AMSTERDAM, Netherlands—The international tech community came out in force Thursday evening for a pair of opening events to usher in the 12th edition of Webmaster Access.
Adult digital professionals from more than 50 countries began gathering at the DoubleTree by Hilton Centraal Station for what will be four days of networking, dealmaking and education set against the gorgeous backdrop of the capital city of Netherlands.
Early-bird registration was brisk on the first afternoon as a diverse group of executives got reacquainted with the cozy property that seems tailor-made for the industry’s original webmaster show, which this year is being presented for the third time by BitterStrawberry.
As the sun began to set on an unseasonably warm, 80-degree day, Webmaster Access attendees made the scenic walk to Hannekes Boom, the casual bar and grill situated right on the canal that played host to the second annual Beer & BBQ sponsored by EroAdvertising.
Billed as “the best place in Amsterdam,” Hannekes lived up to its reputation again as show-goers soaked in the waterfront view while doing laps to the open bar and generous buffet spread of brats, hamburgers, hot sausage, salad and fruit.
Among the first-timers in the crowd was Alex Duke, a native of Ukraine who lives in Moscow who this week is pursuing his dream in Amsterdam as he promotes his new site BangLovers.com. Duke, the business development director, said he built a free, community-first portal “where visitors matter.”
Meanwhile the Head of LeadBit, Alsu Khashanshina, mingled in the bar, discussing her affiliate network and handing out her business card to several new contacts. Khashanshina is one of the featured speakers on Webmaster Access’ first-ever Eastern Europe-focused seminar at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Hilton.
On the other end of Hannekes, Wilson Tong, the founder and fairs director of the Asia Adult Expo in Hong Kong, also made the rounds for the first time at Webmaster Access. His objective was simple: “I want to find out what people think of the Asian market,” said Tong, an adult industry pioneer in the Far East whose growing trade show in late August is the only adult event of its kind in Hong Kong.
The U.S. contingent already made its presence felt at Hannekes as American personalties such as adult star James Deen turned up the volume. Deen said he was in town for meetings regarding his newly launched hardcore site, Analized.com, as well as TwistedVisual.com and his burgeoning James Deen Cash affiliate network.
One of James Deen Cash’s themes is “no one knows porn better.”
The lively Beer & BBQ got everyone well-lubed for the official Welkom Party sponsored by CCBill, which got underway during the 9 o’clock hour inside the incomparable SkyLounge on the top floor of the host hotel.
As a DJ played house music, the party continued in the upscale club that is one of the signature nightspots in the city thanks to the remarkable panoramic views.
“This show has grown into such a great presence in the market,” said Gary Jackson, managing vice president of sales for CCBill. “It’s one of the best shows in Europe and it was great to kick off the show last night as we’re launching CCBill Pay, our new wallet.
“We’re launching it here and we’re really excited about that. It’s going to change the way we do business.”
CCBill Pay is the newest part of the company’s FlexForms system which allows its clients’ customers to join sites, buy time or checkout their cart with a simple login. A buyer can store their credit card info and currency choices at checkout to use again on any CCBill site using FlexForms.
The opening night of festivities went well into the wee hours, setting the tone for a full weekend that starts Friday with a couple of must-attend functions for Webmaster Access—Speed Networking and the anticipated Meet Market in which more than 60 of the top companies at the conference will be showcasing their newest products and innovations.
On Friday night, the Santa-Monica-based Epoch will celebrate a historic milestone as a leader in global payment solutions when it hosts its 20th Anniversary Party at the Sea Palace, the first floating restaurant in Europe that is a landmark in the heart of Amsterdam.
For the full schedule of events, click here.
