Need advice: should I attend Phoenix Forum?

It's getting down to the wire and I need to decide whether or not to attend the Phoenix Forum. This would be my first time and my main reason for attending would be to pick up some info and suggestions to launch some gay sites (blogs, TGPs). I'm not a big partier and not sure what the value of networking would be so I'm wondering if this trip is a good idea.

The trip will probably cost me between $1,000 and $1,500 so here's my question:

If you were in my shoes, would you spend that money on the trip or use it instead for marketing and promoting your site? A thousand bucks can buy a lot of adwords and other advertising.

I feel like I've learned a lot just from reading these boards and others so would I really gain that much more valuable knowledge in Phoenix? Or should I go next year after my sites are established?

My future is in your hands!

:bigears:

That's a really tough call. Here's my experience:

The first year we really started promoting ourselves, we almost didn't go to the phoenix forum. Then our CCBill sales rep, Andy Kiefer, strongly suggested we do go, because of the value of the face-to-face meeting with people.

We decided to take the plunge, and because we were tiny at the time, we stayed in some janky off-site hotel... this in the days when the Phoenix Forum was held at the La Posada Resort, which was in the middle of nowhere and not near any other hotels.

The value for us of that first Phoenix Forum was immeasurable. We got a ton of very helpful advice from people who were friendly and willing to help. We made a lot of very valuable business connections. We began to cultivate a number of relationships that have since yielded valuable business opportunities.

And, of course, since then, more seminars focused on gay companies have been added, and more focus on gay webmasters.

Now... that said, you also have to realize that most likely, the $1000-1500 investment you make won't be returned in a month or two, but rather over 6 months or a year, with the combination of business relationships, putting to use the knowledge you gained, and so forth.

Hope that helps!

Yes go.


No doubt in my mind.

It is the one show that you will get the most bang for your buck. I also think the best 1st show for any new webmaster.

My Very best suggestion...

Do your business BEFORE the parties start.

Be sure to say Howdy to meeeee.

Oh honey, I will do more than just say Howdy :-)

If you could only attend one show each year, I would say the GPF would be the one...

We found that our trips to the forum, especially the first year, more than paid for itself many times over.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chadknowslaw

Oh honey, I will do more than just say Howdy :-)

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I'm counting on it! :specs:

I agree that it is a great show to attend.

And if for some reason you decide not to, please consider our event in San Fran in June... http://www.cybernetexpo.com

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LAJ

I agree that it is a great show to attend.

And if for some reason you decide not to, please consider our event in San Fran in June... http://www.cybernetexpo.com

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Or do both! Nice change of venue, Jay. Mind you I'm only guessing, cause I've never been to San Fran. Looks like a great place for a bunch of kinky webmasters to gather.

:heartu: <--- I still have my heart

The tour of the Kink.com Armory should be a big hit. I think there are going to be 2 live shoots going on during the tour, and for kinky webmasters and even the mildly curious the Armory is an amazing tour of sets, creepy spaces, and fun nooks and crannies.

Madame, when are you, Roy and Old Blue pulling into Phoenix?? I am so excited to see you guys again! And we have so much to catch up! I love me my Madame and Roy~

I really wish I were going. I generally hate these functions, but it has been two years since my last outing and I really should put the rumors of me being in jail and/or dead to rest.

Alas, I am shooting the next two weeks.

Maybe next year...

R.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chadknowslaw

Madame, when are you, Roy and Old Blue pulling into Phoenix?? I am so excited to see you guys again! And we have so much to catch up! I love me my Madame and Roy~

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Awww and we luff us some Chad! We should drag in Wed. afternoon. All our #s are the same and we'll be staying in the "gay wing".

I really think some one should fly me to the forum and let me sleep in their bed lol

Great show! One of my personal favorites! It is well worth it with the amount of business and networking you can get done!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Duggy

I really think some one should fly me to the forum and let me sleep in their bed lol

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I have a bed for you but I don't know how much sleep you would get.

Phoenix is definately the best show of the year, im bummed i will be unable to attend this year due to family commitments at the same time :(

Regards,

Lee

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lee

Phoenix is definately the best show of the year, im bummed i will be unable to attend this year due to family commitments at the same time :(

Regards,

Lee

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I had a family commitment that was going to not let me go as well.. I was lucky to re-arrange my plans by a day so i can make it.

We will miss you Lee...

Hugs
David

Unfortunately they wont re-schedule the communion so i can go to a porn convention LOL

Regards,

Lee

Lee - you will be missed! I had so much fun with you last year.

I think we have pretty good schedule planned, I hope people will get a lot of good out of this year.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lee

Unfortunately they wont re-schedule the communion so i can go to a porn convention LOL

Regards,

Lee

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Communion vs. porn? I don't know.... Tough call! :bunnypancake:

Can someone tell me what a bunny pancake is?

the Phoenix Forum is the best show we have as an industry.

Also, I think it gives the most opportunity for the most face time with others.
while $1k+ is a lot to spend, if you do your job once you're there, its more than worth it.