Don't get me wrong, I love seeing all my friends at shows, and I still do business regardless, since I'm in billing; but it seems to me that shows are not nearly what they used to be, especially for the affiliate managers who are trying to pick up new business.
Personally I think that shows should be very cheap, or free, to affiliates. I suspect that there are tons of new affiliates in the mainstream market that would be curious about making money in adult, but are frozen out by the high cost of going to shows. Even if free entrance for affiliates would result in higher costs to sponsors, those higher costs would be justified by the new business coming into them.
Back in 2000/2001, shows seemed to really cater to affiliates. Now it seems that there has become a solid "in crowd" that does not welcome newcomers, and spend their time at shows hanging out with people that they know. I'm certain that there are newbie affiliates out there that have some great new concepts and perspectives for getting traffic, but they can't afford to come to shows and really break into the business.
I'm actually curious to see what happens at the Miami show next month. With the mixing of different aspects of the industry, there may be chances for some interesting cross-pollination and new angles on doing business, (rather than the attitude of some, which is that it will be "watered down").
Have shows become too insular and inward looking?
Anyone else have any thoughts on this?
