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Quick Update on Vegas,
My dream for Domain Summit is to host 3-4 global events (Europe, USA, Asia, and Africa).
While I’m still working on the European Domain Summit, I’m keeping an eye on other locations.
As entrepreneurs, our minds are always tuned to new opportunities. Of course, most "shiny new things" should be ignored, but once in a blue moon, unique opportunities arise. This is the case with the United States, which has always hosted the best independent B2B events (not run by ICANN, professional membership organizations, or registries) in our industry.
I saw an opportunity to enter the U.S. market based on the following:
I agreed on a test partnership with @Daniel from Monetize.info, and we decided to host a test event in Vegas during the upcoming third week of January.
We’ve found a few potentially interested sponsors (event sponsorships, when used strategically, yield great results). We’ve identified two excellent potential venues, plus a perfect location for the first party (with a potential sponsor for this as well). Additionally, we’ve started arranging speakers.
So far, so good (except for the fact that we only have three months to prepare).
The first challenge was when Ish Milly confirmed that Domainer Expo will indeed take place, and understandably, he wasn’t pleased (to put it politely) about Domain Summit USA being so close to his event.
Secondly, it seemed that the ICA viewed this as a potentially hostile move. Many of their members expressed they wouldn’t stay in Vegas for two weeks, choosing to attend only the ICA meeting, with some also concerned about this overlap.
I’m not someone who enjoys making enemies, so I apologized to pre-arranged sponsors, thanked those in the industry who offered advice, and decided to call off the January event.
This is not a question of daring to go for the stars - we/I have no issues with this. There is no need to make enemies and create possible problems for our sponsors with whom we have great relationships. I am a believer that good friends help each other rather than tear each other down.
This is a brief recap of what happened.
.. I love quotes and listening to the experiences of doers and achievers.. And, failing is often mentioned as an opportunity to try again. I am sure you all know the feeling.
Yes, the January plan is canceled.
Though, Vegas, as the U.S. convention capital is on the map (still considering other major locations). The dates will be different. Back to the planing mode.
My dream for Domain Summit is to host 3-4 global events (Europe, USA, Asia, and Africa).
While I’m still working on the European Domain Summit, I’m keeping an eye on other locations.
As entrepreneurs, our minds are always tuned to new opportunities. Of course, most "shiny new things" should be ignored, but once in a blue moon, unique opportunities arise. This is the case with the United States, which has always hosted the best independent B2B events (not run by ICANN, professional membership organizations, or registries) in our industry.
I saw an opportunity to enter the U.S. market based on the following:
- The traditional third week of January was fully available – a rare case and important because the industry lacks enough events in January.
- NamesCon, the current leader and best independent event currently, has been sold (not the perfect term, but the idea is the same = change of ownership). Yes, the event’s leadership team remains the same, but these are employees, not owners. Owners are the ones who reevaluate the direction and necessity of various products (in this case, MSP Global and CloudFest are the main focus, while NamesCon is smaller). As I understand, they are in the state of total replanning.
- Domainer Expo has a great founder, but with the dates set for December 5-6 and no venue confirmed (a huge red flag), I had the impression the event might not happen.
- The only other event is the "pay-to-play" ICA annual members' event, which has great attendees, but it’s a members-only club, not yet a full convention. "Yet" = it could evolve into an events company if there aren’t strong open U.S. events.
I agreed on a test partnership with @Daniel from Monetize.info, and we decided to host a test event in Vegas during the upcoming third week of January.
We’ve found a few potentially interested sponsors (event sponsorships, when used strategically, yield great results). We’ve identified two excellent potential venues, plus a perfect location for the first party (with a potential sponsor for this as well). Additionally, we’ve started arranging speakers.
So far, so good (except for the fact that we only have three months to prepare).
The first challenge was when Ish Milly confirmed that Domainer Expo will indeed take place, and understandably, he wasn’t pleased (to put it politely) about Domain Summit USA being so close to his event.
Secondly, it seemed that the ICA viewed this as a potentially hostile move. Many of their members expressed they wouldn’t stay in Vegas for two weeks, choosing to attend only the ICA meeting, with some also concerned about this overlap.
I’m not someone who enjoys making enemies, so I apologized to pre-arranged sponsors, thanked those in the industry who offered advice, and decided to call off the January event.
This is not a question of daring to go for the stars - we/I have no issues with this. There is no need to make enemies and create possible problems for our sponsors with whom we have great relationships. I am a believer that good friends help each other rather than tear each other down.
This is a brief recap of what happened.
.. I love quotes and listening to the experiences of doers and achievers.. And, failing is often mentioned as an opportunity to try again. I am sure you all know the feeling.
Yes, the January plan is canceled.
Though, Vegas, as the U.S. convention capital is on the map (still considering other major locations). The dates will be different. Back to the planing mode.
tx
