TEMPE, Ariz. - The Forums Company LLC has rescheduled the second Gay Phoenix Forum to run in conjunction with the Phoenix Forum at the Tempe Mission Palms from March 27 to 30, 2008.
"As hosting committee for the event, we believe that bringing the two groups together will create a strong synergy for participants that would be missing if the two events were held separately," said Ron Cadwell, president and chief executive officer of CCBill and Cavecreeke Web Hosting. "This combined format will ultimately allow us to provide an even more comprehensive trade-conference experience geared toward the adult online business community as a whole, and provide attendees the chance to network with both straight and gay peers at a single show with a single hotel and airfare cost."
Before the first Gay Phoenix Forum in October 2006, the Phoenix Forum was one of the first adult-industry trade shows to recognize the benefits of bridging the gap between the gay and straight sectors of the market. The event paved the way for similar networking events, including the GAYVN Summit held in February and the GAYVN Retreat set for October.
"When we discovered the scheduling conflicts between this year's Gay Phoenix Forum and the GAYVN Retreat, we carefully considered feedback from the community on how to proceed with our show," said Laurie Biviano, CCBill's vice president of education and marketing. "From what we heard, too many shows [held] too close together would be financially restrictive to some in our community, so we chose to join the two forums together. We believe this new format gives both our attendees and sponsors a chance to leverage our gay and non-gay peers with one amazing spring event."
Biviano said the concurrent forums will give those in the gay sector a chance to share information with those in both sectors of the adult industry, and the Gay Phoenix Forum will help spotlight "gay-oriented" events, educational opportunities and seminar tracks.
The goal, according to show organizers, is to present webmaster opportunities in both market segments while offering the intimacy of an event limited to the gay market.
"The Phoenix Forum has always encouraged diversity through the structured format and inclusive nature of the show," Biviano said. "This new inclusive format will follow the same philosophy and provide an unparalleled opportunity for many companies that cross-sell within both markets. Whether gay or straight, each attendee will have the chance to attend any party or seminar they choose."
Registration includes entry to both forums, which will feature targeted activities and seminars throughout the three-day event. Sponsorship for both forums offers companies exposure in both business groups. For more information, visit ThePhoenixForum.com.