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:withstupi (sorry, I always wanted to use that…)
I have been wondering the same thing as stupid. I have never been to an industry event. Is it worth it? I have a family, and explaining why I have to go to Amsterdam will be a chore to say the least…
On the other hand, I have been very concerned with the industy as of late. A chance to discus these isues in person with people in the know sounds good. But then again, is anyone really in the know these days?
Quote:I have been wondering the same thing as stupid. I have never been to an industry event. Is it worth it?Unless you go to one you simply wont know what you are missing. Its hard to quantify the value of:
1. Meeting with friends and people you talk with online all year. Finally putting a face with the name makes things “real”. The best friends I have are the people I met in this industry. And I wouldnt have had that experience If I never really met them or shared a meal or a drink together with them. How much is THAT worth?
2. I always develop new business and new business relationships at the events I attend. There IS a financial benefit to attending events.
3. When you finally attend Industry events, then you are truly acknowleding your level of commitment to the industry and people take that into consideration when dealing with you. You become a Player in the field rather then a casual observer.
4. You firm up existing relationships with the affiliate managers you work with and you are real person in their eyes, not just another affiliate number on a screen. This has value, believe me.
Rather then ask the people who have NEVER attended an event and probably never will why THEY dont go. Ask the people who do go and read the feedback they have provided after attending an event. That’s real data and not speculation. I think you will find that almost universally the comments are the same “I never realized what I was missing and I am glad I made the effort to attend”.
You can’t ask someone who has never done something to describe it or explain what’s the big deal about it. They just dont get it.
Thanks for your support Satya!!!
GOONER:
Thank you again for your comments and your honesty.
As far as the travel and expenses, I can certainly understand. You may be interested to know that we are planning a CAC for Macao in November of this year. That is a little closer to you so I hope that we may just see you at a CAC one day after all
Please know that the now infamous signs of which you speak of were very much misinterpreted and were not aimed at those who chose not to attend but rather were meant to unify and encourage the people in this industry to stand up and fight for our personal freedoms. In addition, nothing that was said was intended to be insulting.
Everyone was facing pressure and the uncertainty of what was to be in the near future was the cause of an emotional reaction.
I hope that we can now all put the past behind us, where it belongs, and move on to work together and succeed.
Having said all of this, please know that I do welcome your comments and will openly discuss this matter with you further at anytime via a private discussion. I trust that you can understand and respect that.
All the best,
MarketaThanks Professor! Just what I was going to say
In addition…
STUPID and ih82lose:
Can someone explain (without any marketing pitches) what exactly is one to expect from CAC in general?
You can expect a lot of things at this event. The most important of which, this year, is having the opportunity to dissect and thoroughly discuss the impeding problems that this industry faces following the US law passed last fall. In addition, you have a chance to sit down face to face with the affiliate programs you work with to discuss any issues and answer any questions that you or they may have. This also gives you a great opportunity to really get to know your affiliate manager, which can never be a bad thing. Most exhibitors/affiliate programs also have an exhibitor seminar series where you can learn everything about a current program you work with or get to know one you may have thought about working with in the future. There is also the chance to meet new prospective programs and to meet and network with other affiliates, and top industry professionals which brings me to my next point.
Also I was looking trough the speakers and the agenda (95% of which is still to be announced), and I really did not see any names in the marketing business which I have ever heard of.
The times of the presentations have not been finalized but will be this week so be sure to check back soon. However, the majority of speakers have already been confirmed. To see this list please go to:
http://www.casinoaffiliateconvention.com/speakers-amsterdam-2007.php
More speakers will be added in the coming weeks. The CAC has always been proud to give the industry the very best of the best in all fields whether it be payments, software, SEO. We only choose the brightest in their fields to come and present and we have always received positive feedback on this.
Anyone cares to justufy the on-average $3-4,000 expense associated with this trip?
I can assure you that your expenses for this trip will not be anywhere near $3000. I don’t know where you are but Amsterdam is a major international airport and carriers like Continental fly there for as little as $500 from Newark, NJ. An affiliate can attend for free so your pass is not an expense. Which leaves the hotel.
P.S. I know the hotel is close to the Red Light District , but I dont think most affiliates will be able to afford a room that close to the palace.
The Krasnapolsky is a bit expensive but there are hundreds of less expensive hotels where you can stay and all are relatively close to the venue.
The Netherlands uses the Euro which is only about 15% over the US dollar so anything you buy is relative to the dollar.
Keep in mind that the event is 3 days. We provide breakfast and lunch and alcohol and food is provided at the parties.
So I would guestimate a total cost for the entire trip at around $1200-$1500 and that’s pushing it.I have been wondering the same thing as stupid. I have never been to an industry event. Is it worth it? I have a family, and explaining why I have to go to Amsterdam will be a chore to say the least…On the other hand, I have been very concerned with the industy as of late. A chance to discus these isues in person with people in the know sounds good. But then again, is anyone really in the know these days?
While Amsterdam isn’t exactly a family destination there are many things to do outside the city like day trips to see the tulips and festivals. The city itself has an amazing history and staying out of the Red Light is quite easy. It’s only one small part of the city. So I suggest maybe bringing your family along?
In regards to your question, “is it worth it?” I think that you may have answered that yourself with expressing your concern with the issues we are all facing within the industry. Like I said to Stupid above, we take pride in our speakers, in their knowledge and in their dedication in what they do. You asked if anyone is really in the know and the answer is YES. One person can’t know everything but all our presenters know a lot about one thing…maybe everything there is to know. I am sure that you would get many answers to many unanswered questions . There is also the chance to meet and network with fellow affiliates.
I hope that I answered all of your questions. Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you have anymore questions or concerns.
Best regards,
Marketa
Director of Marketing
Casino Affiliate Convention
http://www.CAC2007.com
MSN IM: Shashire@hotmail.com
Marketa@CAC2007.comWE KNOW YOU…WE ARE YOU…CASINO AFFILIATE CONVENTION
Dont get offended – I am just trying to justify a big expense in though times like the ones now.
Your account of $1,500 for 3 days in Amsterdam would not even touch it. In May I will be shocked if you find a decent hotel for less than 200 euros a night (one bed), and when you order in Burger King – hold on to your hat
Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, and I would like to see something tangible out of a huge expense, then just my peers opinion (which I get for free at this and other similar forums) or meeting them (which I could do for $9.95 at Chilies), or meeting an affiliate manager (which I have done, and yet they still left the US market).Your company has provided very good speakers for other types of affiliate conventions, as far as I see, even “Representative Brian Patrick Kennedy (Chairman, House Committee on Corporations for the Rhode Island House of Representatives)” for your pharmaceutical conference for example. And yet, you have failed to do so for our industry (no offence, but I really dont see why I should pay for someones opinion when I get it free every day).
Also, I see only one company which provides sports betting, and it’s a well known fact that in Europe sports betting is 10 times more popular form of gambling than casinos and poker rooms…
The Professors’s arguments cannot justify such an expence by no means, however, since he is on the “Adisory board” (whatever that means) I have not expected any different reaction.
You have to understand that times are really, really tough right now, and you have to work much harder than usual to bring people to one of the most expensive cities in the world to listen to Dominique and the Professor (we do this for free here), J Todd (we do this for free every week), M. Corfman (we do this for free at GPWA) and so on… Not to mention that the comapnies which will speak on “SEO” issues could not be found on any search engine…
S.
Dont get offended – I am just trying to justify a big expense in though times like the ones now.
I am not offended at all. We welcome your feedback and we appreciate it. You can’t imagine how difficult it is to get constructive criticism. It’s valuable and we try and do our best to “take requests”
and to do what we can to fulfill them.Your account of $1,500 for 3 days in Amsterdam would not even touch it. In May I will be shocked if you find a decent hotel for less than 200 euros a night (one bed),
I honestly belive that my budgeting makes sense. I frequent Amsterdam and would be happy to send you some more info on your hotel options.
Your company has provided very good speakers for other types of affiliate conventions, as far as I see, even “Representative Brian Patrick Kennedy (Chairman, House Committee on Corporations for the Rhode Island House of Representatives)” for your pharmaceutical conference for example. And yet, you have failed to do so for our industry.
Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to get influential or controversial speakers to commit to or even to consider to speak, especially those who are in government positions and this was difficult even before the new legislation. You can imagine then, I’m sure, how much harder it became for us to find law makers and decision makers after October 13. Those who were weary before were the ones who could have possibly been persuaded. Now it’s much harder. We do have some politicians on our side though just FYI and we did have a state representative from North Dakota speak at our Poker Expo in Costa Rica in December. He is a strong voice in legislating and legalizing online poker rooms in his state. We work really hard to get the top dogs to come and speak to our attendees. We do this in part because we have a big voice in this industry and also because we believe in it and want to succeed and want you to succeed as well. Believe me when I tell you that everyday we are contacting the big dogs for this event but in the end it is only they who make the ultimate decision to come. After all, by participating, they publicly acknowledge their support of this industry. Unfortunately, in these times, this is a very risky move. Unfortunate but understandable.
As far as the other sessions and topics, I can promise you a line up of the best of the best in their fields.
Also, I see only one company which provides sports betting, and it’s a well known fact that in Europe sports betting is 10 times more popular form of gambling than casinos and poker rooms…
We have many sports betting companies that will be in attendance at this event. As a matter of fact the 3 biggest UK sports books are exhibiting and have taken 3 of the major sponsorships. With William Hill as a Bronze sponsor and Ladbrokes and Victor Chandler as the 2 Gold sponsors.
You have to understand that times are really, really tough right now, and you have to work much harder than usual to bring people to one of the most expensive cities in the world
We do understand that times are tough right now…we feel it too and we are working 5x harder than before, just like everyone else to pull through this. I have to say that the one thing I don’t agree with you about is that Amsterdam is an expensive city. It’s really not and I would be more than happy to help you with finding a hotel and getting you or anyone else to Amsterdam on my proposed budget. Really, if that is your concern or anyone else’s, as one of the people who help put this event together I don’t mind helping anyone to figure out an inexpensive way to attend.
Last year I may not have been able to offer you such a detailed argument for why you should attend CAC, but then, we all know that last year was a very different time. Perhaps last year you may have not thought twice about attending as your travel costs may not have been an issue. But it is what it is…here we are…all of us, one way or another affected strongly by the recent changes in this business. I guess though, that in the end, THAT is my final argument as to why you should come to CAC this May. We all need to work together here and find alternatives, solutions, and brainstorm as an industry so that we all come out of this on top.
But, just like the speakers of which I spoke above, whom have to weigh their decision on participating, you too have to make the ultimate decision. With them it may be their careers that they worry about and with you perhaps it is a question of cost yes, but more so you question the benefits which you may or may not get. What will you really get for your money? I can’t honestly answer that.
What I can tell you is that CAC Amsterdam promises to be a huge success and the chance that you will make a new business connection is quite high…the future of this industry is what is on everyone’s mind…perhaps the key to that door lies in Amsterdam.
Kind regards,
MarketaHere’s my opinion on all of this.
1. Amsterdam is very expensive so you will need to take this into consideration. It’s pretty much $5 for a small glass of coke. The hotel is quite outrageous for what you get. I had a shit internet connection the whole time I was there last time and I was paying a stupid amount for the internet.
2. Coming in from New Zealand or Australia is a long flight. I can see the hesitation. I honestly dont know if I would be willing to fly that far. The fursthest I would go for a conference is 10 hours or so. I’ve flown to australia and south africa from canada and i know how painful long flights are.
3. Last time Amsterdam was quite cold. This was the reason I was not planning on going back. But being in Early May this time it should not be too bad.
On a positive note:
1. You might be able to get the conference pass for free.
2. The networking is valuable.
3. You can negotiate with affiliate managers for better commissions and this should eventually pay for your trip depending on how much volume you can bring in.
4. It’s fun to meet up with people you’ve been chatting with over the internet.
antoine wrote:Here’s my opinion on all of this.…
2. Coming in from New Zealand or Australia is a long flight. I can see the hesitation. I honestly dont know if I would be willing to fly that far. The fursthest I would go for a conference is 10 hours or so. I’ve flown to australia and south africa from canada and i know how painful long flights are.
The cost of a flight from Sydney to Amsterdam is up between $2200 and $3800 for economy depending on what flights are available at that time of year.
(I just felt like piping in coz I’m in Aussie land and the cost of flights from here to Europe SUCK.)Renee wrote:The cost of a flight from Sydney to Amsterdam is up between $2200 and $3800 for economy depending on what flights are available at that time of year.
(I just felt like piping in coz I’m in Aussie land and the cost of flights from here to Europe SUCK.)You still fly long haul ECONOMY Renee ??
Wow – That IS dedication !!
:happydancI’ll do economy to Australia (2-4 hours depending on destination), but anything longer than that needs to be business class just to streetch the legs and get some sleep.
Macao sounds interesting though – as Hong Kong is only about half the distance as Europe – and is a major hub for many airlines – so very competitive.
:thumbsup:Digital Angel,
I don’t go into private “chats” with pretty girls – my partner would get the wrong idea … but thanks for the offer …
:satisfiedI’ll keep the date in mind – because if it coincides with big game for Arsenal in the Champions League then I may shoot to London as well to take in the game … (err) … I mean I’ll go to London to discuss a business venture with a Uk bookie …
:hehe:Keep us posted on the speakers.
Most affiliate managers that I know of fly economy. For me to fly economy to australia was $2200. First class would have been $11 000.
That’s $9000 for a bigger seat lol
antoine wrote:That’s $9000 for a bigger seat lolMmm .. you get a whole lot more than a seat – but I agree business class is nicely between the “cattle truck” of economy and the unadulterated luxury of first class.
You can get it for about 2-3 times the price of economy – but it does allow you to travel in a lot of comfort – and usually you can arrive and start off immediately rested and (almost) in the timezone.
Perhaps I’m spoiled – but once I’d gone long haul in business class – they’ll have to drag me kicking and screaming back to economy now.
:letspartyI just don’t see paying that for a bigger seat myself, but usually gather up enough miles on short trips for a free or reduced rate upgrade for the long ones.
You should come, Gooner, we’ll have a beer or something. I think you’ll find it generally worthwhile, even if just for the networking aspect.
The Professors’s arguments cannot justify such an expence by no means, however, since he is on the “Adisory board” (whatever that means) I have not expected any different reaction.
this statement is wrong!
the prof’s reasons are exactly WHY you SHOULD attend these events. I have been to Amsterdam the last 2 years and plan on making this my 3rd year. Before that it was Vegas and Canada shows and they are very valuable to us affiliates. instead of just assuming that the value can not be justified by the price, how about investing in your business a little? who knows – maybe you can make a deal or 3
Sure – I would be happy to invest in my business -evryone here would, but as I said – I wanted to know what exactly would I get for my investment…
And the professor’s reasons did not seem to me as a good return to $5K+ investment…I could spend that money on buying links
Amsterdam is definately worthwhile attending. Even if it is just to meet your peers. The networking alone is invaluable.
