New Webmaster Show: Introducing the GAYVN Retreat!

**XXXWriterDude** · 12-11-2006, 07:10 PM

Yes, folks, the rumors are true: We are launching our own gay-specific webmaster retreat, co-sponsored by Epoch, Cybersocket and Channel 1 Releasing. See below...

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2006-12-11

First GAYVN Webmaster Retreat Scheduled for October
By: Rick Richards
Posted: 3:30 pm PST 12-11-2006

CHATSWORTH, Calif. - AVN Media Network announced today that in addition to February's GAYVN Summit there will be a second, but-webmaster-specific, event held in October 2007...

Read all about it here:

http://avnonline.com/index.php?Prima...tent_ID=280574

**Lee** · 12-11-2006, 07:12 PM

In October? Because CCBill has their gay forum event in October?

Interesting stuff, i hope CCBill sticks to October for their gay forum event next year, because out of the two shows, im pretty sure who'll get the attendance

Regards,

Lee

**CorbinFisher_BD** · 12-11-2006, 07:27 PM

I think another event similar to the Gay Phoenix Forum could be extremely valuable. I know that the GPF was and it showed that such an event could be extremely well attended, be a tremendous success, and help a lot of people. I'd love to attend as many as I could.

Just don't see why another such event has to be set up on a time frame to compete with, rather than compiment, the other. Why not spring? Summer? Any other month of the year?

I'd hate to see what could have grown and blossomed in to an invaluable resource for all of us for many, many years to come get damaged by competing events that affect attendance and resources because that doesn't help any of us - even those that might attend both.

Hopefully timeframes will be such that as many people as possible - especially those with smaller sites and more constrained budgets - will be able to attend both and not have to choose one over the other.

**citiboyz** · 12-11-2006, 07:31 PM

OK, so I'm going to get scolded by GayVN (and I DO like those folks personally) but it seems like the GayVN events are all big-name "pat yourself on the back" events for the SoCal companies. Does anyone else think it's about time the independent non-SoCal-clique folks organized their own awards competition and event? Maybe have it coincide with CCBill's October show? Just a thought..

**Lee** · 12-11-2006, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by citiboyz

Does anyone else think it's about time the independent non-SoCal-clique folks organized their own awards competition and event? Maybe have it coincide with CCBill's October show? Just a thought..

Everytime someone not in that 'clique' organizes something like that things go wrong, buses get cancelled or diverted, cops show up to raid the locations etc etc.

Its actually quite scary because it ONLY happens when its something that 'clique' isnt involved in.

On the plus side though, those events usually end up getting a lot more publicity and attendance and a lot of business gets done all around

Regards,

Lee

**CorbinFisher_BD** · 12-11-2006, 07:49 PM

Well I think this new one could be an awesome event. By the looks of those putting it on they'd definitely have the resources and expertise to put together a kickass event.

I just hope neither one suffers on account of attendance ending up being split between the GPF and this new one, because that'd decrease the value of each to attendees.

**XXXWriterDude** · 12-11-2006, 07:58 PM

Originally Posted by CorbinFisher_BD

Well I think this new one could be an awesome event. By the looks of those putting it on they'd definitely have the resources and expertise to put together a kickass event.

I just hope neither one suffers on account of attendance ending up being split between the GPF and this new one, because that'd decrease the value of each to attendees.

Many thanx, Brian. I have to admit; I was a little surprised myself to see that the event was being scheduled for October. If I'd been consulted, I would have steered them away from that. Sadly, I don't have any control over the trade show department.

Should be totally fun, though. I mean, just look at those sponsors.

**Lee** · 12-11-2006, 07:59 PM

I just had a thought and wanted to throw it out there for discussion based on what Steven mentioned..

When you look at the webmaster events to attend, does seeing the same list of companies sponsoring an attending put you off going to the show in question?

I know over the past 12 months ive had a lot of one-on-one discussions with company owners who have been cutting back their show attendance for that very reason, same people, selling the same product, at the same shows, i was just wondering if anyone else felt this way?

Have webmaster shows become so saturated that they have lost their broader appeal so far as making new contacts and getting business done for the 'regular' webmaster goes?

I know we're not planning on attending any shows this coming year unless one of them stands out in terms of sponsors, location, and attendees.

If the same sponsors, same venue and same attendees go a show, no matter which, its not even going to be considered for us.

So what are you folks thoughts on this, does the fact that these shows happen at the same venue and times of the year, with the same sponsors and attendees put you off registering and actually attending?

Regards,

Lee

cbeecher · 12-11-2006, 11:16 PM

I appreciate your comments about the launch of this new show! Basically, I felt that a show in Los Angeles specifically for the gay webmaster market would be a success for everybody. It is very difficult picking a time and location with the many events ever month and with as much cross-over as there already is. Also, securing a hotel in major cities is not simple so, some times we just have to do what fits best. I personally tried to partner with CC Bill in regards to this venture for months but, could not even get a return phone call so, I had to move on my own. I run events differently than most and my business is to support the community. Additionally, I am not gouging people with the GAYVN Summit price as that is a different kind of show and if you look at what comes with it, including the paid speakers, the awards show and the very large amount of gifts plus all conference food is paid for and more, you will see that it is well worth it. That is a show for the entire industry, not just web, and the cost of the event and the goal is different. AVN is putting a lot into these events and I think it is important to facilitate the business this marketplace produces and in order to do that I feel that someone had to build events that accomplish just that. I don't restrict business as Lee stated and I don't make it difficult to participate. We are going to have two great events and I look forward to seeing everyone at these events! Please don't hesitate to email me if you have questions and/or concerns at chad@avn.com. Take care!

Chad Beecher