Shows do you go?
 

Saw the Amsterdam show announcement and what I would love to know from program owners, operators, affiliates how do you justify sending/going to these shows?

What do you use as a judgment on their success?

And finally are there any shows you actually think are worth going to?

As someone who has run programs and gone to too many shows I always wonder how others base their show success and how they feel shows ROI is?

We've only attended one industry show (as vendors) over the years - the first Bondcon in Queens, NY (just weeks after 9/11). Everything was trial-and-error at the time, but we were fortunate to sell enough merch to cover all our expenses with a modest profit.

Despite the city still reeling from the WTC attacks, the show was a great success for everyone involved. It even had a secondary impact nobody had anticipated. The Crowne Plaza Hotel was hosting an understandably somber memorial reception for the 9/11 firefighters and families in the ballroom across from the Bondcon area - and towards the end of the evening many of the firefighters came over to meet 'n greet with the bondage models and producers. They told us later it really helped take their minds off the tragedy for a short while...and they were genuinely thankful for the brief distraction.

Digress aside - it was a success for us since we were able to finally meet a lot of fellow colleagues we've known online for many years...and interact with fans and members on our sites.

One of the memorable highlights was having Rick Savage drop by our booth and tell us he'd been a fan of our stuff for years. :)

I don't go to shows. I'm 100% an affiliate. There really is no point other then a tax write off for me.

I do go to (U.S. based) shows. However, I am becoming more choosy which I go to.

If you go to the shows, you will start to realize just how different "the industry" is. Especially versus the perception on the boards. If you think the boards are a fair representation of what is going on, and what the BROS are into. You'd be mistaken.

The tone of the shows will give you new insight on just how divided the monoliths are from what you perceive on the boards as equals in this business. The BRO agenda is not always the same as public perception.

For me, the shows help you stay ahead of the curve and see what is coming down the pipe, and what others are working on. More importantly, you will have people telling you the TRUTH about if they are up or down, versus on the board where everyone is still pimpin' unaffected.

:2 cents:

I don`t go on the shows cause they are too far from me and plus i need lot of papers to get out

Well, not going actually but I saw Motorhead and Heaven and Hell, want to go to AC/DC here in Brazil, if they really come here coz' I don't think so...

We used to go to a lot of them but haven't been to one for over a year. I definitely feel a bit "out of the loop" now, but I can't say it has affected business negatively.

:arcadefre

Haven't gone to a show in terms of adult no..

but alot of metal shows: upcoming include: Devildriver, Chimaira & various tours with bands

never been to any shows in my 11 years in the biz, but who knows, maybe some day ill go just for fun and get a vacation at the same time

Tranza bot took over again i see, oh well....:1orglaugh

Interesting how the affiliates all saying no i dont go, and a few program reps say yeah i go and its great for biz. I think the only point of any of these shows now is to do b2b sales deals. Affiliates do not go to shows and havent for years, so then what is the real value of an adult show? can't those deals be done on the phone? and then why dont adult webmasters go to mainstream web shows?

Again, its not accurate to generalize with assumptions.

Speaking for myself...while we've only attended as vendors once - we've gone to numerous adult industry shows over the years. Most recently the Everything To Do With Sex Show in Toronto several times.

Trade sales shows i wouldnt put in the same category, essentially you can monetize those on sales at the event, I am more discussing "industry" shows as internext, xbiz, webmaster access, etc

Dude this was a perfect opportunity for you to spam my show LOL...

See sig. At Cybernet Expo, business, ROI and networking have ALWAYS been our top priorities.

I'm strictly an affiliate, so for me a show is a chance to get out of Dodge for a few days, talk biz with peeps face to face, get some new ideas, bring back a few old ideas, and in general just recharge the inspirational batteries.

I generally pick one or two shows a year to attend. Cybernet Expo is a no brainer for me, as my brother lives in SF. I'm still undecided if I'll go to any others this year.

Speaking of Cybernet, I'm still looking to meet up with sponsors that have sites with a focus on fetish wear (latex, pvc, boots, high heels, stockings, etc.) or solo girl sites with a substantial amount of said same content. Please hit me on ICQ. :)

Sorry man. I'm slipping in the early AM. :Oh crap

Yes. I'll be at CYBERNET EXPO in SAN FRAN at the END OF JUNE!

:winkwink: