Goddamn it!

[bluemoney]

Just checked out the pics from Cybernet. Everyone I want to hang out with, and or meet was there.

And where the fuck was I ? Fuck!

If it's in Tampa next year I'm there






Fuck!

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by bluemoney

Just checked out the pics from Cybernet. Everyone I want to hang out with, and or meet was there.

And where the fuck was I ? Fuck!

If it's in Tampa next year I'm there






Fuck!

Theres always Miami!
Everybody lobby LAJ to return to Tampa.
I heard there were some West Coast Weenies whining it wasint in their back yard.

[iamkathi]

This was a good show. The seminars were informative and the speakers diverse enough that it wasn't the same ones you see at every show. We got a new perspective from new speakers. ( I am in LOVE with Dave Cummings).

I like the thought of a show in this area, it sure pulled folks that would not have made the trip to the other coast.

I met people I had only heard of and I've been around for 9 years!

Wonderful show.

[TheEnforcer]

Spekinmg of whining.. we need one in the midwest just once.....

[spazlabz]

Originally Posted by TheEnforcer

Spekinmg of whining.. we need one in the midwest just once.....

DAMN RIGHT!

there used to be the Midwest webmaster gathering in Chicago, but it only lasted a couple of years



spaz

[Revshare-Omar]

Originally Posted by gonzo

Theres always Miami!

That's what I'm waiting for

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by spazlabz

DAMN RIGHT!

there used to be the Midwest webmaster gathering in Chicago, but it only lasted a couple of years



spaz

You wouldnt go

[iamkathi]

Since when was Miami in the Midwest?

[Hell Puppy]

Everyone wants a show in their backyard.

It's looking more and more like the future is a couple of big shows padded out by a slew of regional shows. I dont necessarily see this as a bad thing as long as there's a way to do it and provide good ROI for all involved.

The mix in Tampa was the "usual suspects" in terms of Cybernet Expo sponsors or their representative(s) along with a predominantly regional crowd. Other than the sponsors almost everyone there was from the southeast...predominantly florida.

When the show is on the west coast, it's the same deal. Sponsors plus mostly a west coast crowd. And even the sponsor mix changes based on location it seems to some degree.

There's enough west coast shows though, I'd like to see some in other areas.

Tampa was a great town for this. New Orleans would be interesting to do again. I also think there could potentially be a deal done at one of the casinos in Mississippi...the way those things sprawl out and have several individual buildings for the rooms for conferences and such, I'm thinking take over one building for the show and let everyone have their fun at the casino.

And of course the FFNs would love Atlanta. Or heck maybe Savannah or Jeckyll...

But I'm sure LAJ and Faye will decompress a long time before they even consider thinking about the next one.

[softball]

Originally Posted by bluemoney

Just checked out the pics from Cybernet. Everyone I want to hang out with, and or meet was there.

And where the fuck was I ? Fuck!

If it's in Tampa next year I'm there






Fuck!

Its the usual post show love in. You know I wanna give a big shout out to....fill in the blanks....I wanna thank JFK.....fill in the blanks.....Did some great business....Fill in the blanks....rocks.....Its been the same ever since I have been in this business. I wanna hear someone say they made more money than they spent to get drunk for three days. Still never heard that.
The only thing I see is aging salesmen pitching to new wannabees going to marginal seminars drinking overpriced booze and eating very expensive heart attack meals. Call me cynical, but nothing changes and the business is in the worst state I have ever seen it in. Personally I don't go to these things because I don't think they make money and that is the only reason I do this.
Someone I am sure will disagree, but bring it on and tell us how you improved your bottom line and not your fat ass by going to these shows.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

Its the usual post show love in. You know I wanna give a big shout out to....fill in the blanks....I wanna thank JFK.....fill in the blanks.....Did some great business....Fill in the blanks....rocks.....Its been the same ever since I have been in this business. I wanna hear someone say they made more money than they spent to get drunk for three days. Still never heard that.
The only thing I see is aging salesmen pitching to new wannabees going to marginal seminars drinking overpriced booze and eating very expensive heart attack meals. Call me cynical, but nothing changes and the business is in the worst state I have ever seen it in. Personally I don't go to these things because I don't think they make money and that is the only reason I do this.
Someone I am sure will disagree, but bring it on and tell us how you improved your bottom line and not your fat ass by going to these shows.

It was off the hook!

All the sponsors are top notch!

[softball]

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

It was off the hook!

All the sponsors are top notch!

Not the question. Did you make any money or did you just spend it?

[Toby]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

Someone I am sure will disagree, but bring it on and tell us how you improved your bottom line and not your fat ass by going to these shows.

There may be a few that can say specifically that they signed x number of deals worth x dollars during the show, but that's not the way it works most of the time. You make contacts at shows. Some lead to new deals very soon thereafter, some perhaps after a few months, and still other deals with someone you've never met that gets referred by someone you spent a half hour chatting with in the bar after dinner.

Making contacts and deals is also not the only business related reason I go to shows. I always come home with some fresh ideas on things I want to try, some reminders about things I should have been doing but haven't been for whatever reason, and in general a chance to recharge the batteries. How would suggest I measure the financial effect of the above on my bottom line? How much are ideas and inspiration worth?

[softball]

Originally Posted by Toby

There may be a few that can say specifically that they signed x number of deals worth x dollars during the show, but that's not the way it works most of the time. You make contacts at shows. Some lead to new deals very soon thereafter, some perhaps after a few months, and still other deals with someone you've never met that gets referred by someone you spent a half hour chatting with in the bar after dinner.

Making contacts and deals is also not the only business related reason I go to shows. I always come home with some fresh ideas on things I want to try, some reminders about things I should have been doing but haven't been for whatever reason, and in general a chance to recharge the batteries. How would suggest I measure the financial effect of the above on my bottom line? How much are ideas and inspiration worth?

I walk in the mountains four times a week for inspiration. It has made me hundreds of thousands of dollars by clearing my head and repositioning my business and how I produce product. Its kind of like Zen and the art of porn. I just see this business in a malaise at the moment and nothing really productive coming out of these events. A good party is fun but a convention should be profitable. Hell, these things just look like any number of Optician conventions I have seen in hotels I have stayed in.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

Not the question. Did you make any money or did you just spend it?

I accomplished my goals for the show.

[softball]

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

I accomplished my goals for the show.

Ya know I was in the news business way too long and heard lines like that way too often. If you heard a politician say that, you would puke.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

Ya know I was in the news business way too long and heard lines like that way too often. If you heard a politician say that, you would puke.

Well, let me put it this way. If I get NOTHING else out of the show, the one business meeting I went down there to do made the entire trip worthwhile for me.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

I just see this business in a malaise at the moment and nothing really productive coming out of these events.

To be quite frank, there is no way you can possibly make such a judgement without attending any shows. Unless I've missed it, you've not attended a show of any kind since I've been reading the boards.

I enjoy the trees and the mountains too, I'm a third generation Oregonian, but when I want ideas and inspiration about my business, I prefer to speak with others in the business who have a different perspective.

[softball]

Originally Posted by Toby

To be quite frank, there is no way you can possibly make such a judgement without attending any shows. Unless I've missed it, you've not attended a show of any kind since I've been reading the boards.

I enjoy the trees and the mountains too, I'm a third generation Oregonian, but when I want ideas and inspiration about my business, I prefer to speak with others in the business who have a different perspective.

You are right, I don't attend the shows. But because of that, I believe I prosper and do well in this business.

[softball]

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

Well, let me put it this way. If I get NOTHING else out of the show, the one business meeting I went down there to do made the entire trip worthwhile for me.

So do you think it will make you more money than you spent?

[Toby]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

You are right, I don't attend the shows. But because of that, I believe I prosper and do well in this business.

If that works for you, great. But I don't think you can extrapolate that to everyone else. What you get out of the shows depends a great deal on what you are looking for going in.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

So do you think it will make you more money than you spent?

I always do with a post-show surge that comes from either new business, new ideas, new relationships or in some cases money saved by finding a most cost effective vendor for something.

And I usually do that despite myself. I'm notorious for mostly sitting and listening, I dont try to sell anyone anything. I'm not a particularly good "hob knobber". It's just my personality, I'm way more introverted than the average pornomaster.. I actually dont network well. But i usually set one or two modest goals for a show, and I always accomplish them. Anything else is gravy.

[softball]

Originally Posted by Toby

If that works for you, great. But I don't think you can extrapolate that to everyone else. What you get out of the shows depends a great deal on what you are looking for going in.

I do agree with you, but I sure see a lot of suckers heading for the trough and a lot of red nosed old producers slamming back way too much booze trying to look like they are having a good time. I actually have been to a few local shows in Toronto and I gotta say they were loser events. However when I look at Julius' photos they look like a great time. I kind of look between the stupid pics and just shake my head. Personally, every time I do the numbers, it turns into a trip to Asia or Europe which is way more fun and much more interesting. But hey, I travel three or four months a year and I just can't feature wasting it in Florida or Vegas.

[softball]

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

I always do with a post-show surge that comes from either new business, new ideas, new relationships or in some cases money saved by finding a most cost effective vendor for something.

And I usually do that despite myself. I'm notorious for mostly sitting and listening, I dont try to sell anyone anything. I'm not a particularly good "hob knobber". It's just my personality, I'm way more introverted than the average pornomaster.. I actually dont network well. But i usually set one or two modest goals for a show, and I always accomplish them. Anything else is gravy.

That's cool. I just wanted to cut a swath through all this predictable post show love in stuff.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

That's cool. I just wanted to cut a swath through all this predictable post show love in stuff.

Yeah, and I agree with Toby on this one, it depends on what you're looking for to get out of it.

Some of these guys are going literally just looking for free drinks and a good time....ANY business is a bonus. Cybernet is one of the few shows that isn't really like that.

The demographic for this show was very interesting. The majority of the people there were over 30. There were virtually none of the GFY beer money crowd there. Most of the people who were there were clearly there looking to network, learn something and do some business.

I think the format serves this well. There were free drinks to be had....if you played where's Waldo with the bar sponsors....and a couple of big parties. But this was mostly business. It was also relatively cheap and could've easily been attended for maybe $700-800. Doesn't take much to earn that back.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

...I'm notorious for mostly sitting and listening, I dont try to sell anyone anything. I'm not a particularly good "hob knobber". It's just my personality, I'm way more introverted than the average pornomaster.. I actually dont network well...

HEY! I resemble that remark!

[bluemoney]

Houston, We have an aggravated Beaver

I’m no “big shot” or “multi-bazillionaire” I just want to go and have fun, maybe meet a few folks I’ve gotten to know online and have some more fucking fun!

Because I love to have fucking fun!

I'm a fucking fun guy!

[softball]

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

Yeah, and I agree with Toby on this one, it depends on what you're looking for to get out of it.

Some of these guys are going literally just looking for free drinks and a good time....ANY business is a bonus. Cybernet is one of the few shows that isn't really like that.

The demographic for this show was very interesting. The majority of the people there were over 30. There were virtually none of the GFY beer money crowd there. Most of the people who were there were clearly there looking to network, learn something and do some business.

I think the format serves this well. There were free drinks to be had....if you played where's Waldo with the bar sponsors....and a couple of big parties. But this was mostly business. It was also relatively cheap and could've easily been attended for maybe $700-800. Doesn't take much to earn that back.

Great post. That was the first time I have read something that actually makes me want to attend a conference. Thanks for that. I will make plans for next year.

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

Great post. That was the first time I have read something that actually makes me want to attend a conference. Thanks for that. I will make plans for next year.

I think you would have had a good time.

I know I would enjoy watching you meet JFK.

[spazlabz]

Originally Posted by gonzo

You wouldnt go

I MIGHT!


spaz

[LAJ]

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

The demographic for this show was very interesting. The majority of the people there were over 30. There were virtually none of the GFY beer money crowd there. Most of the people who were there were clearly there looking to network, learn something and do some business.

I think the format serves this well. There were free drinks to be had....if you played where's Waldo with the bar sponsors....and a couple of big parties. But this was mostly business. It was also relatively cheap and could've easily been attended for maybe $700-800. Doesn't take much to earn that back.

BINGO!

[LAJ]

Originally Posted by rhetorical

Its the usual post show love in. You know I wanna give a big shout out to....fill in the blanks....I wanna thank JFK.....fill in the blanks.....Did some great business....Fill in the blanks....rocks.....Its been the same ever since I have been in this business. I wanna hear someone say they made more money than they spent to get drunk for three days. Still never heard that.
The only thing I see is aging salesmen pitching to new wannabees going to marginal seminars drinking overpriced booze and eating very expensive heart attack meals. Call me cynical, but nothing changes and the business is in the worst state I have ever seen it in. Personally I don't go to these things because I don't think they make money and that is the only reason I do this.
Someone I am sure will disagree, but bring it on and tell us how you improved your bottom line and not your fat ass by going to these shows.

You raise some interesting and def. valid points. However (and sure I'm biased) I'd like to address a few where I'm personally concerned...

"The only thing I see is aging salesmen pitching to new wannabees"
-- i'm probably one of those guys LOL... however, i've actually got a half dozen biz deals on the table with established companies thus far... if any of them closes, trip is paid for in full

"going to marginal seminars"
-- IMO, Cybernet has some of the best... I think a few here would attest to that

"drinking overpriced booze"
-- Usually the case but not at the Westshore... ARS and Webmaster Central sponsored the bar all afternoons, and there was free booze to be had at the parties. Otherwise I think the prices were reasonable.

"and eating very expensive heart attack meals."
-- Fortunately the prices were cheap at the hotel and there was a plaza across the street.

"the business is in the worst state I have ever seen it in".
-- agreed

I typically break even at every show at the very worst. But then again, I go not only for business, but also to get the fuck out of the house and tie it on for several days. I need the biz social interaction and the partying.... that's just my social nature tho. I love going to these things and seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Keeps me sane.

The 2008 Cybernet show is on my mind and i'm trying hard not to even think about it. It's not my call where it happens ultimately but I do have plenty of sway.

[iamkathi]

I'd like to speak up about the "marginal seminars".

I have been in the industry since 1998 and I have been in some real snoozers. So much at the shows I have attended over the past 3-5 years I will totally avoid the seminars( except the ones where the boss is speaking)

These at Cybernet I attended, well for the lack of anything else to do in the morning. I actually attended the Newbie seminar and learned something! The one on Solo Girls was informative and I met a few folks I didn't know. I did miss the one on Sunday because I didn't get back to the hotel after our party until 4am and I really wanted to go to that one.

This only proves to me that when I have the opportunity I will attend more seminars. You never know when something new may be said... or an idea may come from something said.

[softball]

Originally Posted by gonzo

I think you would have had a good time.

I know I would enjoy watching you meet JFK.

We have met. It ain't no big deal. I am just not one of his biggest fans. Damn I am getting mellow in my dotage.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by LAJ

"drinking overpriced booze"
-- Usually the case but not at the Westshore... ARS and Webmaster Central sponsored the bar all afternoons, and there was free booze to be had at the parties. Otherwise I think the prices were reasonable.

$7.50 plus tax for a Goose Driver, that's not a bad price at all. Not sure I've ever had one poured for me cheaper.