The first annual Webmaster Access West conference was held over the weekend and found Webmasters from around the globe gathering to discuss the current state of the industry. Sponsored by Top Bucks, Epoch, ARS, Silvercash, Platinum Bucks and Epassporte, the event was held at Double Tree Hotel in Santa Monica, California and was a mix of seminars, cocktail parties, parties and informal meetings.
The first annual Webmaster Access West conference was held over the weekend and found Webmasters from around the globe gathering to discuss the current state of the industry. Sponsored by Top Bucks, Epoch, ARS, Silvercash, Platinum Bucks and Epassporte, the event was held at Double Tree Hotel in Santa Monica, California and was a mix of seminars, cocktail parties, parties and informal meetings.
Friday night was focuses mainly around a cocktail mixer at the hotel and a Hustler party held at Zanzibar in the evening.
On Saturday things got off to a rollicking start with the lively Where’s The Traffic? seminar hosted by YNOTBob. Discussing traffic management and generation, the seminar began with each panelist introducing themselves before taking questions from the crowd that covered everything from geo targeting to TPGs allegedly killing the industry to trading traffic. Python ‘cruise director” Aly Drummond, with her zesty Scottish accent, got the most laughs (on purpose, mind you) but also commanded the most respect with her clear knowledge of the business.
“The questions on everybody’s mind got answered,” commented panelist Aly, Director of Business Development of Top Bucks. “Everyone is looking for some specific, a detailed answer. ‘Tell me what to do?’ So hopefully we can help people with their problems but also address some broader issues.”
“The panel went excellent,” seconded Sex.com CEO Gary Kremen. “I think we were able to add a lot of value to even the most experienced Webmasters, who have really thought things through in a long time.”
“A lot of these conferences attract a lot of the newbies as well as the old timers, so most of the panels are geared more for people starting out,” noted Adult Friend Finder founder and CEO Andrew Conru. "They should have two seminars, the one for the people starting out and the one for the folks who’ve been around for a while. But to see what other people are going through is key to us. It keeps your finger on the pulse of the industry."
As the Legal Issues seminar began, YNOTBob grabbed some coffee the complimentary coffee and cookie bar and chatted with AVN.com
“The panel went great,” he enthused. “Anytime you’re trying to get different opinions on traffic to 300 people, it’s hard to pinpoint what people are looking for, but it was a good seminar and everybody is networking right now, so it’s a success. You can’t put a price on face-to-face contact. Networking is bigger than the dollar in this industry.”
“The face to face is the icing on the cake,” agreed Andrew. “We’re looking more for the deals than the parties, but of course some of the deal go on at three or four in the morning.”
Indeed. Many felt that the intimacy of this event worked to everyone’s advantage because they were able to spend more quality time with the folks they do business with or would like to do business with.
“Mostly I’m doing business with the people I already have established business with and then meeting a few new people too,” observed Legendary Lars. “I’m just keeping the relationships going with the big people in the industry. There a lot of new blood in the industry, with TPGs and stuff, and traffic changes from year to year, so you have it keep on top of it. You have to treat everyone with respect because you never know which newbie is going to rise to the top and be the guy you need to do a deal with later on.”
“Some of these smaller conferences are most effective because you get more attention and it’s quieter, so you get a little more personal with everybody,” said AdultLounge.com CEO Raffi Vartania. “Last night we just had a quiet dinner but a lot was accomplished over dinner. The industry keeps going and there’s more potential, that means there’s more businesses out there. The more newcomers we have, the more the industry keeps growing. That’s what we’re here for, to help Werbmasters.”
