The 2008 Phoenix Forum

2008 PHOENIX FORUM – REGISTRATION & ROOM DETAILS...

Mark your calendars...the 2008 Phoenix Forum is just around the corner -- March 27th – 29th, and we are happy to report that we are back as the "exclusive" group at the Tempe Mission Palms, Thursday evening through Saturday evening.

Registration for the show will open next Monday, 1/28. But, set your "Reminders," because the Tempe Mission Palms will begin taking room reservations on Tuesday, 1/29 at 9:00am (MST). A special rate of $245 is being held for Forum attendees – check out www.thephoenixforum.com for more reservation details.

Please use the following codes to book under the group rate:
TPF General Room Block # 2T71UA

GPF Gay/Pride Room Block #2TD1I2 (The east wing of the second floor, (pool terrace level) has been designated as the Pride wing and reserved specifically for Gay Phoenix Forum attendees who book their rooms at the TMP) The Latenight Event Suites are in this wing as well, so it should be fun.

NEW EXPANDED FORMAT IN 2008!!!

What will be new in '08??? Well, we have chosen to combine the Phoenix Forum and the Gay Phoenix Forum into ONE unified show, with a focus on serving THE ADULT BUSINESS COMMUNITY as a whole! Without segregating either group, this new format will allow us to provide additional networking and educational opportunities geared towards the Gay business community, alongside the general Forum schedule. The best part, all three days of planned activities for both Forum events will be open to ALL attendees – whether gay or non-gay. So you can decide how best to achieve the most value from the show, based on your business goals and market and choice!

If you have any questions regarding The Phoenix Forum or The Gay Phoenix Forum, including sponsorships or attendance, please contact us at: info2008@thephoenixforum.com

Or you can contact me directly at gary at ccbill.com with questions.

I am SOOOOOOO there!!


I should auction off the guest rooms at Casa de Chad this year....

:thumbsup:



If there is enough interest, I will have a little Iowa bar-b-que at my home on Sunday after everything is over.

Sort of GPF Rehab......

wish I could be there... be there in spirit :broccoli:

OMG!! $245 to stay in a freeeeeeking hotel for 2 nights!!!! I can shoot a scene in a movie for that

I luv CCBill, but CCBill could up our payouts to afford > Motel6.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nickbaer

OMG!! $245 to stay in a freeeeeeking hotel for 2 nights!!!! I can shoot a scene in a movie for that

I luv CCBill, but CCBill could up our payouts to afford > Motel6.

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Guess you have never stayed at many 5 star hotels before - Thats CHEAP $0.02

Regards,

Lee

The Palms is no 5 Star but $245 is pretty good for a convention hotel.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lee

Guess you have never stayed at many 5 star hotels before - Thats CHEAP $0.02

Regards,

Lee

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Hell yeah. That's damn cheap! It also looks like a nice hotel. Will be in the gay section. Hope I don't get in too much trouble this year....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chadknowslaw

The Palms is no 5 Star but $245 is pretty good for a convention hotel.

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True, but it kind of sucks that the weekend before and the entire week before the show the rooms are only $209 a night. Granted, the first weekend in April the hotel is $250 a night. But yes, not bad for a convention hotel, and the hotel is rather nice.

There is a Holiday Inn within walking distance that is a lot cheaper...but then miss a lot of the fun.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lee

Guess you have never stayed at many 5 star hotels before - Thats CHEAP $0.02

Regards,

Lee

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What does an ordinary room in a 5 star hotel have that makes it worth more than $200 a night?

Premium mattress, bedding and towels for one.

Motel 6 uses very standard mattresses, no pillow top, and barely a mattress pad.

The Hard Rock Hotel uses fabulous mattresses with 300 thread count bedding.

Motel 6 uses small towels that were thin when they were new, but after being washed 1000 times in heavy bleach are slightly more absorbent than Brawny towels and are better suited for ex foliating than drying.

The Westin uses huge, soft bath towels that not only get the job done but feel good doing it

Motel 6 has just enough room to walk around the bed and get to the shower.

The Venezia has a separate sitting area and a large, spacious bathroom. The bed and living area are sitting on nice carpet that is worth taking shoes and socks off for.


I generally think a hotel is a place to sleep and shower, so differences in those areas are important to me. I have paid as little as $16 for a motel in Kansas and I have stayed in some very nice properties. I agree there is a limit as to what is worth adding on (I really don't care about having chocolates on my pillows, especially after having that person walk in on me having sex at the Venezia) but I also believe that the deep discount hotels do not give me a comfortable place to hang my hat for the night. I prefer the middle ground.

fabulous! I am very excited!
Will book asap as everybody told me it is THE show to go to and I have never been :)

should be tons of fun.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lee

Guess you have never stayed at many 5 star hotels before - Thats CHEAP $0.02

Regards,

Lee

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And CNN wonders why our economy is tanking. THANK GOODNESS a recession is looming...

That will leave more money for entertainment like our movies.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nickbaer

That will leave more money for entertainment like our movies.

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You also obviously dont know what a recession will entail.

Recession means LESS spending on impulse / entertainment buys.

Regards,

Lee

Damn thread hijackers!!! Hotels, recessions, impulse buyers!!!





Danii, I hope to meet you at the Phoenix Forum! It really is the most productive show of the year.

Remember to bring warm clothes. Phoenix is fuck awful hot in the summer, but the Forum is not during the summer so even though it will be at least 25C during the day, as soon as the sun goes down the temperature drops very quickly. You will need warm sweaters, long pants, and a jacket.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nickbaer

OMG!! $245 to stay in a freeeeeeking hotel for 2 nights!!!! I can shoot a scene in a movie for that

I luv CCBill, but CCBill could up our payouts to afford > Motel6.

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Just got my confirmation. It's really 255.95 a nite. 10.95 hospitality fee + taxes....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by abostonboy

Just got my confirmation. It's really 255.95 a nite. 10.95 hospitality fee + taxes....

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I thought revervations began tomorrow morning. I tried to make my reservation online this morning and was told that the group code I was using was invalid.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chadknowslaw

Premium mattress, bedding and towels for one.

Motel 6 uses very standard mattresses, no pillow top, and barely a mattress pad.

The Hard Rock Hotel uses fabulous mattresses with 300 thread count bedding.

Motel 6 uses small towels that were thin when they were new, but after being washed 1000 times in heavy bleach are slightly more absorbent than Brawny towels and are better suited for ex foliating than drying.

The Westin uses huge, soft bath towels that not only get the job done but feel good doing it

Motel 6 has just enough room to walk around the bed and get to the shower.

The Venezia has a separate sitting area and a large, spacious bathroom. The bed and living area are sitting on nice carpet that is worth taking shoes and socks off for.


I generally think a hotel is a place to sleep and shower, so differences in those areas are important to me. I have paid as little as $16 for a motel in Kansas and I have stayed in some very nice properties. I agree there is a limit as to what is worth adding on (I really don't care about having chocolates on my pillows, especially after having that person walk in on me having sex at the Venezia) but I also believe that the deep discount hotels do not give me a comfortable place to hang my hat for the night. I prefer the middle ground.

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Chad, sounds like you've had ALOT of experience with hotel bed linens LOL See you at the Forum!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kcwebwerks

I thought revervations began tomorrow morning. I tried to make my reservation online this morning and was told that the group code I was using was invalid.

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Ok just called the TMP and a certain group are able to make reservations today. I'm guessing the sponsors. Thats ok, I can wait one more day..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kcwebwerks

Ok just called the TMP and a certain group are able to make reservations today. I'm guessing the sponsors. Thats ok, I can wait one more day..

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I would reserve at midnight if I were you. Last year the Palms sold out faster than a Hanna Montana concert.


Seriously.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chadknowslaw

I would reserve at midnight if I were you. Last year the Palms sold out faster than a Hanna Montana concert.


Seriously.

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Sound idea in theory, but according to the post that started this thread, reservations open at 9am MST tomorrow..

Anyone else having problems being able to register for the Forum?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lee

You also obviously dont know what a recession will entail.

Recession means LESS spending on impulse / entertainment buys.

Regards,

Lee

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What a recession means is that consumers will even out the field in terms of all forms of predatory and price gouging suppliers.

A recession will bring housing costs back to reality - from middle class shelter housing, to rental apartments, to hotels and motels... Any hotel operator that charges $255+taxes deserves the decapitation and blood letting that a recession will dictate.

A recession will strengthen entertainment opportunities that truly entertain and enrich the consumer, while discarding predators that do not truly entertain... e.g. 8 cents/min VOD vs a $70 DVD with tired, over made-up, over Tattooed, over-exposed performers, out takes and scenic diversions.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ccjax

2008 PHOENIX FORUM – REGISTRATION & ROOM DETAILS...

Mark your calendars...the 2008 Phoenix Forum is just around the corner -- March 27th – 29th, and we are happy to report that we are back as the "exclusive" group at the Tempe Mission Palms, Thursday evening through Saturday evening.

What will be new in '08??? Well, we have chosen to combine the Phoenix Forum and the Gay Phoenix Forum into ONE unified show, with a focus on serving THE ADULT BUSINESS COMMUNITY as a whole! Without segregating either group, this new format will allow us to provide additional networking and educational opportunities geared towards the Gay business community, alongside the general Forum schedule. The best part, all three days of planned activities for both Forum events will be open to ALL attendees – whether gay or non-gay. So you can decide how best to achieve the most value from the show, based on your business goals and market and choice!

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$255/night Hotel rooms defines a conference as NOT about the industry or the common webmaster / studio, not about networking and not about education... you are defining a classist, snobish, elitist event, that more likely than not will not be about the interests of today's adult consumer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nickbaer

$255/night Hotel rooms defines a conference as NOT about the industry or the common webmaster / studio, not about networking and not about education... you are defining a classist, snobish, elitist event, that more likely than not will not be about the interests of today's adult consumer.

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Actually, there have been shows at the Venetian in Las Vegas where the basic rooms were over $400 a night, the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood Florida is well over $255 and the Roosevelt for next week's X Biz sold out at a high price.

The hotels that have conference facilities are not Motel 6 prices and the Mission Palms is not at the high end of the price scale for convention hotels. There are nearby lower priced alternatives which is an important factor when arranging a conference because there are those that want the lower rates. Availability of lower rate lodging close by, coupled with the low cost of admission and comparatively low airfares to Phoenix does make the Forum one of the best shows for budget conscious industry members.

There just are not conference-style hotels with enough rooms at lower rates. Budget hotels do not have enough rooms for a convention nor do they have ballrooms, big lounges, or sufficient meeting facilities. Yes, budget hotels are cheaper but they don't have the necessary elements to hold a convention of this size and I think CC Bill does a very good job at keeping the costs of attendance low. If you can't swing a room at the host hotel there are budget hotels nearby that will be filled with other budget-conscious webmasters. The Forum is NOT an elitist event at all.

Nick,

The Phoenix Forum itself was entirely free for 4+ years, paid for entirely from the generosity of sponsors.

The Mission Palms hotel is a truly amazing facility. I've been to a lot of conventions, workshops, corporate gatherings and retreats, and honestly, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a facility remotely as conducive to the amazing interaction between participants that the Mission Palms facility offers.

$250 a night for a quality hotel in a major city in a busy period (I believe there's a major art show or some street event that happens the same weekend) is not overpriced, and does not by any means imply that the event is a classist or snobbish event... if you had ever attended, you'd realize how totally wrong that statement is. The point is that you can't find the sort of convention resources in terms of meeting facilities, restaurant and bar services, and a staff experienced in handling large groups with professionalism and courtesy in a "budget" facility.

Actually, CCBill attempted to address the needs of the budget-conscious webmaster and scheduled the Gay Phoenix Forum 2006 at a lower cost facility, and a lot of people complained. I didn't think it was a bad choice, but there was simply no comparison with the Mission Palms... the staff, while courteous, simply wasn't adequately trained to accommodate the needs of the convention, the food on site was very limited, and there were other issues. That's not saying it was a bad event -- far from it -- but the decision to host what has become the best adult industry show at a facility such as the Mission Palms is not only the most sensible choice, but is a choice supported by an overwhelming majority of attendees.

For those on a budget, there are Motel-6 grade places a few minutes away and there are $15/day rental cars in Phoenix, and I'm pretty certain there's free parking at the Mission Palms, so those who can't afford the Mission Palms can stay off-site and drive, and still experience all of the networking and interaction at the event.

Ryan and AJ and I stayed at a low-cost hotel at our very first Phoenix Forum in 2003, as our budget didn't cover the La Posada's pricey rates...and I know a lot of people who still stay at budget hotels; there's nothing wrong with saving money, but there's also nothing wrong with a sponsor choosing to host an event at a facility that offers the best possible setting for a successful industry networking event.

does anyone know how much the registration fee is?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Danii

does anyone know how much the registration fee is?

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I have been trying to figure that out too. It looks like registration will open at 11am MST today and then we will get some information!

ok cool. I ll wait ... probably will have to wait till tomo as we are 8 hours ahead over here in london...

hot tip: book your hotel now. we have just tried to call and almost fully booked already! the girl at the hotel said that it was within the hour!

Well I called at 11:30am to make hotel reservations at the TMP and they are already booked.. Was told that they started taking reservations at 8am MST and sold 300 rooms by 8:30. I'm on a waiting list in case someone cancels. The hotel suggested the Marriot so I've got a backup reservation there.. Its only two blocks away so I guess I can stumble there easily enough...

There is a Best Western a few blocks away on Rural Road with a few dozen rooms -- it is a small hotel. Also the AmeriSuites but that is a good 25 minute walk.

This was posted on another forum:

Courtyard by Marriott: Scottsdale-Mayo Clinic
601 S Ash Ave, Tempe, AZ
0.3 mi SW - (480) 966-2800

University Motel
902 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ
0.4 mi S - (480) 966-7221

Twin Palms Hotel Tempe ASU
225 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ
0.8 mi S - (800) 367-0835

Hospitality Suite Resort
409 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
0.9 mi NE - (800) 445-5115

Holiday Inn Phoenix Tempe/ASU
915 East Apache Boulevard, Tempe, AZ
1.1 mi SE - (480) 968-3451

Travelodge
1005 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ
1.1 mi SE - (480) 968-7871

Super 8 Motel-Tempe
1020 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ
1.1 mi SE - (480) 967-8891

Comfort Inn and Suites-ASU Tempe
1031 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ
1.2 mi SE - (480) 966-7202

Microtel Inn & Suites
1375 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ
1.3 mi E - (480) 774-2500

The Mission Palms fills fast every year. But it is such a great, intimate hotel for the event, it is difficult to move to a larger hotel.

Our other hotels that are nearby the Palms with special rates are:

Courtyard by Marriott (.5 Miles)
601 S Ash Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281

• $239/night – mention Phoenix Forum
• 1-800-352-9048 / 480-966-2800

Hyatt Place (3.1 miles)
1413 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281

• $229/night – mention Phoenix Forum
• (480) 804-9544 or (888) 492-8847
• 24/7 Continuous shuttle Service provided

The Palms has the interior courtyard that is just perfect for mingling and networking. It would be very hard to get a better venue plus it is great to be exclusive and not have non-conference people wandering through.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chadknowslaw

plus it is great to be exclusive and not have non-conference people wandering through.

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Yes. One show I went to there was a wedding with a bunch of gay guys trying to do business all in the same courtyard. What a fun time that was!

I think it was the first year at the Mission Palms, there were already a few reservations when CCBill approached the hotel. I remember having a lunch meeting with someone and talking about twink this and bareback that and penetration such-and-so and there was this couple probably in their 60s sitting at the next booth over... they seemed as though they were a bit in shock, not just from our conversations but from being one of a handful of guests in a hotel filled with porn people.

Fortunately, the entire hotel is blocked for the Forum this year.

I hope to meet you too! Thanks for the info about the temperature, I will bring some proper clothes for the cold nights then. 25C during the day is pretty awesome. It is 8C in London right now - 25 we are only getting in summer over here :(

cu

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chadknowslaw

Damn thread hijackers!!! Hotels, recessions, impulse buyers!!!





Danii, I hope to meet you at the Phoenix Forum! It really is the most productive show of the year.

Remember to bring warm clothes. Phoenix is fuck awful hot in the summer, but the Forum is not during the summer so even though it will be at least 25C during the day, as soon as the sun goes down the temperature drops very quickly. You will need warm sweaters, long pants, and a jacket.

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Does anyone know about when they'll post details about the seminars?

It looks like the schedule is posted but I could not find details on actual seminar topics.

http://thephoenixforum.com/schedule.php

Does anyone know about when they release this info? I'd like to see what classes are offered before I make my plans since my main reason for attending would be to learn stuff.

I'm going to guess that after taking on the two straight lawyers at the GayVN retreat who were pushing DRM technology and telling them that they were wasting people's time and money and that their product didn't work and hindered sales, I'm going to be on the "Do not call" list for seminars for a while.

:jasun: :catfight:

Well, I'd pay to see you give a seminar on how Fratmen finds all those hot guys!
:jerkoff:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sc32803

Well, I'd pay to see you give a seminar on how Fratmen finds all those hot guys!
:jerkoff:

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I second that motion and move for it to involve some kind of nudity on the part of the presenter.


Cheers,


Duggy