Total Access
The Los Angeles, Ca. - and inaugural - edition of the Webmaster Access Shows kicked off in grand fashion Friday night at the trendy nightclub Zanzibar for the Hustler Experience Webmaster Party.
Before I even made it to Zanzibar, I spent some quality time at the weekend's headquarters inside the Santa Monica Doubletree Hotel. There was a relaxing cocktail party in the hotel's garden terrace for Webmasters and guests to unwind and chitchat before heading out to the first of the weekend's parties.
| Tony Morgan (left) from National Net and Greg Dumas from Faster Bucks |
After I registered, I sauntered to the bar to get a cocktail. Later I caught up with the always charming Joan Irvine of ASACP, made a new friend with the affable Beth Belcher from TabooRevenue.com and had the distinct pleasure to spend time chatting with the stunning Janice Haywood from Cybersocket, my new crush.
There were many familiar faces scattered about the hotel, and I was happy to relax a bit and catch up with AEBN.net's Cynthia Kwasny, KB and LA Jay.
After a few beverages it was time to head down the road to the club for some fun. On a chilly November evening the crowd inside the Moroccan-themed Zanzibar was otherwise red-hot as they schmoozed at the bar while the DJ was spinning some deep, eclectic and very funky grooves.
| Registration |
Before the place was totally overflowing, I had a quick chat with Lensman of GFY who told me he couldn't be happier with the turnout for the weekend. He commented on GFY's important reach within the Webmaster community and said these new 'access' shows catered to the "top and most serious Webmasters."
Lensman also said it was very important, in terms of the success of the 'access' shows, to get the top companies in the industry to come aboard as sponsors, which they did. He said that deals are being done all the time and that these new Webmaster events can be a nice compliment to other shows, most notably Internext, where just about all of the Webmasters in Los Angeles over the weekend will happily reconvene and see each other again in a few months. In an industry where business is on a never-ending cycle, a show like this provides a nice opportunity for Webmasters to stay connected, year round.
The Los Angeles show is the first of three that have been scheduled; the other two are set for Atlanta, GA, February 19-21, and Montreal, Quebec, July 10-12.
After another libation I hung out with the lovely Kayla of KaylaCam.com, the weekend's Event Coordinator who had a hand in just about everything going on over the weekend.
I peeked outside and the line of guests was getting bigger. Partygoers were most eager to partake in a little La La Land fun. On my way back inside I bumped into Darren Davis from Flynt Digital who I thanked for making sure I was on the VIP list and then introduced myself to Holly Moss of Goodthinxx.com, who was most delightful.
It was quite a night. I really didn't know what to expect, but I couldn't have been happier with the outcome. I didn't stay too late at the bar, but as I walked back to my car with the cold air blowing against my face, I just knew the excitement of the Webmaster Access Show was only beginning.
