Phoenix Forum - Expectations?

[BelamiAlan]

Sorry if I am boring you with my anticipation for this show but I have heard so much about it and I'll officially not be a newbie anymore after this show... From other shows I've learned I like the seminars, get business done in the daytime and say hello to people. So I come to you, my brothers and sisters to bring me back to earth. What should I really expect and what are some of the "features" of this show that sets it apart from others? I really look forward to everyones feedback.

[TropixxxStudios]

Alan,

One of the things I have found with the shows is that a suprising amount of business gets done at the parties. In fact, sometimes you don't see any of your fellow gay webmasters at all during the day (all sleeping in and recovering) but at night they pop out of every nook and cranny. So one thing I would expect are some late nights.

For us, the main reason we attend is the social networking. It is nice to put a face to a screen name, and to grab a beer with someone. You can also learn a lot about a person once they are drunk, or how they behave to a waiter or hotel staff. We have made a lot of business decisions based on the fact that "so and so" is a complete fucking asshole and we would rather not be associated with them.

One of the other things you might find is that the seminars are only as helpful as the questions you ask, or are asked. A lot of the seminars (not all of them) are just big commercials for different programs and promotions. In order to get real advice, you need to ask real questions...either while the panel is in progress, or by pulling the person aside after the fact. There are notable exceptions to this, and some panel people are more than willing to share a lot of their knowledge...but you never know until you get there....so if it turns into a commercial, dont be afraid to ask.

For me, not being the most technical or computer savy...you can expect to have a lot of what people are saying (especially if they are arguing about traffic) to go way over your head. Just make mental notes, (or real ones) and ask what the fuck they mean when they are done. ;o)

For the most part, I have never been "shot down" or told I was asking a stupid question, etc. So it really is a perfect place to learn.

But mostly, you will make friendships, and cement existing ones....or in more cases than you would expect...find out that someone you thought was cool is actually a complete fucking idiot.

- Good luck -

See you there, - Michael

[ccjax]

Alan,

One of the other things you might find is that the seminars are only as helpful as the questions you ask, or are asked. A lot of the seminars (not all of them) are just big commercials for different programs and promotions. In order to get real advice, you need to ask real questions...either while the panel is in progress, or by pulling the person aside after the fact. There are notable exceptions to this, and some panel people are more than willing to share a lot of their knowledge...but you never know until you get there....so if it turns into a commercial, dont be afraid to ask.

Good points, Michael.

I can't believe that we are a close as next week!

A comment on the seminars and formats this year.
We spent a lot of time talking to industry folk about what they would like to hear and see and talk about this year, and got some great ideas. And as I have mentioned before, many of the topics on the education sessions are direct recommendations from those in our community.

To address your comment about 'commercials', Thursday's sessions are designed a little diferently as roundtable discussions and workshop formats - shorter hour long sessions (held twice that day), with the intent to create more direct discussion and intimacy of conversation, rather than the traditional headtable panel set-ups. So sitting alongside the panelists, mentors, and experts should offer a great opportunity to get your questions answered. But Michael is right, you only get as much as you put into it.
Friday and Saturday's sessions are the more traditional panel formats - but with interesting topics, I think.

We will never make everyone happy with every topic or format, but I am hopeful that our community can suspend its cynicism for a few minutes and go into these with an open mind.

Looking forward to seeing everyone next week.

[Epoch Holly]

It is a great show all around! I always get business and have a good time while doing so!

[cbl_chaz]

Alan,
This will be my virgin tour as well and I am so looking forward to it! I'll look for you and we can get lost together, LOL! I have attended similar events in the past as a former Leather Titileholder, but this will be my first in this capacity!

[abostonboy]

A comment on the seminars and formats this year.
We spent a lot of time talking to industry folk about what they would like to hear and see and talk about this year, and got some great ideas. And as I have mentioned before, many of the topics on the education sessions are direct recommendations from those in our community.

I am on a seminar on Thursday. It will be very interesting. The "roundtable" format is a great idea.

[Madame0120]

Roy & I have 1,200 miles to figure that out. This will be our 4th Forum, 5th if you count the 1st and only GFP - and there's always a ROI - worthy of the trip.

This Forum will be extra special for us, because our room and badges have been picked up by Lightspeed Cash.




Happily, we've been booked in the Pride Wing, and can't wait to see you ALL!

:broccoli:

[aftonnills]

I completely agree. With each event I've attended, it's all about the parties. It's where all of my networking has come from. So, get ready to stay up all night long and drink lots and lots.

I remember my first time at the forum some years back, completely new to the events. I was taken up to one of the rooms where all the 'popular kids' were hanging out. I won't mention his name, but I was introduced to someone who was so shit faced, he could hardly stand. I remember the frustration because I wanted to do business with this individual, (among other things, ), but he was too far gone to recall any of our conversation, I figured there was no use. Needless to say, he remembered me the next day. So, these guys are used to being shit face and can actually do business at the same time, in a different manner. LOL. Anyways, It was good to attend, and am glad to see it return this year. Just enjoy yourself, it's well worth the trip/investment. The connections, business will fall into place if you put yourself out there.

Looking forward to seeing/meeting everyone.

Alan,

One of the things I have found with the shows is that a suprising amount of business gets done at the parties. In fact, sometimes you don't see any of your fellow gay webmasters at all during the day (all sleeping in and recovering) but at night they pop out of every nook and cranny. So one thing I would expect are some late nights.

For us, the main reason we attend is the social networking. It is nice to put a face to a screen name, and to grab a beer with someone. You can also learn a lot about a person once they are drunk, or how they behave to a waiter or hotel staff. We have made a lot of business decisions based on the fact that "so and so" is a complete fucking asshole and we would rather not be associated with them.

One of the other things you might find is that the seminars are only as helpful as the questions you ask, or are asked. A lot of the seminars (not all of them) are just big commercials for different programs and promotions. In order to get real advice, you need to ask real questions...either while the panel is in progress, or by pulling the person aside after the fact. There are notable exceptions to this, and some panel people are more than willing to share a lot of their knowledge...but you never know until you get there....so if it turns into a commercial, dont be afraid to ask.

For me, not being the most technical or computer savy...you can expect to have a lot of what people are saying (especially if they are arguing about traffic) to go way over your head. Just make mental notes, (or real ones) and ask what the fuck they mean when they are done. ;o)

For the most part, I have never been "shot down" or told I was asking a stupid question, etc. So it really is a perfect place to learn.

But mostly, you will make friendships, and cement existing ones....or in more cases than you would expect...find out that someone you thought was cool is actually a complete fucking idiot.

- Good luck -

See you there, - Michael

[LavenderLounge]

Alan,

Regarding expectations at Phoenix Forum, I'm hoping everyone reads and votes on the poll I created. It may help focus all of our efforts.

http://forums.gaywidewebmasters.com/...ad.php?t=27631

[abostonboy]

Alan,

Regarding expectations at Phoenix Forum, I'm hoping everyone reads and votes on the poll I created. It may help focus all of our efforts.

http://forums.gaywidewebmasters.com/...ad.php?t=27631

I voted wrong. Asked a mod to change my vote. Will be happy to trade traffic.