Need advice: should I attend Phoenix Forum?

[sc32803]

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:

[gaybucks_chip]

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!

[chadknowslaw]

Yes go.


No doubt in my mind.

[Madame0120]

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.

[chadknowslaw]

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

[TropixxxStudios]

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.

[Madame0120]

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

I'm counting on it! :specs:

[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

[BoyDollars]

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

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

[Lee]

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

Regards,

Lee

[ccjax]

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.

[BoyDollars]

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

Regards,

Lee

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

Can someone tell me what a bunny pancake is?

[12clicks]

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.