Webmaster Access Amsterdam vs Barcelona Summit - we need your thoughts...

[Side Chick]

As we continue to move forward, I am hearing some very disturbing things. So we would like to clear the air publicly.

First of all, we never had any intention of not doing Webmaster Access Amsterdam. This show has been a staple in the industry for over 5 years.

Second, many people are hitting me up asking why the two shows didn't communicate. The truth is that we did have communications including discussions about how we might work together. This is why the Barcelona announcement came as such a surprise to us. Even after the announcement, we tried to come to a working solution that would not only benefit both shows, but also create something special for the entire industry. Unfortunately, our efforts were not successful.

I know many people are expressing their concerns, and rightfully so. Having two shows at the exact same time benefits no one. We are very sensitive to this issue and have always prided ourselves on working closely with all show coordinators to make sure that we did the best we could to not step on each other?s toes. But this is where we are now, and at this point all we can do is make sure we are 100% focused on delivering a great experience to our attendees and sponsors.

We would love to hear your thoughts not only on this subject, but also on how we can continue to make the Webmaster Access Amsterdam Event the best it has ever been.

Thank you,

Shelly

[CarlosTheGaucho]

It's a total and complete non sense to have two European shows at the same term.

Especially if one of them is a well US attended show with plenty of Dutch locals and a major tradition like WMA 2010.

[Jman]

Amazing business and people to meet at WA Amsterdam. Why anyone would book something during the same dates baffles me.

I hope you guys can come up with a good solution ;-)

[MaDalton]

Originally Posted by CarlosTheGaucho

It's a total and complete non sense to have two European shows at the same term.

Especially if one of them is a well US attended show with plenty of Dutch locals and a major tradition like WMA 2010.

what he said...

[Roald]

So does this post mean that the dates are not set in stone yet? Just wondering, really liked the last barca show but Amsterdam will be soo much easier for us.

[fuzebox]

Andreas seems either naive or arrogant. I'll be attending the amsterdam show.

[RyuLion]

We'll for starters, there hasn't been a WM show this year vs. there was already a Barcelona show..

[Wizzo]

I would enjoy going to Barcelona but no way could I turn my back on WAA to do it. So being that Barcelona is the newbie they should reconsider the dates because I, along with many others, will be in Amsterdam!

[MaDalton]

Originally Posted by Wizzo

I would enjoy going to Barcelona but no way could I turn my back on WAA to do it. So being that Barcelona is the newbie they should reconsider the dates because I, along with many others, will be in Amsterdam!

how about some wooden shoes??

[Wizzo]

Originally Posted by MaDalton

how about some wooden shoes??

Only if they match my Lederhosen at Octoberfest following Amsterdam...

[Side Chick]

YEP!!! Our dates are locked and we hope we'll see everybody there.

[baddog]

I had people approach me at the Phoenix Forum about this issue. While I really enjoyed the first TBS, there is no way I would do it instead of WA.

I did research and figured that if there were 2-3 days between them, it would make economic sense to attend both. If they are a week or more apart, I doubt I could justify the extended stay.

JMHO

[Studly_Ron]

I think it's going to be a great show!!!

[LoveSandra]

see my sig

[Just Mike]

i really wanted to attend both but if I have to choose one...it will be Amsterdam

I continually get more business done there then all my other shows combined.

[jmk]

Always loved the Webmaster Access show, for both the business and fun aspects

[GTS Mark]

I love Barcelona, but I'll be going to the WAA show. Hopefully this guy reconsiders and re-schedules his conference.

[AdultEUhost]

Originally Posted by Side Chick

YEP!!! Our dates are locked and we hope we'll see everybody there.

good to know

[Imortyl Pussycat]

very well said Shell there is absolutely nothing more you can do about the issue at this point except maybe offer some kind of discount for those that can prove they attended a day in Barca but also needed to see people in Dam. I can't imagine too many people would feel they had to see client's in both places but you never know when forced to choose like this. I am 99.9% sure that every person who attended last years WA in Amsterdam will be there again this year, it was amazing for business and everyone said so.

[JFK]

Originally Posted by Studly_Ron

I think it's going to be a great show!!!

Yes indeed, it always is

[undersoul]

been to WA Amsterdam once and it was great. hoping to go this year again. Summit or not.

[ajrocks]

Amsterdam of course, its been a great show and everything a webmaster could ever want it there and legal. To be honest I couldn't be bothered to go to Spain.

[Princess Ellisa]

If I had to pick one it would be Amsterdam as it has been consistently awesome for everyone, me included. I really wanted to attend Barcelona but to be honest if it was one or the other it would be WA hands down. I thought Barcelona Summit just happened ... why are they planning another one for the same year anyhow?

[TheStout]

Went to Bacelona last year - Great show
Been to Amsterdam last three years - My favorite show

I will be in Amsterdam. Also has the Oktoberfest Gathering officially teamed up with the Barcelona show?

[Sharky]

WAA has been one of the best biz shows for me over the last few years. I have made many valuable contacts there. I would love to attend the Barcelona show, as I have heard good things as well, but I won't be skipping WAA for it.

[fuzebox]

Originally Posted by baddog

I did research and figured that if there were 2-3 days between them, it would make economic sense to attend both.

I would definitely hit both if they rescheduled Barcelona a few days earlier...

[CE_Ardy]

I have been fortunate enough to attend the Amsterdam show the past 3 years and it has always been an excellent turnout combined with a great enviroment for our very diverse crowd. The show has always given those of accross the pond a chance to catch up with our friends accross the Atlantic......The dates for WA have always been pretty steady in the month of September leading to the beginning of Oktoberfest, another event enjoyed by many people that attend the WA show.

I have not attended the Barcelona Summit but have heard good things about the turn out, venue, and overall vibe of the show, I had my doubts at first but after all the positive feedback I was planning to have the CE team attend the next one......

Unfortunately not all of us have time to be away from the office for such a long duration, Barcalona is a very warm climate, there are so many other months that the show could be comitted to, it could easily be placed anytime between April and October....WA should be given its respect for being the premier adult show in europe for the month of september for several years and not have to compete with a newbie for attendance....

The more threads and feedback I see the more clear the message is, "Move The Barcelona summit to another month so we can all attend both." WA hotel is sold out every single year I have attended, isn't that a clear enough message that its a solid show that people want to attend even though its more costly than most other shows being that its an overseas trip?

I'm not much for pointing fingers and placing blame, but I see a simple solution to a small problem, move the dates of TBS to a good time that will allow more people to attend.....i doubt anyone took any oaths in blood, whats the big deal? The industry needs more than 1 show a year in europe for the online side, I think the organizers of TBS should own up and make an intelligent decision to please those in the industry that ultimately provide the means and support for such trade shows to exist...

[Eric]

Thank you all for the votes of confidence. We cut all our shows this year except for the Amsterdam event so we could provide you all with the best networking, education, and all around enjoyment possible.

I look forward to seeing everyone there.

[OY]

Personally I have been to the Amsterdam show for a few years and I find it extremely valuable for Mansion Productions to be represented there on a business level.

I have not yet been to a Barcelona show but was considering it as I have also heard good things about Andreas' show.

However, if I have to choose because of same show dates I will choose WMA and instead visit the Barca show in spring.

[AdultEUhost]

We should do poker in amsterdam Oystein

[Side Chick]

We appreciate all the support from you guys!
Without you.... our show wouldn't be the same.

See you there!

[ThumbLord]

Amsterdam all the way.

Andreas is either arrogant or plain stupid, I do not understand his sponsors as well, why would you go to Barcelona when in Amsterdam you have a well US attended show with plenty of Dutch locals like me

Another thing that is disturbing is that the Oktoberfest Gathering officially teamed up with the Barcelona show, makes me go hmmmmm.

FUCKING MOVE BARCELONA so we can attend both shows, although to be honest I think that the way Andreas is handling his business would be a reason for me NOT to attend, but heh that is me.

[Ivo]

Originally Posted by DrinkingHARDEST

I love Barcelona, but I'll be going to the WAA show. Hopefully this guy reconsiders and re-schedules his conference.

Do you go to Amsterdam because they have a disco cab there?

[Tanker]

Originally Posted by Ivo

Do you go to Amsterdam because they have a disco cab there?

Ivo You know he does!


I have to say Amsterdam over Barcelona as well!

[RyuLion]

Originally Posted by RyuLion

We'll for starters, there hasn't been a WM show this year vs. there was already a Barcelona show..

Originally Posted by Eric

Thank you all for the votes of confidence. We cut all our shows this year except for the Amsterdam event so we could provide you all with the best networking, education, and all around enjoyment possible.

I look forward to seeing everyone there.

What's what I said! WTH!

[Adam_M]

I would really love to do both since EU is such a long trip for us, but if forced to lick one I will be attending the Amsterdam show. If BCN was a few days before or after both would be a sure thing for me.

[Ivo]

Originally Posted by Adam_WildCash

I would really love to do both since EU is such a long trip for us, but if forced to lick one I will be attending the Amsterdam show. If BCN was a few days before or after both would be a sure thing for me.

See you in Amsterdam brutha..

[WiredGuy]

Looks like everyone would rather do Amsterdam over Barcelona.
WG

[Barefootsies]

Originally Posted by Side Chick

As we continue to move forward, I am hearing some very disturbing things. So we would like to clear the air publicly.

First of all, we never had any intention of not doing Webmaster Access Amsterdam. This show has been a staple in the industry for over 5 years.

Second, many people are hitting me up asking why the two shows didn't communicate. The truth is that we did have communications including discussions about how we might work together. This is why the Barcelona announcement came as such a surprise to us. Even after the announcement, we tried to come to a working solution that would not only benefit both shows, but also create something special for the entire industry. Unfortunately, our efforts were not successful.

I know many people are expressing their concerns, and rightfully so. Having two shows at the exact same time benefits no one. We are very sensitive to this issue and have always prided ourselves on working closely with all show coordinators to make sure that we did the best we could to not step on each other?s toes. But this is where we are now, and at this point all we can do is make sure we are 100% focused on delivering a great experience to our attendees and sponsors.

We would love to hear your thoughts not only on this subject, but also on how we can continue to make the Webmaster Access Amsterdam Event the best it has ever been.

Thank you,

Shelly

Thanks for clearing that up hot stuff.
*winks suggestively*

[NETbilling]

I wanted to attend the summit. However, we had such a great time at WA last year, I would not skip it to attend Barcelona. If it works, out and they are right next to each other, we would attend both. I love the vibe of Amsterdam and the show itself.

Maybe we should do a Porn Poker Tour suite there?

Those damn coffeeshops.....

[Czech]

Webmaster Access Amsterdam all the way!

[darksoul]

I subscribe to the majority above. I wanted to visit Barcelona as well but if I'm forced to choose I'll pick Amsterdam.

[BoardiesBitch]

BARCELONA

I have attented both shows (Amsterdam in 2005,2006,2007,2008) and Barcelona (2009-2010) and Amsterdam does not EVEN compete with Barcelona...

September in Barcelona is perfect weather, not too hot, we can be making business around the pool, go out in all the clubs the city offers, go to the beach, have GREAT food and so...

I like Amsterdam a lot but i there is no way im missing the Barcelona show!

[AaronM]

When I got this bullshit response from Andreas I made a conscious decision to never attend one of his shows.

"Barcelona Guy Apr 20, 2010 07:17am
Hi Aaron,

Yes, it's a pity how that worked out. I will contact WMA these
days to see if we cannot do a combination AMS 21-23, BCN 24-26,
MUN 27-29, so that people got the chance to visit all 3 events.

Kindest Regards,
Andreas "

Andreas wants to play stupid with his "it's a pity" remark when he knew all along that the dates conflicted. Then he claims he want's to do a "combination" event and expects WA to be the one to move their dates.

He made a decision to compete head to head with the WA show and now he is spamming multiple social networks trying to gain support for his fuck up.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by AaronM

When I got this bullshit response from Andreas I made a conscious decision to never attend one of his shows.

"Barcelona Guy Apr 20, 2010 07:17am
Hi Aaron,

Yes, it's a pity how that worked out. I will contact WMA these
days to see if we cannot do a combination AMS 21-23, BCN 24-26,
MUN 27-29, so that people got the chance to visit all 3 events.

Kindest Regards,
Andreas "

Andreas wants to play stupid with his "it's a pity" remark when he knew all along that the dates conflicted. Then he claims he want's to do a "combination" event and expects WA to be the one to move their dates.

He made a decision to compete head to head with the WA show and now he is spamming multiple social networks trying to gain support for his fuck up.

BCN 21-23, AMS 24-26, MUN 27-29 would be perfect.

[wielco]

Im allready there, anyone booked an early flight and wanna go for a drink tonight to talk some business ;)

[Bryan G]

Originally Posted by Ivo

Do you go to Amsterdam because they have a disco cab there?

[AdultEUhost]

Originally Posted by wielco

Im allready there, anyone booked an early flight and wanna go for a drink tonight to talk some business ;)

first round is on me

[Tasty1]

I also think the dates are set this way on purpose. Barcelona wants to compete with the Amsterdam show. Probably some sponsors want a good show in Barcelona.

Now the webmaster access Amsterdam has to be very good, so people will attend next year also. Change of hotel could be good. What else is gonna be new/better?

I'll be in Amsterdam.

[Bugbee]

see you all in Amsterdam!!