Odd that I haven't seen any news/comments/reports on GayVN summit, other than one post saying the opening cocktail party was good. Has anyone heard anything?
AJ and I decided to skip it, seemed that few people were going...
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Odd that I haven't seen any news/comments/reports on GayVN summit, other than one post saying the opening cocktail party was good. Has anyone heard anything?
AJ and I decided to skip it, seemed that few people were going...
I have read some stuff on gayvn online, but that is all I have seen or heard.
Yeah, I was sorta hoping for some info that *didn't* come from somebody working for GayVN :)
Hey Chip!
What I heard, from those that went, was that the summit was trying to compete with the gay phoenix forum but the gayvn summit was very unorganized and it was a waste of time going. It was very hard to network and it was all about the "big" studios and there models.
The only reason to go to the summit was for the gayvn awards and the awards party, which I understand that the studios that won are the studios that highly support AVN/GayVn. If your not a "BIG" pornstudio it was not worth going.
-David
D&E Productions
I am glad I didn't go ~
Im hearing that a lot the past 2 days.Quote:
Originally Posted by chadknowslaw
The interesting thing about it though, im also hearing 'i shouldnt have gone' from a couple of people that did go, kinda makes you wonder just how bad the show was LOL
I beleive we'll have pictures of the show being posted soon too ;)
Regards,
Lee
We at Fratmen wanted to go to the show, but were awfully busy on a "new project" that we're working on.. we'll have more for you on that soon.
We were at the awards(nominated for Best Solo Video), which were phenominal and everything that a porn award show should be... and I saw plenty of people there and talked a lot of business.
I only made out with a few strangers and I didn't even dance naked ONCE.
I even woke up in my own bed...alone... with my clothes folded neatly on the chair.
Although for some reason I was missing my socks.
From LavenderLoungeBlog.com: http://www.lavenderlounge.com/blog/2...mit_day_2.html
GayVN Summit Day 2
What a busy day! Day Two of the GayVN Summit was great. I sat in all the seminars, while my guys were still trying to solve this hacker problem. It was held at the W Hotel, and I teased everyone,
"So, you're staying at the Y?"
"No, the W."
"Oh, the YWCA!"
During the "State of The Industry" seminar, there was a lot of talk about HD and DVD's and self promotion blah blah blah. Near the end, I finally raised my hand and said, "Nobody's talked about barebacking yet." I asked the panel why the studios aren't doing more HIV testing, and why the gay studios aren't following the testing policies used by the straight studios. I asked the people representing video distributors what the "real" numbers are regarding bareback sales. But then I blew everyone away when I asked what would happen if a studio changed its policy from "condom only" to "HIV Negative models only". The best response was from the moderator, Morgan Summer from Cybersocket who gave the pros and cons and then summed it up by saying, "It's gets so complicated I just don't want to think about it." Sadly, I think a lot of us, including myself, feel the same way right now.
Even more sad, a guy from an online store came up to me afterward and told me sales of bareback movies are 20 to 1. I think the big studios that are condom-only are getting worried about sales right now, and I fear that if they start to change their policies at some point, they may make some serious policy errors - both business wise and in the health and safety of the community. I want the big studios to remain successful and lead the way to protect their models and project the right influence on gay culture. There are a lot of very irresponsible bareback studios out there exploiting the trend, and I'd hate to have them set the standard. We need more of these kind of discussions!
But back to the fun. Falcon had a cute cocktail party in the hotel. I chatted with Eric Rhodes, and hugged Roman Heart just as he was giving a blow job on the video screen. I introduced myself to Cole Ryan, and confirmed that, yes, he WAS a virgin when he did the scene in Titan's "Closed Set". "I was a kid from the suburbs, and I just needed a way to get it over with.", he said. That's historic!
From there, we went to the Kink.com party at the old Armory Building. Got the full tour, it's amazing! I predict lots of great parties and Burning Man related events will be going on there.
And finally, I ended up at, where else, The End Up. Brandon Baker threw a RentBoy.com party there. I've lived across the street for a year now, and that was the first time I set foot in there. The last time I was at the End Up, the trees were skinny little saplings - but so was I.
But today is the big day! GayVN Awards tonight! Expect lots of pictures next week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jasun
...looking through my list of foot fetish sites for new content starring one Jasun ...
Personally, I had a lot of fun. I thought there were plenty of internet people to network with, and it's always nice to hang out with porn stars and directors, IMO. Not to mention SF is the bomb!
As I mentioned in another thread, the NakedSword post awards party was a total rager. I personally have never been to a party quite like that. Porn star go go dancers, Chi Chi Larue behind the turn tables, all in the middle of a midevil dungeon. Very cool!
My pics are here:
http://gaywebmasters.com/gallery/
Well as my trip was on paid behalf of PrideBucks and NakedSword, I cannot complain too much. I found the show itself to be pretty good. The panels could be punched up some more, but I left with some concrete take-aways for my websites. I can say it like this too --- compared to Internext Vegas.... it was a very nice improvement, with much more to offer if you are in the gay adult industry.
For me personally, there was an absolute bonanza of opportunities because of the movie studios that I promote. Raging Stallion, COLT Studio Group and Falcon Studios. I was taken to several absolutely fabulous dinners. The W Hotel is, without question, the hippest, nicest hotel I've ever stayed in.
I actually did very well from a business point of view. I met some studio owners/employees who I've only known on an email basis for years. (as usual, I don't think I talked to any porn stars this trip...)
Personally, I was exasperated because this was my first time in San Francisco, and I saw practically nothing of it. Much like the Internext Florida shows..... I get pulled into this show/hotel vortex and can't escape... no matter how much I try.
I also remember now why I also bring an associate to these shows, because Pickles helps schedule me to be significantly more effective with my time. I saw no bridges.... and the only time I saw the Pacific Ocean was on the airport shuttles which bookended by visit. The SF-MOMA was right next door which was advertising a comprehensive Picasso exhibit, but did I ever darken the door? Sadly no. I just passed the door on the way to the Subway in the Hearst Building for very quick lunches before I had to be at the next event.
Hell..... I still haven't been in a gay bar in SF!
At one point I tried to figure out the way to get to sex club.... but looking at Yahoo Maps, I was reluctant to really strike out in a strange city like that at 1 in the morning. And once I'm there, I'm uncertain how to get back to the hotel. And it seemed like they all closed at 4am. Weird new city, weird new rules. So.... the operating rule for me still holds... if I want to get laid at a show, I have to rent a car.
Anyways..... for me.... that was my exasperation.... my inability to take in the city I've heard about all my life as a visitor. It was not the show. The GayVN Summit was a pretty good show. And hey there's always next year.
Steve
All things considered, I'd say the show went pretty darn well. It was, of course, the very first show of its kind, so inevitably the show is not going to be perfect, and there are going to be things that will need to be improved upon for the next time, but the W Hotel was a great place to have it (though, admittedly, it may have lacked in meeting space for those attempting to get business done without having to leave the hotel to do so), the awards show was frickin' phenomenal, and the convergence of Internet and video was fairly well represented in the seminars.
Everybody comes to these things with a lot of expectations and--let's admit it--skepticism. It's become fairly obvious that some of you enjoy kicking AVN around--even though you're still very quick to pick up that phone and call us whenever you want some press (wink wink)--but even so, the show was a valiant first attempt at bringing Internet folks and traditional brick and mortar people together--as that is the direction that this business seems to be heading in--and I'm very proud of our trade staff for putting together a show that was, by turns, thoughtful, exciting and entertaining. And Kathy Griffin ROCKED THE HOUSE as the host of the GAYVNs. I even got interviewed by Bravo for her TV show!
One thing, though: The Summit wasn't all about the big studios and their stars. That's just silly. It was about whoever decided to come and participate. If adult websites didn't show up to take part, then that is why they weren't represented in larger numbers, and not because AVN Trade skewed the show to the big studios. That needs to be pointed out.
Anyway, it was great to see some of you there. Thanx for coming out and supporting the show. It will be better next time, that's for sure. :)
For a fledgling conference, I say this was done pretty well! My question is, do we need another gay specific conference?
Seems like there's a show every week these days. Who has the time?
The awards show was actually the best part of the whole thing. Some very well-spoken acceptance speeches and Kathy was terrific.
Jasun, I have your socks!
xo
T
Well, considering there's only been one so far--and even that one was only introduced last year--I'd say there's at least room for ONE more gay-specific show. You don't want any one business to have a monopoly on the trade show market, do you? Besides, how many traditionally "straight" trade shows are there?Quote:
Originally Posted by tonysparks
I suppose you could also say the same thing about any number of Internet porn sites. Do we really need another straight-guy solo scene site? Another reality-esque site? Another big dick site?
That's the nature--and the genius--of business, though, right? Anyone who has their own vision for something can start it up. It's a matter of offering a different perspective and overall experience to the webmasters.
Quote:
Originally Posted by desslock
I had the same exasperation. I LOVE San Francisco. Just being there makes me happy. I feel home in a way that I never have in L.A. I'm just a city boy at heart, I suppose. I love the hustle and bustle of the city life, the smell of the street vendors, the horns that honk in a way that's different and more appealing that it is in Los Angeles... it's just one of the greatest cities in the world. I only wish the weather was better and the rent was cheaper so I could move there! :)
But yeah, it kind of sucks to be in San Francisco and not be able to spend any quality time there. We did get to have dinner in the Castro on Thursday with Mary Gillis, though, so that was nice. And seeing the armory at Kink's party and then going to the End Up was pretty cool too. I got to spend a LITTLE time in SF. Just not nearly enough for my tastes. Next year I'm going to make them let me stay an extra day or two on my own. :)
Yes. Why, how many are there? I can only think of one. And if it's between Phoenix and SF, personally, the choice is easy.Quote:
Originally Posted by tonysparks
Dunno what your priority is, but for me, it's not the location, it's the quality of the show that matters. When I go to a show, it's for the networking opportunities and the chance to meet new companies and do new business. If I want a vacation, I take a vacation :) But that's just me....Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick Hunter
Oh.Quote:
Originally Posted by tonysparks
Right.
heh.
:jasun:
Anyone who saw me knows I wasn't there for vacation. I certainly wouldn't have been up to 5 am each night uploading pics if that was the case. :-) My point is simply that if there has to be one gay conference, which luckily there doesn't, what's the more logical location? SF or Phoenix?Quote:
Originally Posted by gaybucks_chip
I'll say this... I DO wish I was there, because a lot of the people that I wanted to connect with were there and seminars or not, I wanted to sit down and have a chat with a few people.
As it was, I had to try to talk business while at the after party for the awards, which to be fair, wasn't hard to do.
And I'm apparently getting my socks sent back to me.
The more logical location is where the better show is (in terms of quality people to network with, quality seminars, opportunities to increase our program visibility, etc) whether it's Dubuque IA, Cancun, Phoenix, or San Francisco.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick Hunter
Whatever. That's not what I meant.
I guess since I travel so much it's a miracle I've never done this yet.... but I left my Inspiron AC Power Cord plugged into the wall of my hotel room.
I left my Inspiron AC Power Cord in San Francisco.
There's a song in there somewhere.
Steve
I did the opposite and left my charger at home, so the whole trip I had to conserve power. My appolgies to anyone waiting for me to reply to an email. hehe
Which by the looks of it, were the major studios or VOD companies.Quote:
Originally Posted by XXXWriterDude
Perhaps the 'online' side of the industry didnt show up because they didnt see the value in spending $300 for yet another AVN show... Given they keep seeing declines in returns from other AVN shows. If you guys want to attract the online world, you need to be realistic in your pricing, just a thought... Unless of course, you are deliberately hiking your prices up to stop the smaller webmasters from attending the show.Quote:
If adult websites didn't show up to take part, then that is why they weren't represented in larger numbers, and not because AVN Trade skewed the show to the big studios. That needs to be pointed out.
The reason i didnt attend is because there was nobody there that i wanted to do business with, that i dont already do (or have done) business with, or need to do business with... Even if there was, a phone call is a lot cheaper.
I would say you are on the ball with this though, there definately seems to be a mass transition by traditional bricks and mortar business coming in to the online realm... That still doesnt justify $300 a ticket though ;)Quote:
the show was a valiant first attempt at bringing Internet folks and traditional brick and mortar people together--as that is the direction that this business seems to be heading in
Regards,
Lee
Actually, Internext 2006 with AEE running at the same time was the first attempt to bring B&M and online people together.... and while the idea of bringing the two camps together is a good one, the implementation was an unmitigated disaster.Quote:
the show was a valiant first attempt at bringing Internet folks and traditional brick and mortar people together--as that is the direction that this business seems to be heading in
But... I will agree that these two sides of the business seem to rarely talk to one another... except for the few companies that really are equally planted in both realms... and finding a way to create synergy between them is an excellent idea.
I dunno what the right solution is. The studios seem to not want to go to shows with a bunch of web people, and the web people seem to not want to go to shows with a bunch of studios. There was definitely more crossover at Gay Phoenix Forum than I'd seen at previous shows, but it's still a far cry from where it could be. So in that regard, I applaud the actions of AVN in trying to make this happen. I just really, REALLY hope they will listen to the comments from the webmasters who didn't attend (which was mostly that it was too expensive for what was actually provided) and consider either moving it somewhere where costs aren't as high or finding enough sponsors to subsidize the ticket cost to a reasonable amount ($100-150) or both.
Actively involving the webmaster community early on, both in planning the event and in promoting it, as GPF did, would probably go a long way to bring more webmasters along.
And scheduling the fall event against the already successful GPF is simply going to alienate people further. I saw the comments about "there are always events going on" but there is only one other gay event currently happening, and that's GPF. There is absolutely no reason to schedule in the same timeframe as that event, unless you're trying to send a message... and that message won't be well received by the people you're trying to get to attend.
P.S.Quote:
Originally Posted by gaybucks_chip
If you want to read about the Summit, check out avnonline.com. We have, of course, been covering the entire show.
Here's my story on the awards show: http://avnonline.com/index_cache.php...tent_ID=284309
Wow, Lee, was that a semblence of something approaching a compliment toward AVN from you??? Hell has just frozen over somewhere.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee
You point is well taken. And I do pass these comments on to our trade show department regularly so that they are aware of the concerns of the industry. We appreciate constructive criticism, and I definitely thank any and all for posting their comments here or emailing me with them to help us make our shows better.
Well I do have to say they are trying to be like the forum. But over all it was ok. I did get a chance to meet with people that we already work with and well meet a few new people/studios that we will be working with.
I was a little disappointed by the "State of the Industry” I would have to suggest to GayVN that if they have that seminar again that they should have panelist that are willing to really talk about where they think that the industry is really going. And for that matter, they need to really think about the difference of the VIDEO/DVD markets and the INTERNET market.
The food was good, the hotel was nice. It was great to be able to go to the Open Houses at some of the local SF Studios. It was also nice to sleep in my own bed (lol).
Anyways, hope my comments help.
I think people are only saying that because they just attended the Forum in October and it's the only point of reference they have for a gay-specific show. I mean, one could also say that Webmaster Access is "trying to be like" the Xbiz Conference, or that the Costa Rica bash is merely a ripoff of the YNOT Party in Mexico. Right? Just by their nature, trade shows are going to be somewhat similar, but I actually think that our show offered its own take on a tried and true formula. We love CCBill, and the Gay Phoenix Forum was a GREAT show, but we offered something different--an experience that addressed one of the most pressing issues of the industry: the convergence of Internet with offline video companies. The show could be improved, sure, by most accounts, the show was a good, solid one, and of course, there will be improvements to it for next year as the industry continues to grow and evolve, and us with it. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by PornTeam
Like many others...I also sat on the fence about whether I should or shouldn't go...I am glad that I didn't...
From what I heard from some of my business acquaintances, etc...that are in San Fran....is that it was a bit of a waste of time...
And much like everyone else, they also echoed that if you weren't a 'Big' studio pumping $$$'s into advertising, marketing, etc...then there was little value in attending.
I always like to think that what is being offered and promoted at these events is genuine (e.g. a large network of industry professionals that you can mix and mingle with) that are there to do business...But unfortunately, I find more often than not...it has nothing to do with doing business...
But more often than not...Its about seeing and being seen...Enough said...I am beginning to let my bitterness show again...I need to bitchslap myself...Ouch!!! that really hurt.
And lets not even talk about the awards!!!! What a farce...All I can say...is that a couple of my films were nominated (legitmately) in Europe in 2006 and these same films that were submitted for nomination were not even acknowledged for GayVn...I am still waiting for a reply as to why??
You be the judge!!!
I've just received feedback from several companies, and while each of them had suggestions for improvement, they all agreed that the show was a great beginning to what they hope will become an annual event. So, I don't think that "everyone else" is an accurate term.Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrikyyz
Bitterness often cancels out objectivity, unfortunately. Hope your face is feeling better now. ;)Quote:
I always like to think that what is being offered and promoted at these events is genuine (e.g. a large network of industry professionals that you can mix and mingle with) that are there to do business...But unfortunately, I find more often than not...it has nothing to do with doing business...
But more often than not...Its about seeing and being seen...Enough said...I am beginning to let my bitterness show again...I need to bitchslap myself...Ouch!!! that really hurt.
I AM one of the judges! LOL! :)Quote:
And lets not even talk about the awards!!!! What a farce...All I can say...is that a couple of my films were nominated (legitmately) in Europe in 2006 and these same films that were submitted for nomination were not even acknowledged for GayVn...I am still waiting for a reply as to why??
You be the judge!!!
What titles were they, Patrik?
It sounds like someone is a little miffed, and is letting his personal feelings get in the way of an honest assessment of the show. I'm not sure how much stock to put into criticism from someone who gets all of his info heresay and not first-hand.
Anyway, it seems that every show is subject to the same opinions. I've noticed this on the boards after every trade show. For as many people who diss them, there are just as many others who say what a great time they had. I guess it comes down to not being able to please everyone. :)
Have you also noticed how its also the ones that dont do much serious business or the ones with close ties to the show organizers that are always saying how they had a great time though?Quote:
Originally Posted by XXXWriterDude
The ones who spend money on sponsorships, spend money on open bars, spend money on talent, these are the individuals and companies that constantly complain about the shows not meeting expectations because attendance keeps dropping due to high priced entry fees.
Perhaps we should start telling AVN to raise the prices of attendance, after-all telling them to lower the cost of admission doesnt seem to be doing anything.
Regards,
Lee
I agree...you can't please everyone...And there will always be people that enjoyed, liked, disliked, etc...Its the nature of the beast...I suspect it all has to do with what your expectations and what you are looking to get from the experience...
As far as my films... Adorable I (nominated for Best Amateur Film - Foreign), and Cum and Get It (nominated for Best Direction - Amateur Film)...
Chances are that you didn't get to review these films as they were not considered for nomination, in spite of being submitted to the nominating committee....
I LIKED this show, a lot.
I also did a LOT of business there - pretty much everything I went there to get accomplished, I accomplished.
Yes, I suppose the seminars could be pumped up a little bit ( - perhaps this is a bit cynical, but my experience with seminars in general is that the information in them is generally nothing more that you can pick up online. The REAL information on this industry is learned through your relationships with people, and not in seminars. So, I don't GO to events for the seminars, because if someone knows how to make 100 million dollars overnight, they are not going to be telling competitors about it at a round table discussion!)
The size of the seminar was an advantage - as it allowed me to meet more people one on one, and as a native San Franciscan, there was no better place for it to be held.
The W is a fabulous place. The food was TERRIFIC and the amenities awesome. The awards parties were fun. I wish I looked better in Dick Hunters pictures - but I was jet lagged - so what the heck.
Honestly, given a choice between Vegas and this show, I would do this show all over again. I just wish I had met more of you there!
I kind of agree with Chip as I'm reading this thread. There are so many shows/functions to attend and then you have to figure out which one's to attend and which functions will benefit you and your studio.
Our studio/production company does both...we film for web content, we are affiliated with BluMedia/IntenseCash and then we have our DVDs that we produce...so we are kind of in both worlds. For us we have to decide to go to functions that cater to both the websites and then the DVD distribution and production.
We passed on the GayVN/San Fran. show to attend a function called "the ExpoMark" which was held in Orlando. This show pairs up buyers and sellers in the "DVD" market and we found it to be much more sucessful then going to the GayVn function. We accomplished more in this function that we have ever accomplished at any function.
We find that going to the Phoenix Forum is also great because we have noticed that folks from the production studios are there as well as many of the webmasters from many of the popular sites...and we all have a great time! I loved the gay phoenix forum and I hope they do another gay phoenix forum again!!!
You really have to pick and choose wisely which functions to attend...I mean I have a business to run, going to all these functions is a full time job!!!LOL!!! And it cost lots of money to attend...it really adds up!!!
This was my first official gay show that I've been too, and I thought it was great! One of my favorite shows, for business and just networking! I've been going to shows for about 6 years, one a month. I even went to a couple seminars that I thought where great, which I haven't said in years!
I think it's awesome that you got some business done at the show in Orlando, but I don't think you can call it much "more successful" than attending the GAYVN show, since you didn't attend, and therefore have no idea how successful it might have been for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by allboysvideo
Just something to point out.
I'm hearing a lot of criticism from people who didn't even attend the show, and that's just not criticism that we can put any stock in.
Unless they didnt attend because of the ridiculously high entry price ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by XXXWriterDude
Regards,
Lee
Considering how much it costs to get to SF and stay there for three days, to me, the extra $150 or so was not an issue at all. Plus it included admission to the Awards show (including access to areas where the general public wasn't allowed, like the floor and the Nakedsword reception), and pre and post parties, as well as the transportation between them. What was the face price for the GAYVN Awards floor seats?
SF is an expensive place and the W, which I think everyone enjoyed, isn't cheap I'm sure. I doubt that AVN made a lot of money from the registration fees. But what do I know? :vanish: