Ynot summit

[softball]

so how was it? Anyone have anything to report?

[LAJ]

I'd say something but I'm biased. I have mostly good things to report.

[softball]

no, Jay say it. How was the attendance? The high lights and the low lights. Some gossip and some news. I still think its a great cost efficient show you do down there on California street. I would have come this year, but I am in the middle of real estate madness at the moment.

[LAJ]

Alrighty...

Attendance was just at 200 this year, which considering how small the xbiz chicago show was, I'm happy we were bigger. As well, a higher % of people stuck around thru the last day of the show to go to Kink in the Castle.

The hard thing about putting on a show in SF, and this year was really apparent given the good weather, is that a lot of people ventured off to do stuff, private dinners, functions, touristy things etc. Which is all great of course but it makes it harder for group participation back at the hotel. As well, with the exception of Kink.com, Datinggold, SoloBabeCash and Asian Diva Girls, we just don't get the local(ish) support we need, and IMO, deserve. We bring the decision makers, activities and well thought out and planned schedule of events, not to mention the lowest prices possible to maximize everyone's ROI, and it's disheartening that more companies in the Bay Area don't step up.

As well, the hotel really dropped the ball on too many things. Made Connor's and my job much more difficult than it needed to be. I had no time for breakfast on any day and didn't get to enjoy any nice dinners... but whatever... that's the sacrifice I'm willing to make. I do truly enjoy producing tradeshows.

But what can you do? I certainly don't want to penalize all the great people that DO support and attend our show.

I think all up our show was a success. People looked like they were having fun, tons of good information was given out, and people felt like they were getting some solid business leads, and at the end of the day, that is the most important. All the picture galleries tell a very accurate story IMO.

However, we simply will have to switch things up for next year... possibly different venue, location and format. The profitability as it is now, just isnt' there for the amount of work and value we provide.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by LAJ

...we just don't get the local(ish) support we need...

Going head to head with gay pride week/weekend doesn't help with that at all.

In regard to shows in general...

Personally, I just don't see much value for independent affiliate webmasters to attend shows any more, just not enough other affiliate webmasters attending to network with.

I don't need the services of the vast majority of the vendors, and no reason to come see the reps for established sponsor programs that I've done biz with for ages (or chosen not to for whatever reason). There's usually two or three seminars/panels that I'd make sure to attend if at a show, but not enough of a reason alone to attend.

Damn few new programs making a big splash at shows, margins too tight for that these days. Also, far fewer US based affiliate webmasters making a living at this these days. Much higher percentage in EU and elsewhere these days, and they're not going to travel to US for a show.

The biz has changed, and while shows have also changed a bit, I don't think they've changed anywhere near enough to keep up.

Just my 2¢

[LAJ]

Originally Posted by Toby

Going head to head with gay pride week/weekend doesn't help with that at all.

In regard to shows in general...

Personally, I just don't see much value for independent affiliate webmasters to attend shows any more, just not enough other affiliate webmasters attending to network with.

I don't need the services of the vast majority of the vendors, and no reason to come see the reps for established sponsor programs that I've done biz with for ages (or chosen not to for whatever reason). There's usually two or three seminars/panels that I'd make sure to attend if at a show, but not enough of a reason alone to attend.

Damn few new programs making a big splash at shows, margins too tight for that these days. Also, far fewer US based affiliate webmasters making a living at this these days. Much higher percentage in EU and elsewhere these days, and they're not going to travel to US for a show.

The biz has changed, and while shows have also changed a bit, I don't think they've changed anywhere near enough to keep up.

Just my 2¢

Unfortunately it didn't make a difference when we didn't go head to head with Pride. Besides... our show was over before the parade so I consider any Pride "conflicts" to be moot.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by LAJ

Unfortunately it didn't make a difference when we didn't go head to head with Pride. Besides... our show was over before the parade so I consider any Pride "conflicts" to be moot.

There are other events besides the parade, so not totally moot, but I would concede that it's not the biggest factor in getting a local turnout. Very few of them participate in industry wide events/forums/boards.

[gonzo]

[LAJ]

Originally Posted by Toby

Very few of them participate in industry wide events/forums/boards.

Exactly.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by LAJ

Exactly.

But they do tend to come out of the woodwork to attend the party at Kink Armory, always plenty of faces there you never see at the hotel.

[LAJ]

Originally Posted by Toby

But they do tend to come out of the woodwork to attend the party at Kink Armory, always plenty of faces there you never see at the hotel.

Yup. And at the "free" lunch too that cost us over $3000.

[Evil Chris]

Sorry I missed it Jay. I went to your show two years ago and enjoyed it immensely.