have collected id from the other two and got all three passes at once? It used to work like that, why doesnt it now?
Above, two of the best ideas I've heard so far.

If AVN is afraid of tickets being counterfitted, fine; don't blame them. Still take a tip from the airllines we all take to these shows and adapt an e-ticket thing. Something where the preregistered people can present a card (they got in the mail) to a person or machine and get their ticket printed out at the show near instantly. There is NO reason anyone should stand in line two or three hours, but more so anyone who PREregistered. If that's the case, see preregistrations (aka the money you need before the show to help put it on) go to a drop in the bucket.

Ditto, one person to pick up all the tickets for their company.

Treat attendees like this and then wonder why next show or next year's event has a drastic drop in attendance is plain insanity.

Bottom line, these are easily remedied items.

Trapped people? Now I see that as an opportunity.

hehe Thought the same thing! Told my partner, if we could only have gotten a few hundred bottles of water and a laptop with a sticky-label printer ... :yowsa:

[Hell Puppy]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN+Jan 11 2005, 02:32 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Aly_AVN @ Jan 11 2005, 02:32 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Carrie@Jan 10 2005, 11:15 PM
Having the Vegas show at the very beginning of January is only so that AVN can save money by stringing Internext and AEE together. Any other reason is just bullshit.
If it weren't bullshit, then it would be at another time, period.
Immediately after the holidays and just days from New Years when everything is still at triple pricing makes the show very non-webmaster friendly and non-family-friendly. (As in to those who have families, not as in taking your family with you.)

Nick I'm sending you a PM. I've pitched the idea to a few other people and no one has had the balls (or maybe the organizational skills) to do it... maybe you will. No, it's not a business/investment proposal... just an idea for something you can do at the FL show.
You know.. I'm here to take advice to improve Internext and AVN, NOT to sit and defend them! You're really not helping out by making statements of fact that are factually incorrect! LOL..

As I mentioned before, Internext is currently slated around the same time as AEE and CES because there is a cross-over between the shows that is seen as beneficial to Internext exhibitors and attendees. It doesn't save AVN money particularily... well, maybe a few airfares saved I suppose.

Hope you find someone with the balls/ organizational skills to assist you in your evil plans for global domination... I just hope they don't interfere with my own. B) [/b][/quote]
Numbers dont lie.

Do you have any? What's the cross section of exhibitors and attendees that actually do both shows? What's the percentage?

I have to think it's small based on what I see with my eyeballs.

And there's threads on every board I read this week with people wishing the show were moved away from the holidays and CES to a week or so later in the month.

You save EVERYONE a ton of money by not making the ideal arrival and departure day coincide with CES. We paid out the ass to stay Thursday night, and neither AVN or the exhibitors saw a penny of that extra money. What I spent extra to stay Thursday night could've paid for nearly half a booth.

[Nickatilynx]

I think Vancouver would be a great place for show.

[JoesHO]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx@Jan 11 2005, 04:03 PM
I think Vancouver would be a great place for show.
I agree, Vancouver would be a great place for a show...

[SykkBoy]

since Las Vegas lost Comdex, why not move InterNext to November?

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx@Jan 11 2005, 04:03 PM
I think Vancouver would be a great place for show.
...I'm beginning to see your point. :rolleyes:

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by Hell Puppy+Jan 11 2005, 03:38 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Hell Puppy @ Jan 11 2005, 03:38 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by Aly_AVN@Jan 11 2005, 02:32 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-Carrie@Jan 10 2005, 11:15 PM
Having the Vegas show at the very beginning of January is only so that AVN can save money by stringing Internext and AEE together. Any other reason is just bullshit.
If it weren't bullshit, then it would be at another time, period.
Immediately after the holidays and just days from New Years when everything is still at triple pricing makes the show very non-webmaster friendly and non-family-friendly. (As in to those who have families, not as in taking your family with you.)

Nick I'm sending you a PM. I've pitched the idea to a few other people and no one has had the balls (or maybe the organizational skills) to do it... maybe you will. No, it's not a business/investment proposal... just an idea for something you can do at the FL show.
You know.. I'm here to take advice to improve Internext and AVN, NOT to sit and defend them! You're really not helping out by making statements of fact that are factually incorrect! LOL..

As I mentioned before, Internext is currently slated around the same time as AEE and CES because there is a cross-over between the shows that is seen as beneficial to Internext exhibitors and attendees. It doesn't save AVN money particularily... well, maybe a few airfares saved I suppose.

Hope you find someone with the balls/ organizational skills to assist you in your evil plans for global domination... I just hope they don't interfere with my own. B)
Numbers dont lie.

Do you have any? What's the cross section of exhibitors and attendees that actually do both shows? What's the percentage?

I have to think it's small based on what I see with my eyeballs.

And there's threads on every board I read this week with people wishing the show were moved away from the holidays and CES to a week or so later in the month.

You save EVERYONE a ton of money by not making the ideal arrival and departure day coincide with CES. We paid out the ass to stay Thursday night, and neither AVN or the exhibitors saw a penny of that extra money. What I spent extra to stay Thursday night could've paid for nearly half a booth. [/b][/quote]
I've seen those posts and heard that opinion too... and the preference is definitely noted. I just picked on you because it doesn't have anything to do with AVN saving (or not saving) money... well, that and I quit smoking yesterday. LOL..

Do you see a benefit to coinciding with the AEE/ AVN show? (without CES in the equation.) No, I don't have CES cross-over stats, just word-of-mouth from exhibitors and attendees (wish I did have them).

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by Dravyk@Jan 11 2005, 01:35 PM
Hire Check in people that have actually seen a computer before, If I had paid to exhibit I would have been furious looking at the huge line of people still standing at 3:00 in the afternoon. Better Yet - mail the badges to the people that pre register and have an Express ID check for them.

Well the only issues i had were already mentioned, to long to wait for passes, as exhibitors, you already have our information, why does it take 3 of us to collect our passes individually when myself, Gary or Chris could have collected id from the other two and got all three passes at once? It used to work like that, why doesnt it now?
Above, two of the best ideas I've heard so far.

If AVN is afraid of tickets being counterfitted, fine; don't blame them. Still take a tip from the airllines we all take to these shows and adapt an e-ticket thing. Something where the preregistered people can present a card (they got in the mail) to a person or machine and get their ticket printed out at the show near instantly. There is NO reason anyone should stand in line two or three hours, but more so anyone who PREregistered. If that's the case, see preregistrations (aka the money you need before the show to help put it on) go to a drop in the bucket.

Ditto, one person to pick up all the tickets for their company.

Treat attendees like this and then wonder why next show or next year's event has a drastic drop in attendance is plain insanity.

Bottom line, these are easily remedied items.

Trapped people? Now I see that as an opportunity.

hehe Thought the same thing! Told my partner, if we could only have gotten a few hundred bottles of water and a laptop with a sticky-label printer ... :yowsa:
YES... the lines were ridiculously long, and the processing time FAR too long.

While Internext can't control the age of the employees who sit rather unfamiliarly behind the computers at registration (it's all unionized and there's no control over that), there clearly needs to be a contingency plan for that kind of problem. Next year, there will of course be a larger number of old ladies with computers; pre-registration stations set up away from the melee; fewer details for the old ladies to key in... and other solutions.

However.... the issue of having to show ID to pick up badges, or being able to pick up multiple badges at once, or mailing badges ahead of time... isn't something that is likely change. Internext is now legally required to check ID for each badge handed over. It's an adult show... they don't want kids in there. I agree it was a hell of a lot easier when I could swing by and pick up the 25 badges I'd booked for my group in the past, but those days are gone. Now you've got to show ID.

The lines/ wait will not be so long next year.

[cj]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN@Jan 11 2005, 02:32 PM
As I mentioned before, Internext is currently slated around the same time as AEE and CES because there is a cross-over between the shows that is seen as beneficial to Internext exhibitors and attendees. It doesn't save AVN money particularily... well, maybe a few airfares saved I suppose.
So the rediculously inappropriate timing of January Internext that is inconvenient for most attendees and exhibitors has absolutely nothing to do with trying to fill up the 5000 attendees list with horny businessmen who are eager to spend $200 to see a porn star up close?

If that's what you are saying .... as much as I value your opinion and abilities, I just don't believe you ....

but if it is the case, we are all business people and we can appreciate things we don't necessarily agree with, and I thank you for your honesty and for the effort you are putting in to make things better.

I loved the first few shows in Vegas - I came over early and spent new years in various cities and used it as a 'kind of holiday' ... but back then it was all a novelty and I spent the entire time wide eyed and drunk so I didn't notice as much LOL

But the stress trying to get everything organised over christmas holidays, customs being packed with holiday travellers and screaming kids, trying to get lawyers to help import merchandise while its christmas holidays etc etc. I can't see myself attending another Vegas Internext, for all of these reasons that everyone has mentioned.

Why not hire a big cruise ship and bring the 5000 webmasters down to australia? Then I'll attend LOL

[Lee]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN@Jan 11 2005, 06:45 PM
Next year, there will of course be a larger number of old ladies with computers; pre-registration stations set up away from the melee; fewer details for the old ladies to key in... and other solutions.
Cool :)

Looking forward to seeing you behind the regsitration desk next year hon LOL *ducking and running for cover*

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by cj+Jan 11 2005, 06:46 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (cj @ Jan 11 2005, 06:46 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Aly_AVN@Jan 11 2005, 02:32 PM
As I mentioned before, Internext is currently slated around the same time as AEE and CES because there is a cross-over between the shows that is seen as beneficial to Internext exhibitors and attendees. It doesn't save AVN money particularily... well, maybe a few airfares saved I suppose.
So the rediculously inappropriate timing of January Internext that is inconvenient for most attendees and exhibitors has absolutely nothing to do with trying to fill up the 5000 attendees list with horny businessmen who are eager to spend $200 to see a porn star up close?

If that's what you are saying .... as much as I value your opinion and abilities, I just don't believe you ....

but if it is the case, we are all business people and we can appreciate things we don't necessarily agree with, and I thank you for your honesty and for the effort you are putting in to make things better.

I loved the first few shows in Vegas - I came over early and spent new years in various cities and used it as a 'kind of holiday' ... but back then it was all a novelty and I spent the entire time wide eyed and drunk so I didn't notice as much LOL

But the stress trying to get everything organised over christmas holidays, customs being packed with holiday travellers and screaming kids, trying to get lawyers to help import merchandise while its christmas holidays etc etc. I can't see myself attending another Vegas Internext, for all of these reasons that everyone has mentioned.

Why not hire a big cruise ship and bring the 5000 webmasters down to australia? Then I'll attend LOL [/b][/quote]
LOL... Listen... If any of you want to call bullshit on what I'm saying, you may be right! .. But not because I'm sitting here purposely trying to BS you .. I could just be wrong! I have no interest in wasting my life being anything other than honest because frankly none of this is worth weaving a tangled web over.

That said... I really don't think Internext is slated at the time it's slated at in order to make money off surfers. AEE/AVN definitely IS, so perhaps this IS getting muddy... :huh: Really though... surfers mixing up the online show is not considered a good idea at all and is NOT part of the revenue plan (just called and yelled at a few people to confirm this. :o )

BUT... the cross-over from AEE is valuable for Internext exhibitors/ attendees, wouldn't you agree? I genuinely think so.

Just for the record... I'd LOVE to cruise around Oz instead! :biglaugh:

[cj]

>BUT... the cross-over from AEE is valuable for Internext exhibitors/ attendees, wouldn't you agree? I genuinely think so.

no .... but I think I miss a large part of the point of trade shows in general ... none of us aussie companies have ever had a booth, and we used to own probably half of all the traffic in the biz.

I'd love to have a big booth one day for purve with men dancing on tables and lots of couches and coffee tables and giveaways and all that cool shit - but its my ego that wants it, not my accountant LOL

Have you ever been to Oz? I think a few people are planning on coming down for Mardi Gras if you happen to be available for a week in march ;-)))

[Lee]

Originally posted by cj@Jan 11 2005, 07:16 PM
Have you ever been to Oz? I think a few people are planning on coming down for Mardi Gras if you happen to be available for a week in march ;-)))
Rumor has it that AVN are interested in helping with the running of GLIB around Aussie pride weekend.

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by Lee+Jan 11 2005, 07:18 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Lee @ Jan 11 2005, 07:18 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-cj@Jan 11 2005, 07:16 PM
Have you ever been to Oz? I think a few people are planning on coming down for Mardi Gras if you happen to be available for a week in march ;-)))
Rumor has it that AVN are interested in helping with the running of GLIB around Aussie pride weekend. [/b][/quote]
Are you starting rumours again, Lee?! :D (send me details.. aly@avn.com)

[Lee]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN+Jan 11 2005, 07:23 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Aly_AVN @ Jan 11 2005, 07:23 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by Lee@Jan 11 2005, 07:18 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-cj@Jan 11 2005, 07:16 PM
Have you ever been to Oz? I think a few people are planning on coming down for Mardi Gras if you happen to be available for a week in march ;-)))
Rumor has it that AVN are interested in helping with the running of GLIB around Aussie pride weekend.
Are you starting rumours again, Lee?! :D (send me details.. aly@avn.com) [/b][/quote]
Not at all.

As i recall one of the GLIB organizers told us they were heading to a meeting with AVN who were (and i quote) 'quite excited about the possibility of working with us'.

Fortunately, this show i stayed sober so am able to recall all these bits of information that i would have usually cast aside or forgotten about hehe.

[cj]

If there was ever an event for AVN to be involved in, Mardi Gras is it!

Lee, are you cuming down under in march?

Leisa (toyboy's girlfriend) and I are having a combined b'day party as mardi gras is the week before our birthdays.

last year was so much fun, I hope this year can come remotely close. 4 days non stop - worse than a convention - long lines at every club, it was pissing down rain, half the floats were falling apart - but we didn't care ... cause we were very happy ;-)

[Lee]

Originally posted by cj@Jan 11 2005, 07:28 PM
Lee, are you cuming down under in march?
Ya know, right now it doesnt look like its going to be an option this year :(

I have a passport renewal due this month before i head out to Phoenix and we also have the Gay Webmaster Bash events to organize.

Gary and I are adamant that we will make it down under sometime this century though :)

[cj]

;-(

i'm going to be living in sydney for this mardi gras, so i am planning on a big one :okthumb:
hope to see you here eventually!!

[Nickatilynx]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN+Jan 11 2005, 06:23 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Aly_AVN @ Jan 11 2005, 06:23 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Nickatilynx@Jan 11 2005, 04:03 PM
I think Vancouver would be a great place for show.
...I'm beginning to see your point. :rolleyes: [/b][/quote]
I usually get my own way , or I scream and scream and hold my breath til I turn blue.


;-))))

[Carrie]

Originally posted by cj@Jan 11 2005, 09:46 PM
Why not hire a big cruise ship and bring the 5000 webmasters down to australia? Then I'll attend LOL
Actually, a cruise ship would be fantastic. Especially with all of the extracurricular stuff they have on ships these days.
You'd get a ticket, you'd get a guaranteed room, you'd have everyone in a finite area so that business could be done and people could be *found*... all kinds of positives to it.

It would be kinda hard for Lensman to throw his GFY warm-up party on a boat, though... maybe they could throw the dingys overboard and string them all together.

[Aly_AVN]

I have to say though... I'm not sure how I feel about being stuck out at sea with a few thousand adult webmasters...! LOL.. Perhaps we could remain docked. haha..

[gonzo]

Originally posted by cj@Jan 11 2005, 10:40 PM
;-(

i'm going to be living in sydney for this mardi gras, so i am planning on a big one :okthumb:
hope to see you here eventually!!
I wonder if that spare room is moving to Sydney too....

[cj]

it sure is! and at this rate, its going to be booked solid so get your reservations in early LOL

[gonzo]

Originally posted by cj@Jan 11 2005, 11:41 PM
it sure is! and at this rate, its going to be booked solid so get your reservations in early LOL
Whats the family discount?

[Carrie]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN@Jan 11 2005, 09:58 PM
AEE/AVN definitely IS, so perhaps this IS getting muddy... :huh: Really though... surfers mixing up the online show is not considered a good idea at all and is NOT part of the revenue plan (just called and yelled at a few people to confirm this. :o )



Just for the record... I'd LOVE to cruise around Oz instead! :biglaugh:
That said... I really don't think Internext is slated at the time it's slated at in order to make money off surfers.
That's not what I meant, sorry for the misunderstanding. I mean that it's slated that way because it's cheaper for AVN... rent the hall for a straight week rather than 3 days here, three days there. I can definitely understand the reasoning behind this (the bottom line), but the problem is that it doesn't take the main audience of Internext - the webmasters - into consideration. Perhaps *all* of the AVN stuff should be moved to later in the month. Just rent a straight week the third week of January (or even better, Feb or Mar) rather than the first weekend.

BUT... the cross-over from AEE is valuable for Internext exhibitors/ attendees, wouldn't you agree? I genuinely think so.
Ehhh.... *wiggles hand*
Mainly just for the video guys and those who deal in physical stock (dvds, toys, etc) marketed to the end-user. We don't need to see Asia to do business with other webmasters, and we don't need to walk through a different convention to know who's the hot up-and-coming porn star that we should be promoting.
I can think of a few ideas where the coinciding trade show would be useful (having a fresh amateur handing out flyers or business cards with a special code to enter her site with for 3 days) to connect with the end user, but not enough to pay the exorbitant prices associated with having them together (hotel fees raised, etc).

If it's the union that is helping to screw things up and cause delays, the first thing to do is find a way to get around the unions. If it were AVN employees manning the computers, would that work?
Airlines have e-tickets (I'm sure we're all familiar with them)... you can't get your ticket unless you scan some form of ID like a driver's license. The birthdate is stored in the license's magnetic strip. So could AVN rent or buy a few of those machines to pass out tickets to people who've pre-registered? The ticket will only print out if the name matches that on the pre-reg ticket and the birthdate says they're an adult. If there's any question, *then* the person goes and talks to the folks behind the computers. Would that work?

[Aly_AVN]

Originally posted by Carrie+Jan 11 2005, 08:46 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Carrie @ Jan 11 2005, 08:46 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Aly_AVN@Jan 11 2005, 09:58 PM
AEE/AVN definitely IS, so perhaps this IS getting muddy... :huh: Really though... surfers mixing up the online show is not considered a good idea at all and is NOT part of the revenue plan (just called and yelled at a few people to confirm this. :o )



Just for the record... I'd LOVE to cruise around Oz instead! :biglaugh:
That said... I really don't think Internext is slated at the time it's slated at in order to make money off surfers.
That's not what I meant, sorry for the misunderstanding. I mean that it's slated that way because it's cheaper for AVN... rent the hall for a straight week rather than 3 days here, three days there. I can definitely understand the reasoning behind this (the bottom line), but the problem is that it doesn't take the main audience of Internext - the webmasters - into consideration. Perhaps *all* of the AVN stuff should be moved to later in the month. Just rent a straight week the third week of January (or even better, Feb or Mar) rather than the first weekend.

BUT... the cross-over from AEE is valuable for Internext exhibitors/ attendees, wouldn't you agree? I genuinely think so.
Ehhh.... *wiggles hand*
Mainly just for the video guys and those who deal in physical stock (dvds, toys, etc) marketed to the end-user. We don't need to see Asia to do business with other webmasters, and we don't need to walk through a different convention to know who's the hot up-and-coming porn star that we should be promoting.
I can think of a few ideas where the coinciding trade show would be useful (having a fresh amateur handing out flyers or business cards with a special code to enter her site with for 3 days) to connect with the end user, but not enough to pay the exorbitant prices associated with having them together (hotel fees raised, etc).

If it's the union that is helping to screw things up and cause delays, the first thing to do is find a way to get around the unions. If it were AVN employees manning the computers, would that work?
Airlines have e-tickets (I'm sure we're all familiar with them)... you can't get your ticket unless you scan some form of ID like a driver's license. The birthdate is stored in the license's magnetic strip. So could AVN rent or buy a few of those machines to pass out tickets to people who've pre-registered? The ticket will only print out if the name matches that on the pre-reg ticket and the birthdate says they're an adult. If there's any question, *then* the person goes and talks to the folks behind the computers. Would that work? [/b][/quote]
Thanks for taking the time to write all that!

As far as I know, we do have to use the union employees, but I will see if there's any way around that at all because of course our own staff would be faster. Definitely.

Good thinking on the e-ticket thing. I've got that in my follow-up notes for show management. I really like that idea, too. I can't tell you if it's actually do-able yet, but I think it would definitely be moving with the times. Even if you still have to show ID, you could print out your own badge and just show ID to someone on the way in, rather like airport security. I'm pushing hard for this sort of solution, so now I just need to find out if it's feasable.

Thanks for your feedback on the value of the AEE crossover. It's appreciated.

[Hell Puppy]

I for one would again like to thank Aly for at least listening to what everyone has to say. That's much appreciated.

And to answer the question, for me at least, I see no value from this side of the biz to having Internext overlap AEE/AVN. Our interests and goals for these shows are totally different in most cases.

There may be a small percentage of those who produce video and such who like to go to both, but as Aly pointed out earlier, the only extra cost to them if the date moved would be a couple of extra plane tickets.

[Lee]

Originally posted by Carrie@Jan 11 2005, 08:31 PM
It would be kinda hard for Lensman to throw his GFY warm-up party on a boat, though... maybe they could throw the dingys overboard and string them all together.
Nah it wouldnt.

They did it before and had chicks pissing on the boat and then drinking it in full public view.

[Carrie]

Originally posted by Lee+Jan 12 2005, 12:54 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Lee @ Jan 12 2005, 12:54 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Carrie@Jan 11 2005, 08:31 PM
It would be kinda hard for Lensman to throw his GFY warm-up party on a boat, though... maybe they could throw the dingys overboard and string them all together.
Nah it wouldnt.

They did it before and had chicks pissing on the boat and then drinking it in full public view. [/b][/quote]
I know, that's what I was referring to. If we were already *on* a cruise ship heading out into the ocean, it would be hard for Lensman to have everyone hop onto *another* ship for the party. (Which is where the dinghy idea came about...)

[cj]

Originally posted by gonzo+Jan 11 2005, 11:44 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (gonzo @ Jan 11 2005, 11:44 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-cj@Jan 11 2005, 11:41 PM
it sure is! and at this rate, its going to be booked solid so get your reservations in early LOL
Whats the family discount? [/b][/quote]
room & board in exchange for cleaning duties :D

[cj]

Originally posted by Hell Puppy@Jan 12 2005, 12:29 AM
I for one would again like to thank Aly for at least listening to what everyone has to say. That's much appreciated.
I second that, thank you for giving everyone an opportunity to put their views forward :okthumb:

very smart move for AVN to put Aly in this role
not many could have handled this thread so well

[Opti]

Originally posted by cj+Jan 12 2005, 04:49 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (cj @ Jan 12 2005, 04:49 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by gonzo@Jan 11 2005, 11:44 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-cj@Jan 11 2005, 11:41 PM
it sure is! and at this rate, its going to be booked solid so get your reservations in early LOL
Whats the family discount?
room & board in exchange for cleaning duties :D [/b][/quote]
Gonz.. Fuck cleaning... I've got 2 spare rooms.. and a maid ;-)

[Nickatilynx]

Originally posted by Opti+Jan 12 2005, 08:53 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Opti @ Jan 12 2005, 08:53 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by cj@Jan 12 2005, 04:49 PM
Originally posted by gonzo@Jan 11 2005, 11:44 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-cj@Jan 11 2005, 11:41 PM
it sure is! and at this rate, its going to be booked solid so get your reservations in early LOL
Whats the family discount?
room & board in exchange for cleaning duties :D
Gonz.. Fuck cleaning... I've got 2 spare rooms.. and a maid ;-) [/b][/quote]
I think I'd suit Austalia , and Australia me.


After , of course , we got past the:

"Oy mate!!!!"
"What mate?"
"Fuck of back to pom ya limey cunt"

stage :)

[Opti]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx+Jan 13 2005, 03:37 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Nickatilynx @ Jan 13 2005, 03:37 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by Opti@Jan 12 2005, 08:53 AM
Originally posted by cj@Jan 12 2005, 04:49 PM
Originally posted by gonzo@Jan 11 2005, 11:44 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-cj@Jan 11 2005, 11:41 PM
it sure is! and at this rate, its going to be booked solid so get your reservations in early LOL
Whats the family discount?
room & board in exchange for cleaning duties :D
Gonz.. Fuck cleaning... I've got 2 spare rooms.. and a maid ;-)
I think I'd suit Austalia , and Australia me.


After , of course , we got past the:

"Oy mate!!!!"
"What mate?"
"Fuck of back to pom ya limey cunt"

stage :) [/b][/quote]
We relate to Canadians... and limey's abound.. we still love our mother country down here! :) Not like those bloody Yanks thinking they need guns to keep the Pommys out still! ;-))

Had that SteakHouse lunch today... co-incidently we got a very cute little Scouser waitress... and a very PIKEY English matre'd too... great sevice and entertainment.

The bloke had the cute Scouser repeating after him "I am a minger" at one stage.. not sure how or why but we never stopped laughing the whole time we were there! Meat & Wine Co. at Cockle Bay... 4 out of 5 :okthumb:

(although one poof ordered a "petite fillet" which was rather pitiful)

[Nickatilynx]

(although one poof ordered a "petite fillet" which was rather pitiful)

What a poof!!!

Did he have a salad too!!!!

Name and shame him!


;-)))

[gonzo]

MINGER!!! ahahahahahahahahhaha

I used to own the domain planetminger.com


Oh shit. Hellpuppy dont be dragging Shafer over here!

[Opti]

Originally posted by Nickatilynx@Jan 13 2005, 04:07 AM
(although one poof ordered a "petite fillet" which was rather pitiful)

What a poof!!!

Did he have a salad too!!!!

Name and shame him!


;-)))
I see he has just woken up by ICQ.. and sent him the link here... if he doesnt fess up it will be my pleasure to shame him... we were embaressed when people had to see it carried to our table :D

[Nickatilynx]

had to see it carried to our table

carried?

minced
trapsed
ponced


would be beeter desciptors.


;-)))

[baldbastard]

It is a known fact that I prefer lamb
http://www.baldbastard.com/yum.jpg

So I will not offer any defence to my petite fillet, I just thought it would of been tighter than it was.

[*KK*]

LOL, I'd say this thread just proves the old adage about never pleasing all of the people any of the time.

Of course I'm friends with Aly and a few other folks at AVN like Chad, Kimberly, Tom and Farley. And one of the things I've discovered since Aly's started working at AVN and I've actually talked to Chad about my own complaints, is that no one, other than AVN employees and management, actually have any clue how the AVN shows work.

I asked Aly to swipe me a day badge for the video show at the Venetian. Initially she didn't see that it would be a problem, only that she would have to justify it to the higher ups, as they aren't allowed to simply hand out badges to their friends, so to speak. But then we both found out that the companies AVN works with to produce the shows are NOT the same for video and internet. Since she's an internet side, she's got zero pull for the video show. OK, no biggie, I know a ton of people exhibiting at the video show with extra badges so it was a moot point.

Things we tend to take for granted aren't always what they seem. The little old ladies who do the badge issuing for our show definitely don't make the top of my list for efficiency, at one point I actually wanted to tell them to shut up and check IDs instead of catching up on soap operas while they were supposed to be working. But it's Vegas, they're union, and that's just the way it was this year. I don't like it, but then again I'm hard to please anyway lol ;)

Aly, you might consider giving us all an education on some of the more obscure points regarding AVN and their operations, especially in areas where there seem to be the most complaints. Not neccessarily defending them, since there are a few things that are probably indefensible ;) But educating us on what can be changed, and then taking suggestions into account regarding these things that can be changed, would probably be more time efficient than everyone just rambling along and not feeling like anything's being resolved.

[Raven]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN+Jan 11 2005, 11:40 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Aly_AVN @ Jan 11 2005, 11:40 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Raven@Jan 9 2005, 12:19 PM
I've been involved with shows in mainstream....it's a huge project, especially when you consider the numbers attending this one.

The registration lines were very long, especially for the exhibitors. On the flip side, I saw quite a few opportunities taken to network, in spite of the wait. There's nothing better for business than being stuck in some line. While it may not have been very efficient, I did plenty of networking and even got some business from standing in that line. I also got to see people I might have missed. We were mostly laughing while complaining.

KK...while Vancouver may have seemed like it was a cluster fuck, the disorganisation actually worked in our favour. When you get a bunch of webmasters waiting to go somewhere, we all start talking. It's a wet dream for many of us, since we're such a captive audience. I would have preferred staying at the Pacific Palisades and maybe things could have gone a little smoother; but, so what? The bottom line is that webmasters live and love to complain. When you're on this side of the event, it's easy to complain, I think. Besides, it gives us something to talk about.
Yeah... The lines were ridiculous. But big, huge kudos to you for making the best of the situation as always! You're so damn good..! LOL.. Love proactive people. :wnw: [/b][/quote]
Since you're the Chosen One, Aly, I try to emulate....:)

Seriously, other than the snail mail announcements to my postal workers...I'm not going to express an opinion....on a subject I know little about. I've been involved with events; but, not any as huge as Internext...the little details can be dizzying.

Although ----

It seems to me that all of the shows should revolve around MY schedule and accomodate MY particular needs, don't you think? :)

[EmporerEJ]

Originally posted by Aly_AVN+Dec 29 2004, 05:34 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Aly_AVN @ Dec 29 2004, 05:34 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-gonzo@Dec 29 2004, 05:04 PM
Aly asked what folks from Oprano wanted to see changed with the Internext show starting in Florida. So Ive opened this new thread so the discussion can flow and AVN and Aly can have one place to refer to.

My first question is pretty simple.

Why does it cost $200 for a pass to look at exhibits on the show floor?
I do think that there has to be a charge but when you historically look at other shows [yes Mainstream ones] the charge is minimal and the exhibitors are given a slew of passes to give away for free.

You get more bang for your buck by giving the exhibitors more... AVN benefits from the increased show floor traffic, the hotel draws more vistors...etc etc.


Theres an easy one for you Aly.
Thanks for starting this thread!

In the ideal tradeshow scenario, exhibitors cover the costs of the show, and anything over that, including Attendee badge sales is profit. In the case of Internext in Vegas however, that isn't the case. Exhibitor costs are kept at a lower rate (and Attendees higher) in order to make exhibiting at the show a possibility for more businesses. Exhibitors do receive additonal badges depending on the size of their booth (5 free badges, plus 5 for a discounted rate, per 10x10 booth space booked). The theory with Vegas Internext is- the more exhibitors, the more likely people are to find the convention worth coming to. The Summer Conference is now to be approached differently and be less about booths and more about everything in-between.

If you disagree with that logic, LMK! [/b][/quote]
Hmmmmm.