Conference Shows And My Response To Rick Schwartz
Posted by Conference shows are the backbone to growing an industry. They are where people meet, become educated on new strategies and technologies, and most importantly, network. The domain space is filled with a variety of these conferences. Each of them have their own unique spin and draw a wide range of attendees. Today, Rick Schwartz published an article on his blog that motivated me to comment. I tried to post the comment on his blog several of times, but an error message came up each time. I do not know if it has anything to do with typepad.
Anyway, I didn’t want to waste the time I spent writing my response, so I decided to share it here on the blog.
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Rick,
First and foremost, I think what Howard and you initiated with the Traffic Show is nothing short of amazing. You both set the standard for growing the industry, as well as educating members. You both were the beacon of light to unite the industry. Others took notice and moved into the space and evolved the conference experience to meet the needs of their clients because of the foundation you both established. Everyone has a great deal of respect for both of your accomplishments with the show and in the industry. Well Done!
However, I must be honest with you and share my opinions based on facts. Through the years, the Traffic Show strategy has become stale, complacent and failed to UNITE the complete industry, from small fish to big fish. It’s main focus has always been on catering to the big fish in the industry. Traffic was in the position to CRUSH anyone even thinking about entering the conference area, but remained focused only on the big fish. A SHAME, and the reasoning even more shameless. Everyone needed a conference like Traffic to take pride in and network to earn more revenue and strike partnerships.
This is where the other shows seized opportunity and established successful affordable Conferences to cater to the need and demand in the industry. The small fish have always been an essential element to the industry’s growth. From Services to new innovations, as well as thousands of low end domain sales. They make the industry what it is today. Remove them from the ecosystem, and there is no industry. However, Traffic never catered to them. Admission to the shows were too steep and the fact that you had to be invited to attend or apply to attend sent the wrong message to the community. Your intentions were well, but you failed to cater to the complete industry.
I feel it is UNNESSARY to take a stab at other conferences in the industry who have had outstanding success and growth over the years, without having definitive facts about why their clients attend. To attempt and compare Traffic with other shows is a bit foolish and is like comparing Apples to Oranges. Both are fruit, however, both have a different taste. They are doing something right because they continue to grow in attendance annually.
All tradeshows are about networking, it doesn’t matter what industry. Always have been and always will be. Parties will always take place at key conferences as well. It is where most business and networking take place. You can’t expect to network during a keynote address!
Anyway, the Traffic Show is evolving and I have no doubt that Rick Latona is going to unite the complete industry off the foundation both you and Howard have built. Prices are dropping, panels are being formed for the small fish, and opportunity to take pride in the premier Industry conference for all domainers small and big, is finally being offered. Rick Latona understands what needs to be done and you selected the right man for the job to take the Show to the next level. His interview with DNW.com clearly identifies he is on the right track.
In closing, I am confident that Traffic will become the premier conference for both small and big fish. So win graciously and do better than your competition on meeting the needs of the attendees. The key is to Focus on the future vision to move the Industry forward as a Unified Front. Only my opinion.
Respectfully,
Steve
More smaller fishes and smaller companies to sponsor domain shows.
