I have been attending THE PHOENIX FORUM since its beginning 10 years ago when there were very few gay companies attending. The year prior to the start of the first GAY PHOENIX FORUM the original TPF had a great turnout of about 60 gay companies attending. The events held by PRIDEBUCKS and CYBERSOCKET were some of the best attended on the schedule. It was a very good show for doing business with not just gay but straight companies as well. To combine them like they have been for the past several years is a decision that should be applauded.

As for the insinuations that The GAYVN is trying to sabatoge gay participation at TPF/GPF, I find that hard to believe since both sponsors of the GAYVN AWARDS SHOW are also Pride Sponsors of TPF/GPF. The GAYVN AWARDS SHOW is now open to the public and the industry.

In conclusion, I have several friends coming from overseas and the East Coast. They have decided to attend both TPF/GPF and the GAYVN AWARDS SHOW. Having the GAYVN AWARDS SHOW the weekend before TPF/GPF allows attendees of both to combine one trip to the West. With the GAYVN AWARDS SHOW host hotel, The Westin San Francisco Market Street, extending the $99 group rate for up to 3 days after the awards it makes it very affordable to stay in SF and then fly to PHX on the night before TPF/GPF starts. Whomever selected the dates certainly had East Coast and International visitors in mind.

That being said, I hope to see you and all the other members of GWW at the GAYVN AWARD SHOW!