As I arrive from another great HostingCon, I must say that this year was a significant improvment from 2006. It was a great show, do you feel the same?

Where would you like to see HostingCon 2007? Vote now below!

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Its going to be in Vegas again. No need for a survey.

This is now the home of hostingcon - fantastic place and perfect for the conference.

yes I agree, Vegas is a great place.... many activities

Im pretty sure they already decided to keep it here anyway. Maybe different hotel maybe not ;)

It WILL be in Vegas 2-3 years, according to staff. But beyond that they will evaluate. Also there is some consideration for some smaller regional shows, looking forward to hearing more on this!

Personally I'd love to see it away from Vegas, but for some time, that won't happen. :(

Vegas for sure, perhaps a different hotel but Vegas is the place to be :)

Vegas is the place to be , for a conference.

How about Canada next year ? :)

Yeah I vote for Canada :) would make it alot easier for me to attend.. I will probably go to next years no matter where it is as long as it isn't overseas

Its going to be in Vegas again. No need for a survey.

This is now the home of hostingcon - fantastic place and perfect for the conference.

After talking with George Tuesday night, I believe HC has found it's new home. There isn't a better place in the U.S. for a conference.

How about Canada next year ? :)
Why Carlos? So you will skip out, again? ;) Rumor has it, you don't like to fly.

Oh damn! If we could consider Toronto for next year, that would be awesome! Vegas was ok, but the heat was debilitating at times. There's nothing worse than showing up at a nice restaurant in a sharply pressed shirt and slacks, trying to stop the sweat from dripping out of the back of your knees because it was 100F at 9 p.m. and you overheated crossing the street. I went to the FS party on Tuesday (nice party guys!), and I just couldn't dress up. It killed me, but the heat killed me more (and I'm married, so who the hell was I trying to impress anyway ;) ).

Another city with the same party potential and more human-friendly climate would be really nice. I think Toronto fits that bill. You have Niagara an hour away if you want to set aside a night/day for gambling, and otherwise, you have one kickass city to do your thing. I have to believe holding a conference at a respectable hotel in Toronto can't be any more expensive than the space reserved at the Mirage this year. And it's no more centrally located than Vegas, given the numbers of participants from either coast (and Canada).

Just my .02, with tip :)

P.S. The Mirage was a good idea, given the number of hotel choices around it (TI was a nice hotel, and I was digging the tram). That 10 minute walk from the front doors to the conference got old. Next time, maybe I'll stay at Caeser's Palace and sneak in the back entrance to Mirage. If you forget something in your room and you're not at the Mirage, it takes you 30-45 minutes to retrieve it!

Edit Hey Tamer! Did you stop by the WHT booth? I don't remember meeting you.

I believe there is a strong possibility that HostingCon will be back in Vegas Next Year. The heat was bad. However with the gambling, shows, clubs, and dining it is hard to find a place with so much in one place.

I think it should stay in vegas for a few more years yet. Give it a stable home and make life that little bit easier with regards to organisation.

Then when everyones tired of vegas (is that possible?) move it!

Ok ok, so I just like an excuse to come back to Vegas next year ;)

A lot of conferences move to new locations every year, particularly those that have representation from a wide area, such as the whole country or international representation. I don't know that stability really counts for anything. I would imagine logistical convenience, cost and tourist interest would be the biggest factors in the decision. These are probably what led the conference to Vegas (and they are the same factors that give Toronto the thumbs up from me :D ).

Hmm NYC got a good number of votes ;)

It WILL be in Vegas 2-3 years, according to staff. :(

George said the same thing about Chicago last year, so I guess time will tell....

A lot of conferences move to new locations every year, particularly those that have representation from a wide area, such as the whole country or international representation. I don't know that stability really counts for anything. I would imagine logistical convenience, cost and tourist interest would be the biggest factors in the decision. These are probably what led the conference to Vegas (and they are the same factors that give Toronto the thumbs up from me :D ).

I am not from toronto, but I think it would be a good idea. Vegas is nice and all, but so many conferences are in Vegas already. Toronto would be nice if the conference is in the summer, or FL/CA if it is in the winter. I think a big reason it was in Vegas was because it is cheaper to book vegas in July then it is in December. I hear toronto is starting to become a really hip place to go.

Why Carlos? So you will skip out, again? ;) Rumor has it, you don't like to fly.

It's true :crying:

I cant stand to fly .. :bawling:

:caflag: But I still stand for my vote

Would be fun to do it at a different Resort and Casino though..perhaps one that has an age minimum of 18 for us sub-21 year olds ;)

Would be fun to do it at a different Resort and Casino though..perhaps one that has an age minimum of 18 for us sub-21 year olds ;)
Under 21 not admitted it state law, not casino set, just FYI.

Under 21 not admitted it state law, not casino set, just FYI.
BTW, legal drinking and gambling age in Ontario/Toronto is 19 ;)

BTW, legal drinking and gambling age in Ontario/Toronto is 19 ;)


sounds good to me- I have never been to Ontario - I hear its nice.

To answer some of the questions regarding location, we will be back in Vegas next year, most likely at The Mirage again. We're working on a contract with them right now.

There are a number of reasons for this. Regarding stability, it is indeed a factor. It makes it much easier for us when we know the venue and have worked with the staff there before. They know what to expect from us and vice versa. In addition, when working on the contract with the hotel it is easier to get the concessions we want when we have a history with the property, as they then have an understanding of the type of revenue we'll be bringing them. Moving to a new location every year basically negates the advantage we have of having a history with the property.

In addition, when moving to a new city we have to research and interview all new vendors for things such as staffing, security, exhibitor services, etc. Again, we lose the advantage of having already worked with the company before which can affect the pricing we receive.

Most tradeshows make commitments for at least a few years to a particular location before re-examining whether a different city would be feasible. The only conferences that may move around each year are association conferences, where they have chapters in cities all over the place. They often have the chapters assist in the organization of the event when it's in their home city.

If you look at tradeshows like ISPCON and the O'Reilly conferences, they tend to stay in the same place.

And as much as I love Toronto, there are all sorts of additional issues with moving the show outside the US.

It's got to be Vegas, the conference was great and we're still really enjoying this city. See you all next year!

Thanks for the feedback George and a great job this year. Im still on the blackjack tables... leaving in the morning and looking forward to 2007 ;)

While vegas is a great city, it is not a great city to conduct business.

I had several meetings scheduled, that suddenly had to be re-scheduled, because that person was at the craps table or slots, and they were up, and did not walk away. I have heard this similar story from the major of the people I talked too.

The other problem was, there was no such thing as meet me down in the lobby, espically if you really didnt know the person. In Chicago, this was easily said, and you could figure out real quick the person you were meeting.

And not to discount the free alcohol and parties, but they were not the same as last year. The reception being in the conference hall was the stupidest thing I had ever seen. Last year at the reception, really got to mingle with people, talk business and have a good time. I know the Hostingcon staff has no control over the after parties, but at the cpanel and fastservers parties, the music was so loud, even if I wanted to talk to someone I couldnt.

People looked at HostingCon this year more as a vacation, then a place to actually conduct business. The real poll should be, not where HostingCon should be, but:

Do you feel you conducted as much business this year as last. I am not talking dollar amounts here, but more as, with your interaction with the people that attended. Where you able to make as many contacts as last year. Did you have the time to sit down and talk with who you wanted too.

The answers to these questions is more of what will make HostingCon better, not just the fact that its in a city where you can party, gamble, and drink all night long.

I personally disagree with having it in vegas again. I think we need a large city with a downtown hotel and conference rooms. This does a couple of things.

1. For the most part, keeps us all in the same hotel. Being "trapped" together, will naturally make us interact.

2. Being the fact that you are in a large downtown city, there will be resturants near by that the vendors can take their clients out to eat, out to small clubs, etc if they choose too.

One of the best trade show / conferences I have ever attended was one in which we were trapped in an all inclusive resort for the conference. We ate all meals together, we all attended classes at the same time, etc. There was twice that we were allowed to leave the resort. Once for those that wanted to go play golf could. And the other time was we were given one night where we could go out with the vendors if we wanted too. I am not saying this is what HostingCon needs to turn into, but please understand that most of us go to conduct business, network, etc. And when that cant be done, because there are way to many distractions going on, something is wrong.

While I see your point I also have to disagree.

Hostingcon to many of us is a great place to network and get to know each other on a more personal basis. I would say that Vegas was great for that.

If the guys you want to conduct business with are too busy at the tables to take time to make your meetings then that should tell you right off it is time to find someone else to do business with. I would rather be conducting business with people that have an interest in doing the business also, not because they are stuck with me and bored.

techark,

Part of the problem is that time passes quickly at a table. I don't think Tony meant that he wants to talk to people JUST b ecasue they are stuck with you. That of course would not be good for the networking.
It was incredibly hard to meet some places in Vegas, there just are not casual meeting places available. Very few places have open seating and are conductive to a business enviroment.

I know I was part of a small group wanting to go have a coffee and eat, but the line itself was over an hour long. Then the seating was sparse. Vegas hotels do everything they can to direct you to the casino and prevent other functions, which direct you away from business. I think Tony meant something like this, as I in fact saw it as well.

MadroosterTony

I see your point quite well, and when I initially heard it was to be in Vegas I chuckled .. and even so on a business point of view this year might have been ok, if it continues to be there every year, people will make it more and more into a Vacation than a business conference.

I have to agree to some extent with Tony, Stephen and Carlos. While Vegas is a spectacular venue, it's distractions are very hard on the "business" aspect of the conference. Quite honestly, I don't view hostingcon as a vacation, and I don't want to. I viewed it as a learning, networking and business trip - the fact that it's in Vegas does detract from that somewhat. Maybe it's because I can hop to Las Vegas for a "vacation" any time I like - and having attended Chicago's hostingcon, I do see a lot of differences - some positive, some negative.

Vegas is the very definition of distraction - that's it's purpose - along with separating you from your money. The Las Vegas experience isn't a "cheap" one - you spend a decent amount of money just getting through the day on coffee and the like (what's with no coffee-pots in the rooms? - something I've not run into anywhere else but Las Vegas). The long lines to eat anywhere but the most expensive restaurants (and even some of those expensive ones were 45-60 minute waits even at 10PM).

The lack of a hotel lobby or other suitable meeting area did make it difficult to meet people at a place or appointed time - the sheer numbers of other folks around for the gambling was huge - and I think our conference was dwarfed by those young girls and their dance tournament (I think that's what it was). I know just walking the distance to our end of the conference facilities was a bit of a chore in and of itself, and my blisters can attest to the amount of walking that Vegas demands - and we didn't get out and about much... it was 95% or more hostingcon foot pounding!

The mention of an inclusive resort got me interest, as it would by it's nature throw people together for meals and off-time, but it would need to be a large enough resort where time away from the business would possible if you needed a little "down-time".

I also considered - does Vegas REALLY lap up an 1100 or 1200 attendee conference? - is that REALLY adding to their bottom line significantly? (perhaps)

I'd have to say that on several occassions that I got the impression that we weren't that big of an impact on the hotel or it's bottom line. One example: even though I would surmise the party sponsors dropped a LARGE amount of money on those events (thank you cPanel and FastServers.net), you have significant numbers of large gamblers drop those kinds of amounts on a single hand or over the course of an hour. However - most conference hotels in other major cities (and in the clubs that surround them) that kind of money would last and last.... (excluding your New York's and L.A.'s) - not resulting in a 10PM or 11PM event end, or being side-lined into a small room where the number of people were more than that sized room SHOULD accomodate.

Don't get me wrong - I do appreciate the after-parties, I am not sure that I was able to effectively meet and greet and/or relax and kick back with the fellow hosting professionals and suppliers/potential suppliers because of the format - although maybe that's my fault for viewing those events as a opportunity to talk business some more. Perhaps the inclusion of more networking event time would solve that?

To the networking event... it kind of melded with the show itself, and conversation was made difficult by the M$ XBox blasting out at full volume... that killed conversation at least 3 times around the table we were stood talking. I'd suggest that the hall next door would have been a better place to network. A networking event each day would not have gone amiss - because you meet people you want to chat more with on every day, not just the first - and what about those who don't attend on the first day?

On a lighter note - did anyone else think the security at Jet was a little amusing? I imagined the 20 or so burly security guys running over to stop two hosting dudes or dudettes from a cell phone or PDA duel... it was amusing to think of all those "geeks" and the security - talk about overkill ... lol


hth

Greg

Under 21 not admitted it state law, not casino set, just FYI.

Just FYI, I don't know if you know this or not, Native Americans have built many fine casinos all across America, with an age of 18 minimum to gamble. This is what I was referring to. Like the local Turning Stone Casino and Resort about 30 minutes from my house in New York. It has PGA golf courses, huge casino, luxury hotel rooms, etc...all starting at the ripe age of 18 :) I will just wait till I'm 21 to go I guess ;)

...all starting at the ripe age of 18 :) I will just wait till I'm 21 to go I guess ;)

Hopefully for your sake, you'll grow out of that fairly quickly ;)

Agreed wyb.

I personally believe HostingCon was generally a success in spite of its location, not because of it. Most major cities, hotels, convention centers, etc. have professional staff ready to help you put your conference together. While I can certainly appreciate the effort that goes into making HostingCon happen, I have to believe it can't be inextricably tied down to Vegas.

Vegas isn't a terrible location for the conference, but I can certainly see where a lot of people are coming from - networking and meeting up with business associates was very, very difficult.

One of the significant advantages HostingCon 2005 had was that the hotel was small and quiet. While some people may see "small" as a downside, that's one of the biggest selling points look back. At HostingCon 2006, simply carrying a box of flyers from Business Services to the convention center was a nightmare - I certainly feel for those individuals who opted to stay at another hotel and wound up making a daily trek of half an hour or more each way.

To echo others, I experienced several annoyances as far as refreshments and meals go. The high prices and long waits at all Vegas restaurants really taxed our schedules. The only real solace came in the form of the Caribe Cafe lunch counter, which managed to get us in and out in 30 minutes without breaking the bank or making us feel rushed.

Vegas is a great city to unwind and has a ton to offer. However, when you're attending a convention and spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars to do so, you expect an atmosphere that is conducive to the goal you have in mind when signing up. Since most attendees seemed to be in vacation mode the entire time, I'd have to say that a change of scenery may be the best fit. At the very least, I'd like to see HostingCon 2007 held in a slightly more compact venue where half your day isn't spent navigating foot traffic.

While vegas is a great city, it is not a great city to conduct business.


Las Vegas is one of the largest convention cities in the world....so I cannot see how this is true.

I do agree that some things, like the walk to the convention center were a little long. I live in Vegas so I parked in the garage and had to walk to the convention center which is even a further walk then from the rooms, but it was worth it to me.

-Billy

But if you take a step back and look at the conventions that take place there. The majority of them and not a Vendor / Business type of convention. And before you mention CES, the only reason its in Vegas, is because its one of the few places large enough to have it. The majority of the conventions there are stuff like the little girl dance one that was going on. While there were a couple of vendors there for that, it was more about the classes and competition to them.

please please please keep it away from vegas, it's horrible for business, you don't even have a lobby to meet. Personally I would say NEW orleans. Vegas it's a city to party not to do business.

Marrakech Morocco isn't listed :D
Last ICANN conference was there !

But if you take a step back and look at the conventions that take place there. The majority of them and not a Vendor / Business type of convention. And before you mention CES, the only reason its in Vegas, is because its one of the few places large enough to have it. The majority of the conventions there are stuff like the little girl dance one that was going on. While there were a couple of vendors there for that, it was more about the classes and competition to them.

Are you kidding? Las Vegas holds conventions of all different sizes. From small association meetings of less then 100 to conventions of well over 100,000.

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (http://www.lvcva.com/meetings/convention-calendar-results.jsp?SEARCH_PARAM_keyword=&SEARCH_PARAM_startMonth=1&SEARCH_PARAM_startDay=1&SEARCH_PARAM_startYear=2006&SEARCH_PARAM_endMonth=12&SEARCH_PARAM_endDay=31&SEARCH_PARAM_endYear=2006&SEARCH_PARAM_convCenters_ARR=View+All&SEARCH_TYPE=conventionCalendar&SEARCH_PARAM_orderByDate=true) is this years convention calender....and many conventions aren't even put on the calender....such as HostingCon.

You definitly have a right to not like Las Vegas as a convention place...but at least realize that there is more to it then you think, and it's not all just little dancing girls.

I personally got a ton of networking done. Yes many of my networking sessions and meetings were over a beer or two, but what is the real problem with that? I met tons of people and made many great contacts.

And yes the lobby is a busy place and you can't meet there but any hotel with 3,000 rooms is going to have a busy lobby. However did you ask any of the staff if there was a quite place to sit?

I now that many hotels have business centers that usually have small meeting areas that can be used at no cost for guests (not 100% sure about the Mirage).

-Billy

I am not saying I did not get any networking done, but compared to last year the networking was less then 1/2 of what it could have been. The Mirage does not have a business center, they had business services, which has some small computer workstations, and printing and faxing, etc, but other then that, there was no real place to meet that you could say was quiet. The association meetings were held in the some of the class rooms when nothing else was going in them.

To comment on your list of convetions. Lets look at a few of them...

HY CITE CORPORATION - Convention for its members concentrating on training and product offerings. OK, this is vendor / business interaction, but its just one vendor - much easier to do the networking when you only have one vendor you are dealing with.

MARINE AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES TRADESHOW - This is designed to tarket the consumer directly, not much "after hours" business will take palce at this convention.

Those are two examples from your list, with many more examples and I didnt even take the easy targets like the family reunions, and weddings...


As far as conducting business over a beer, there is no problem with that, but I would like to know where in the mirage you did that. The only "bar" I found in the hotel was the one at the sportsbook. And the distraction of all the betting and slots made things very distracting.

Hi Tony,

Obvioulsy on that calender there were all sorts of conventions and that was my point. There was everything from huge CES shows, to family reunions. That is one of the great things about Vegas, it's versatility....it can host just about anything.

There are quite a few bars in the Mirage. http://www.mirage.com/dining/bars_dining.aspx

And that does not includ the bar that was part of the Stack Restaurant either.

As far as the Mirage's business center is concerned that sounds like it could use an update.

I think it's just one of those different strokes for different folks type of things. Yeah I do live here in Las Vegas, but I hate the crowds on the strip, so I like most locals never go down there. This was the first time I hit the strip in probably 6 months.

However I am a small business person that works out of my office, so I always have to meet with clients were I can, starbucks, restaurants, bars, ...etc. I found any place that I sat down and met with people at the convention (minus the big parties at the clubs) no more distracting then those places that I meet with customers on a regular basis.

And "after hours" business takes place at every convention. I think more deals are struck up at the clubs, the dining rooms and elsewere then ever are on any convention floor....and that's just not in Las Vegas.

-Billy

A real network convention, is the one that is more central. There was not one place that you knew that everyone was at. really wish we could pickup a better location. All I'm saying, thank g-d for cell phones, otherwise I would have not have found anyone.

Here is an idea for George and Frank to consider for next year, being as they have already pretty much confirmed that it will be in Vegas again and being as how there is so much talk in this thread of lack of meeting space.

Vendors at a lot of big shows setup enclosed spaces within their booth space, sometimes office setups or several small tables or chairs. This enables them to have a quiet conversation with someone or give a small presentation. This is not ideal for the average hostingcon vendor and certainly not for the average atendee. However, some shows provide the same thing but the spaces are open to exhibitors to rent for a fee (usually for the entire show).
You could expand this idea to opening it up to hourly blocks where you could rent the enclosed space for a certin amount of time to hold a meeting without being an exhibitor or exhibitors could share the space with other exhibitors, on a daily or half day basis. You could even arrange for a room specifically for people to hold small meetings in (2-5 people say) that could be free of charge to the attendees (or someone could sponsor this room or area. If the room or area was sponsored, the sponsorship could include a bar or something so people could sit down and have a drink while they talk business.

One good thing about the Chicago show was the area outside of the exhibit hall. It had a handful of tables where you could easily have a quick chat with someone away from the busy show floor.

Im just throwing out a bunch of ways that casual or impromtu meetings can be achieved while still having the same general setups as this years show.

Here's my view on it :

We need two a year.

One in Vegas, one in another city, possibly, Houston? Seattle? SF? NY?

The industry is large enough to support it, we just need to make sure that there's enough variety. (Following is purely my point of view..) What if, instead of having a cPanel Training Seminar in Houston, we have 2 HostingCons a year, and it becomes more of a trend to have your client appreciation meetings, training sessions, etc at a hostingcon.

This would require a year-around employee to work with all of the hosting companies to schedule these sessions, etc, but would do great. If it became the *standard* for each company to have large client appreciation dinner/parties/meetings then we'd see a better turn out at each hostingcon.

EV1 likes to do client appreciation things, why not have them schedule it at a January HostingCon, I know LayeredTech had a seminar recently, it should have been combined with the July HostingCon, cPanel, same thing.

There can be incentives, and benefits to having these sessions at HostingCon.

I think 2 hostingcons a year would be perfect. :)

How many of you see anyone in the industry more than once a year?

Indianapolis, Louisville, or Nashville :flamethr:

well - I kind of poo pooed vegas - but in all honesty I had a great time.

what I am now wondering is when will we have a hostingcon europe.

Why not a hostingcon Cruise ?

Or hostingcon NY..

mmm why not hostingcon cancun...:P

Regards

Why not a hostingcon Cruise ?

Or hostingcon NY..

mmm why not hostingcon cancun...:P

Regards

oh come on - for all you dirty partiers - why not just go all in and do one at hedonsim in Jamaica......then those of you that paid for it will probably get it for free......hehehehehehehe (not you iguana )

The point of this is not to say where to have it, but how can this conference be made better. If people can not count on others 100% of the time to make meetings, cause they are worried they are at the tables or slots, then there is a big problem. :-)

oh come on - for all you dirty partiers - why not just go all in and do one at hedonsim in Jamaica......then those of you that paid for it will probably get it for free......hehehehehehehe (not you iguana )

I really don't think anyone wants to see me in my swiming trunks...

-Billy

LOOOOL...

Ok Just pick a place with tons of girlz, cuz really its sad that wh industry there's not to much girlz.

Personally Las vegas rocks but i'll prefer another diferent for next year.


See yaaa!

And as much as I love Toronto, there are all sorts of additional issues with moving the show outside the US.

What are they ?

There's always the Pacific Northwest. Seattle is a happening place, Lord knows it's near a lot of technology, it is temperate, it isn't one huge tourist trap but there's always plenty to do during downtime.

Toronto would still be my first choice, but if there are issues prohibiting this because it is international, ^^there's an alternative.

I like the idea of two a year and especially HostingCon Europe.

What about Prague or London?

Why not a hostingcon Cruise ?




Actully, if we could get the internet access sorted, this is a REALLY good idea.

We could get a smaller cruise ship, and it would be perfect - would trap us on a boat with just hosting people and we could do ALOT of networking.

Im really gungho for this idea

Plus last time I went on a cruise I WON at the casino, somthing that didnt happen in Vegas.

:liplick: :s Actully, if we could get the internet access sorted, this is a REALLY good idea.

We could get a smaller cruise ship, and it would be perfect - would trap us on a boat with just hosting people and we could do ALOT of networking.

Im really gungho for this idea

Plus last time I went on a cruise I WON at the casino, somthing that didnt happen in Vegas.
ok jordan - think what you are saying. you want to be trapped on a boat with 1100 guys and 25 girls???

Ok, in that case, lets not rent out a boat, lets join a boat, so theres 1000 guys at hosting con, and then 800 or so girls from the cruise ship :)

I like the idea of two a year and especially HostingCon Europe.

What about Prague or London?

There is "Webhostingday" .. this year was in Cologne, and it was amazing, over 500 atendees.

Did anyone else feel the smoking was crazy in vegas? I had a permanent smell of smoke even as I boarded my plane back home. Wasn't until we finally landed that I lost that smell and my headache finally went away.

Yes! WAY WAY too much smoke.

I unizipped my suitcase and i swear my smokealarm almost went off from the smell.

Vendors at a lot of big shows setup enclosed spaces within their booth space, sometimes office setups or several small tables or chairs. This enables them to have a quiet conversation with someone or give a small presentation. This is not ideal for the average hostingcon vendor and certainly not for the average atendee. However, some shows provide the same thing but the spaces are open to exhibitors to rent for a fee (usually for the entire show).
You could expand this idea to opening it up to hourly blocks where you could rent the enclosed space for a certin amount of time to hold a meeting without being an exhibitor or exhibitors could share the space with other exhibitors, on a daily or half day basis. You could even arrange for a room specifically for people to hold small meetings in (2-5 people say) that could be free of charge to the attendees (or someone could sponsor this room or area. If the room or area was sponsored, the sponsorship could include a bar or something so people could sit down and have a drink while they talk business.

That's a really good idea.

In addition to the space problem, the exhibit hall was noisy with a couple of exhibitors having their mikes on a lot of the time. Having a place to meet and talk outside that hall would be good.

To expand on that, I wonder if the hotel could cater lunches for those who want to take their clients for lunch without standing in a long restaurant line. Perhaps the meeting rooms could be used for that.

One good thing about the Chicago show was the area outside of the exhibit hall. It had a handful of tables where you could easily have a quick chat with someone away from the busy show floor.

Vegas had that too. Maybe more tables in that area would be better.

Lois

Canada... anyone? Vancouver would be a fantastic place for people to check out.

I suggest a move to the East Coast for 2007 so that the individuals and companies that could not attend at a West Coast location may attend. Keep things new and fresh with new individuals and companies attending and presenting.

I suggest a move to the East Coast for 2007 so that the individuals and companies that could not attend at a West Coast location may attend. Keep things new and fresh with new individuals and companies attending and presenting.


europe - ok
canada - ok
texas - ok
florida - ok
california - ok
pacific northwest - ok
chicago again - ok

rest of the east coast - no thanks.

Almost every major city has some type of night life, which is good for every conference. So its not the city that is soo much important as the location of the conference within that city.

Lets take Nashville for existance: While there are many major hotels that have conference space, only 3 of them are within walking distance of all the Nashville nightlife. And before you say it ... I am not saying lets have the conference in Nashville, but George and Frank really need to take a look at location closely. There has to be a fine line drawn between the conference, and its night life and eating establishments.

The problem with Chicago last year was there was really no where to go eat supper at. To get out, you had to take a 20 minute cab ride to find somewhere to eat. There has to be a balance between Chicago and Vegas made, if this thing is really going to continue to grow.

Ok, in that case, lets not rent out a boat, lets join a boat, so theres 1000 guys at hosting con, and then 800 or so girls from the cruise ship :)

most of them will be with someone - unless you can find a swingers cruise! lol!!!!!

and on the smoking thing - yes my throat is now finally not raw and my headache is gone. that was rediculous and on top of it the international cigar distributors convention was at the ventian so everyone was walking around with a giant turd in their mouth.

next year I may show up with a environmental suit on so I dont get exposed or ataleast a ventilator.

the old lady that was smoking with an oxygen tank and canula and a popcorn tub full of quarters was hilarious.

europe - ok
canada - ok
texas - ok
florida - ok
california - ok
pacific northwest - ok
chicago again - ok

rest of the east coast - no thanks.


NYC isn't all too bad and contains quite a few tourist locations and datacenters ;)

east coast - fun - miami beach.......

i Vote for east-coast!!! miami its like no travel.. :D its a small latin america...

I won't go back to Vegas. It was smoky, not good for business enviroment and more. The more I think about it the less I liked it as a conference city.
I will see if they do the regional conferences, and if they don't, I guess I won't go unless Jodohost really really wants me to.
It was a great one time thing, but I had enough of Vegas in one visit, and not enough hostingcon.

The problem with Chicago last year was there was really no where to go eat supper at. To get out, you had to take a 20 minute cab ride to find somewhere to eat. There has to be a balance between Chicago and Vegas made, if this thing is really going to continue to grow.
I think this could be easily remedied in most big cities (including Chicago) by selecting a better hotel. The Hyatt O'Hare is very far from Chicago, but a hotel a few blocks off Michigan Ave (maybe the Hyatt Regency on Wacker?) would work quite well - great shopping, excellent food, and plenty of nightlife within a short distance.

Not that I prefer Chicago or anything. :P

Ok, in that case, lets not rent out a boat, lets join a boat, so theres 1000 guys at hosting con, and then 800 or so girls from the cruise ship :)

Be sure to mention to Sailor's wife before departure of the ratios...... and imagine him go with the waitresses on the ship :P

Matt

Actully, if we could get the internet access sorted, this is a REALLY good idea.

We could get a smaller cruise ship, and it would be perfect - would trap us on a boat with just hosting people and we could do ALOT of networking.

Im really gungho for this idea

Plus last time I went on a cruise I WON at the casino, somthing that didnt happen in Vegas.

Now thats a great idea!

Now thats a great idea!


no - I disagree. A cruise conference is something I'll never attend. When I want to get off, I want to get off. Cruise-ships are on my list of never do things.

NYC isn't all too bad and contains quite a few tourist locations and datacenters ;)

I exhibited at Internet world in 2000 at the Javitt's center - I've done NYC and can't stand the place. Considering I lived in London for 7 years, and did the commuter thing to death before that, I personally have NYC down as a place I can live without visiting ever again. It's a personal thing, but it's my vote. I appreciate that people think differently. NYC for work is NOT a fun place imo.

I'd maybe do a large city I've not been to - like Boston... but not NYC ta very much.

When I want to get off, I want to get off.

So book your own room!

So book your own room!

ermm hmmm.. clears throat........not sure that is what he means ;)

reminds self not to book room with you ever.......

So book your own room!

v.funny.. off work ta very much...

But - as my wife is my business partner, and we ALWAYS attend conferences I have no worries except making sure we're both done working at the same time... a day walking conference floors and those long vegas hallways generally makes for nice sound sleeps - I must be getting old! ;)

Edit: actually, looking back at my comments - I originally meant get off the boat - I don't like the idea of cruises at all - and having worked aboard a live-aboard dive boat, I have strongly rooted feelings about not being stuck on a vessel at sea when you don't want to be...

Why not a hostingcon Cruise ?


Somehow I think that so many geeks on a cruise ship might overburden the already-slow satellite Internet connectivity on the ship.

A lot of people seem to have complaints about Vegas, but I thought it was a fairly ideal location for HostingCon. There have been complaints about public transportation being inconvenient, as well as the cost of it, but I find Vegas to be one of the easiest cities to navigate without renting a car.

One reason for this is because the majority of HostingCon guests probably stayed right on the strip, either at the Mirage or at a nearby hotel. Several hotels are in walking distance, and the rest are close enough to take a quick cab ride, monorail ride, Vegas trolley ride, etc..

Most other major cities are a bit less "centralized" than the Vegas strip, and the density of quality hotels isn't nearly as high, effectively making transportation more difficult, and probably just as expensive (if not more expensive).

Aside from that, I think Vegas provides a nice central environment for conferences and meetings, and partying as well in the nearby hotels/clubs.

A lot of people seem to have complaints about Vegas

Thats not true.

Its always going to be the handful of people that had complaints that sound loudest. I would say 99.9% of the attendee's were very happy with vegas as a whole and will certainly recommend it.

Never going to please everyone.

I can tell you 99.9% of the attendee's were not happy about the distractions of Vegas. Out of the 1100 people that were there, I could probally name 200+ that were not happy with the overall results. Its not that its not an easy town to get around in, or the prices, its the overall distractions of the city that take away from the conference.

...its the overall distractions of the city that take away from the conference.

And when it was in Chicago, the main complaint was that people didn't have easy access to the distractions because the hotel was too far from the main action.

Lois

Please do name the 200+

Thanks,

I'd pick Atlanta for the next hostingcon. Decent transit system, not as crowded/populated as some of the major cities like NYC or Vegas
Lots of conferences are held there.. plus it has some huge datacenters as well.

But I think Vegas was a good one-time choice for hostingcon. It give it a sort of appeal and made it different from some of the other ISP related conferences out there

Its not that its not an easy town to get around in, or the prices, its the overall distractions of the city that take away from the conference.Most of the benefit I got out of the conference came from the events outside of it anyway. Apart from walking around the exhibit hall, I think I probably attended one vendor session over the three days. The networking aspect of HostingCon is the strongest thing in my opinion. The 'distractions' only help the networking because they provide events to attend in groups etc.And when it was in Chicago, the main complaint was that people didn't have easy access to the distractions because the hotel was too far from the main action.That's correct. The Hyatt was way out by O'Hare so it was a 30 minute trek to head into the city each night for a meal etc. George and Frank learned from that though and thus the change this year. I have no doubt they will have learnt a lot of stuff this year as well which will go to improving the next show. Like Matt says, they are never going to please everyone though.

:peace:

- Chris

Chicago all the way!

how about San Antonio? a hotel along the riverwalk

Chicago all the way!

Hahhah! Chicago had its chance!

Please do name the 200+

Thanks,


Me for 2 (me plus my wife & business partner) and I too met a LOT of people who didn't like the place while there - not sure if it was 200+, but it was a lot - no, you can't please all the people all of the time, but you can't assume that your hot buttons are theirs - gambling, glitz, over-priced meals etc.

Yeah we know you LOVED the place - you turned it into a vacation and that was fine for you - but not everyone likes Vegas as a holiday destination - or - as is the case with us, likes the massive crowds, the huge amounts of walking, the heat in summer, the gambling, the long waits for restaurants, etc, etc.

You have to appreciate that those who can attend Vegas for pleasure easily don't have the same perspective as you on the place. I don't like gambling - and you do - the whole concept of vegas is to remove money from your wallet - that's it's ONLY purpose, and conference facilities are there merely to keep you close to the gambling ... I'm sure you get that!

I guess I'm "lucky" - it's an hour and 10 minutes from our local airport to Vegas - I've been there 5 times now since I lived in the USA - the whole vegas experience is fun for not too long - but I dno't like to mix my business and pleasure, and find vegas expensive and not much interested in anything but extracting my cash from my pockets in an overtly garish way. Perhaps I'm getting into a different point of my life - but Vegas, parties, $10 drinks and gambling are not my hot buttons... perhaps they are or 80%+ of the hosting industry - perhaps not.

But hey - I'm on a down on the price gougers kick - having just had to book a flight for 2 back to England at 4 days notice for a family funeral - now THAT'S EXPENSIVE... even with a proof of death, the airlines are 2 to 3 times the price that could pay with a little notice - it's basically criminal imo... but that's another discussion altogether.

Folks,

A few comments on the various "issues" that people have been identifying with Vegas.

1) The amount of walking required.

Please keep in mind that wherever we hold HostingCon, there is more than likely going to be significant walking involved to get to the conference area. The size of HostingCon (125,000+ sq. ft. this year) requires that we have a large venue to hold it in.

We had complaints last year about the amount of walking required to get back and forth between the conference sessions and the exhibit hall. The complaint this year was the amount of walking to get to the conference area itself. Unfortunately, when you're talking about the amount of space we need, most places that can accomodate that space will require a bit of walking.

2) Distractions of Vegas

Based on our counts throughout the show, a large percentage of the full conference attendees were actually at the conference sessions and not someplace else. We had almost 1000 people in the exhibit hall on Monday afternoon. We had much better attendance to sessions and exhibit hall this year than we did last year.

Part of the issue may have been the way the schedule was laid out this year. Since this was the first year we went to a 3 day show, the schedule was based on what we thought would be a good way to do it. We'll be looking at ways to change the schedule a bit next year to make it better for everyone. On this note, anyone with thoughts or ideas on how to update the schedule, please email me at groberts@hostingcon.com.

We'll also be adding some great new tools to hostingcon.com for next year, such as the ability to connect with other attendees, exhibitors, and speakers and to set up meetings and such.

Note to George, 9am keynote on last day is way too early :D
I missed it because I was working an emergency, but had I not been working I would have just been waking up after the long days there in Vegas.

We had complaints last year about the amount of walking required to get back and forth between the conference sessions and the exhibit hall. The complaint this year was the amount of walking to get to the conference area itself. Unfortunately, when you're talking about the amount of space we need, most places that can accomodate that space will require a bit of walking.

Personally, since there'll be walking either way, I'd rather have the exhibit hall close to the conference sessions = more traffic for exhibitors and more benefit for attendees.


Based on our counts throughout the show, a large percentage of the full conference attendees were actually at the conference sessions and not someplace else. We had almost 1000 people in the exhibit hall on Monday afternoon. We had much better attendance to sessions and exhibit hall this year than we did last year.

That's good to hear. :) But here's a suggestion because of that small percentage that some people are concerned about. For next year, you might want to suggest that those interested in the distractions come a day or two early or stay a day or two longer. If they're in North America, they could arrive earlier on Sunday to see the sights. Even though a lot is close together on the Strip, it takes a long time to get anywhere because of the sprawling buildings and the traffic. That's something I couldn't grasp until I was there.

We'll also be adding some great new tools to hostingcon.com for next year, such as the ability to connect with other attendees, exhibitors, and speakers and to set up meetings and such.

Sounds good! :)

Lois

We had almost 1000 people in the exhibit hall on Monday afternoon. We had much better attendance to sessions and exhibit hall this year than we did last year.



Are they any numbers for Tues or Wed in the exhibit hall. I have been to similar size conferences where there were classes all week, and then the exhibit hall wasnt open until the end of the week.



9am keynote on last day is way too early


Keynotes are always better in the afternoon for everyone, espically if there are going to be large distractions at night

I hope it stays in vegas....that's close by haha....i can't believe i missed it....my coworker told me that it was in AUGUST not july....omg i'm so pissed at him hahah o well, if it stays i'm going next year....heck even if it doesn't stay!

My vote is for Seattle. The city is amazing at night and there's always a ton of stuff going on. You guys should really check into the northwest :)

There's always the Pacific Northwest. Seattle is a happening place, Lord knows it's near a lot of technology, it is temperate, it isn't one huge tourist trap but there's always plenty to do during downtime.

Yes, exactly :)

http://homepage.mac.com/wildlifeweb/seattle/seattle_photos/Seattle-night_02tfk.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/wildlifeweb/seattle/seattle_photos/Mt-Rainier_29a_tfk.jpg

http://www.paultownend.com/photos/seattle2005/sn27.jpg

http://www.etravelphotos.com/usa/2002na-001-19s.html

Home of the WTO riots as well ;) http://www.youtough.com/hkpolice/images/3272437853.jpg

Great place for HostingCon 07'

Greetings Stephen:

I won't go back to Vegas. It was smoky, not good for business enviroment and more. The more I think about it the less I liked it as a conference city.

I will see if they do the regional conferences, and if they don't, I guess I won't go unless Jodohost really really wants me to.

It was a great one time thing, but I had enough of Vegas in one visit, and not enough hostingcon.


One trip to Las Vegas, outside of HostingCon, was enough to teach me it is not a place to go again. The city, unfortunately, lives up to its calling far too often.

Thank you.

Orlando, FL :) Plenty of stuff to do. Disney World if you want to bring the kids along.

Aside from that, I'd love to see Hosting Con back in Chicago or even in Atlanta. Chicago is my favorite big city. While Vegas is fun, I already travel out west once a year, and I really don't see much worth in going twice.

No one has mentioned Honolulu :) I've been wanting to start going in June or July instead of January, how about we look into that :)

Unfortunately, if it stays in Vegas the odds of my attending are slim, as I'd have to completely rearrange my yearly travel schedule, to which I've become quite accustomed :\

I suppose the will of the majority rules, so Vegas it will likely be.

:lovewht:

maui, Honolulu warp is right, jan convention, now we are talking, i could spring for that, warm days, beaches, i still think attendance would be strong in one of those places,

Orlando, FL :) Plenty of stuff to do. Disney World if you want to bring the kids along.

That'd be handy. My wife and I are buying in to a holiday home there with relatives. I plan to see alot of Florida over the years. :)

Gary

Problem is that Hawaii is slammed in January. When it is cold in the Northern US, it is nice and toasty on the islands.

I've gone over to the islands in January several times now ... Maui, Oahu, big island, Kauai, and there seems to be a trend with rude behavior due on behalf of the locals due to the high amount of tourists. I generally make my reservations around this time of year (what they call the "low season" on the islands) and everyone is so friendly, it just makes you happy to talk to them. But when you call a few weeks out in December or January to confirm, you are talking to a bunch of pissed off Hawaiians.

I'd like to see next year's HostingCon in Hawaii in June or July ... it is toasty here in Florida year round so I don't particularly care if it is in the winter months.

As for which Island, I only suggested Honolulu as the host city because of its size, though I definitely love Maui (it still has a bit of night life) and Kauai is definitely my favorite thanks to its serenity.

I'm working on a site right now, sort of a Maui travel guide, so if any of you are interested in going over to the islands, let me know and I will help you go affordably :) You don't have to spend $500/night on a hotel room ... another reason to go in the low-season :)

I'd be just as happy with Orlando, FL as well ... nice and close to me, won't have to do much travelling.

i went in 2000 in january and it was dead in maui, dead, locals said it was the slowest year they had in 10 years , i got lucky i guess lol

I would also vote for NYC.
People who lives in T. can come down there.

The other (closed) thread mentioned people getting surveys, how are these coming, postal mail or email? Should we all expect to get one?

Honestly, I am only recommending this because I live here in Kansas City, but I would like to see Hosting Con hosted here one of these years.

Some advantages:

- Sprint's secondary headquarters are based here, so we could possibly get their CTO or someone that manages their technology and IP network to speak (possibly :/)

- VML (http://vml.com), a marketing company that does all of Burger King's stuff is here, and could get someone to speak to the audience regarding marketing techniques.

- Hallmark Cards, Inc. AMC Theatres, H&R Block, and Farmland Farms is based here - if that counts for anything -

But anyways, its just my little fantasy for Hosting Con...

Houston, Texas or Dallas.

dallas sounds good

Why even try to aruge on a location, sirtwist and mouse and confirmed it is going to be at vegas. You get all these stupid people like madrooster in here trying to take votes and complain about paying $10 for internet. I highly doubt WHT even represens 25% of the attendee's at hosting con. If you cant pay the $10 or whatever for internet and complain about prices of food, just go start your own and let it flop.

I would have to say vegas has a variety of things for everybody. More so then anywhere else. Also 10/day for internet and cab fees and stuff, i only have one phrase for that "cost of doing business".

St Louis, Mo gateway to the west how about there?!

Houston, Texas or Dallas.

Yeah, Dallas does sound good. It would allow for customers to tour their colo operation (if they have them) in Dallas, as The Planet is there as well as Colo4, and some DC's in the INFOMART in Dallas.

In all seriousness this would be another ideal location once people get sick of the smell of smoke in Vegas.

I honestly didnt even notice any smoke in vegas and I do not like smoke as it really bothers me.

voted :P hmm its gonna be where is the most people live on this forum, as there going to want to pay less for travel :P

Why not on a cruise ship? Maybe that way we can get madRooster to stop complaining about what city it will be in and not put it in a city at all :)

Why not on a cruise ship? Maybe that way we can get madRooster to stop complaining about what city it will be in and not put it in a city at all :)

There ya go! :banana:

voted :P hmm its gonna be where is the most people live on this forum, as there going to want to pay less for travel :P

Really its not.

1. This forum accounted for a small percentage of attendee's

2. Its already sorted so its in Vegas again next year

2. Its already sorted so its in Vegas again next year

That is why I get such a big kick out of this thread....the location is already decided and yet people are till voting and trying to change it.

That is why I get such a big kick out of this thread....the location is already decided and yet people are till voting and trying to change it.
Im glad me you and matt are on the same page...then we got these crazy madrooster people out starting thier own conferences and associations because the internet is $10 a day. I think it will be funny to see madrooster and all those 13 year old kids in a motel6 haveing their own hostingcon! :)

I am not starting the association because HostinCon was in Vegas and Internet is $10 a day. I could careless about the $10 a day internet, you will never find a place where I did complain about it. I didnt use the hotel's internet, I used Sprint's EVDO. Since my point was made in the other thread, I am not going to go into it, but please do not mis-quote me.

Im glad me you and matt are on the same page...then we got these crazy madrooster people out starting thier own conferences and associations because the internet is $10 a day. I think it will be funny to see madrooster and all those 13 year old kids in a motel6 haveing their own hostingcon! :)

I find it funny that you disrespect anyone that disagrees with you with such comments. There were some very valid reasons given for why Vegas was not ideal, and smoke must not bother you if you did not notice, it was EVERYWHERE, I was glad to have a non-smoking room as a hideout!

I know it may be a kind of early to ask this question, but do anyone (George maybe?) know the dates for 2007? I'll join wherever it is being held as I have to fly oversea anyway :) but the dates may be my problem...

I am sure they are trying to get this hardcoded with the hotel and will let us know asap. I am sure they are just getting off a well deserved vacation ;)

I believe it will be the same dates again, but its not black and white just yet.

A Tuesday to Thursay conference? Now that would be weird!

I have to say my most productive meetings were over drinks and not at the conference....so I cannot see how the atmosphere was a negative.

I personally hate parties, am not a big drinker and dislike the strip...I live here and have never been to any of the clubs or bars that I spent HostingCon nights at previously to HostingCon.

However I made the best of it and didn't let that stuff bug me for a few days and as I said I made great contacts and had enjoyable conversations at all those places that I despise.

So guess what I will probably not go to any of those clubs again until next years HostingCon, but next July I will be there with bells on because I know it is in my best interest.

I think vegas sounds good but thats just my opinion :P (loves parties)

I will definitely be at the next HostingCon. I thought the event was very successful for myself and business. I thought Vegas was a great venue. Got to meet with prospective vendors, and was able to network. Having the time in the evening to attend parties and meet with vendors was great. I have attended other events both large and small. I thought it was great, especially since this was only the second hostingcon!

Never heard of this ?

yes vegas is out, lets do this lets have a dalles or ny area, non smoking event around us, beer can flow like water but no smoking

well - I kind of poo pooed vegas - but in all honesty I had a great time.

what I am now wondering is when will we have a hostingcon europe.

I would most definitely attend a HostingCon Europe.

But come on - in vegas - prostitution is legal for all the techie geeks that need to get re-fueled until the next coming year. (ONLY KIDDING)

I would say Houston/Dallas/Vegas. But to be honest - you can throw it the middle nowhere and as long as you promote there will be parties - you will have people show up. Yup - its all about the parites.

Chicago is a great place. Center of the counrty and Chicago has many datacenters and when you do that you can support Chicago for the 2016 bid of the olympics and Chicago has been rated one of the cleanest places in the country and Chicago has an awesome Mayor and plus there are many Conventaion Centers. We have also have an huge McCromick Place Convention Center and you don't have to rent out the whole conventaion center you can only rent out the sections out you want. We also have one of the greatest public transportation system in the country.

Vote for Chicago

Welcome to WHT Devilboy3007 :)


It would be nice if this was held in za albany area!!! (Then perhaps i could meet some WHTers :))

Thanks!

Also The Dude are you talking about Albany, New York

Las vegas Again?

Why should i take the plain to the same address if i am not interested in gambling and erotic girl picture carrying trucks and people on the street handing the options for the night.

People are there purely for fun and we are trying to do something very serious called business.

I also think the meeting should change the location every year to attract more people just going there to see new places.

Hope and pray not Las Vegas for at least 10 years

Mesut,

While I and many others agree with you, many are there to party and thats the main draw. But it is already decided, it will be Vegas again, and likley for some time.
Those that like vegas so much seem to shun those that don't, anyway it business and if they feel try can drum up more by staying in Vegas it is there choice, but it won't be my money going to them. Vote with the money :)

Why should i take the plain to the same address if i am not interested in gambling and erotic girl picture carrying trucks and people on the street handing the options for the night.

Because you want to attend HostingCon, and it is in Vegas again. So you either have to decide, Yes I do want to attend HostingCon, or not come.

Vegas suits me. Just checked and I need 50,000 Air miles for a return trip, currently on 31,000 and got a trip to America coming up so should be able to travel for free by next summer. How could I not go!

Personally i think one in europe would be nice, even if it was a seperate event. Heathrow airport just out side london is one of the biggest airports in the world, so transportation wouldnt be a problem. Most of europe can get into heathrow for under 100 euros (about 60 dollars i think) and return flights from america are only around $1000 return (still not that expensive for some).

There is plenty of facilities, and im sure some of the big providers in europe (IXEurope, Rackspace UK, BT, etc etc) would help with the event.

are you talking about Albany, New YorkQSL!!!!! :)

I vote for Albany NY..lol..would save me on hotel and air fair...:) Hell, could have a party at my place then.

Bangkok, Thailand - world class conference facilities, cheap hotels and easy access from all over the globe.

Or how about something very cool, a conference in 3 or 4 locations at the same time. Considering its the hsoting con, im sure a provider could get some cheap bandwidth to video conference most of it around the world.

Well we could do that!!! (An audio call)

All of us would have to ring the 508 bridge @ the time of the meeting :) (It could work)

Singapore is a good place for meeting new peeps :D

http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home.html

Currently having IMF and World Bank Group meetings.

This year's hostingcon was great. If not Vegas I would like to see New York City or Boston. Looking forward to next years show!

Singapore is a good place for meeting new peeps :D

http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home.html

Currently having IMF and World Bank Group meetings.


Someplace where you won't get beaten and flogged for making a simple mistake would be nice.

My backyard? Ill throw some hotdogs on the barbie - it will be great. Just let me know so I can mow the yard and get it setup for the booths. I can even blow up my sons old frog swimming pool for all the ladies to relax in. Oh - I have a dog too so you will want to make sure you wear shoes and watch where you step. I will drop some extension cords so you can plug in your stuff and even let you tie into my wireless connection if you need access to the net. It will be grand. Who's up for the backyard?

My vote is Washington, DC

I'm down for the backyard party!

Hehe,
Actually, maybe some west coast stuff,
Seattle, L.A.(We should have it at some datacenter), or even Hawaii =)
I really need to go.
-Jarrett

Actually, I have wanted to visit Canada. Just make sure it is close to a north eastern state, please.

cabo san lucas man , mexico

Northern Ireland, Belfast just so i dont need to travel any were lol

I vote Washington, DC!!

I heard it in fact may not be back at the mirage this year?

Londan soundas good. I can get tickets for $300 round trip when flying with Britsh Airways. Don't forget Chicago!!!! Not at rosemont though like 2005. The Schaumburg Convention Center just opened up in Schaumburg is and looks a lot better then rosemont. right by woodfield mall too and motorola world headquators (don't know why i said motorola). easy to get too just jump on I-90 from O'Hare Airport and take that to roselle road. and it will be right there.

personally, I wouldnt do the same city twice.. one of the main reasons I went to vegas is to see the city because I have never seen it before.. so I suggest doing it somewhere that you havent already.. like new york.. or else less people will be interested in going again...

Pyong Yang, NK. JK, but really, I'd like to see it in Seoul, SK so that I could make it.

Lets have during Mardi Gras in LA. KICK IT BABY!

The location is decided and it should be announced on Monday.

it's Gatlinburg, isn't it?

it's Gatlinburg, isn't it?
roflmao
now if it was really in gatlinburg man that would be hilarious forreal, i would love to go down those alpine slides again! hopefully this time i dont break a leg...

LOL - Gatlinburg. I am still laughing at that. And Rodney - I would love to see you get on those alpine slides and rip it up some. Wow - that is a serious damaging visual I am having. HEHE ;)

i hear chicago is it

Chicago, it is.

ya its navy pier at chicago...seems quite boring...

Rodney - there is nothing more fun than tagging the pier with stickers collected from HostingCon. First one to get a WHT logo on a seal wins!

thats funny for all of 2 minutes.... what do you do the rest of the days! chicago sucked compared to vegas!

Not sure thier are seals in the great lakes.
But I think this is a crappy idea to go from Vegas back to old crummy chicago. I thought that is why they moved it from chicago to Vegas.
O well.
Maybee I will attend in 2008 if its not in chicago.

We haven't "officially" announced it yet, but yes, HostingCon 2007 will be held at Navy Pier in downtown Chicago.

Is Chicago the same as Vegas? Of course not. However, if you're basing your perception of Chicago on the 2005 show please remember that HostingCon 2005 was held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, which was at least 30 minutes from downtown. There wasn't much to do around the area either... very few restaurants, etc. If you wanted to do anything you pretty much had to go downtown, which a lot of people didn't do.

Navy Pier is right downtown on the lake. It's about a block from North Michigan Ave, one of the world's premier shopping districts. It's a 5 minute cab ride to Rush and Division Streets, home to lots of bars, pubs, and clubs. There are a ton of museums, art galleries and other cultural places as well such as the new Millenium Park. With the event being held downtown it will be much easier to enjoy everything that Chicago has to offer.

We haven't "officially" announced it yet, but yes, HostingCon 2007 will be held at Navy Pier in downtown Chicago.

Thanks for letting us know. :) Can you tell us what hotel it will be at?

For the rest of the curious, here are a couple of sites about Navy Pier:

Navy Pier Information (http://www.chicagotraveler.com/chicago-navy-pier.htm)

Navy Pier (http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago/navypier.htm)

Lois

Its a shame the conference hall wont be in a hotel, as that is always a good way of easily meeting people.

I'll give it a miss this year too.

George - will this be the home for years to come, assuming all goes well in 2007?

Would like to catch up and see whats changed in 2008, but not in chicago haha!

Its a shame the conference hall wont be in a hotel, as that is always a good way of easily meeting people.

I'll give it a miss this year too.

George - will this be the home for years to come, assuming all goes well in 2007?

Would like to catch up and see whats changed in 2008, but not in chicago haha!

It's likely, as there are a lot of advantages to signing letters of intent/contracts for multiple years.

As to not being in a hotel, unfortunately, we're just too big for most hotels now. There are only 2 or 3 in Chicago that have enough space to handle HostingCon and their meeting space is not ideal. The exhibit halls at the hotels have low ceilings (12 feet) and the meeting space is too far away from the exhibit hall.

Thanks for letting us know. :) Can you tell us what hotel it will be at?

For the rest of the curious, here are a couple of sites about Navy Pier:

Navy Pier Information (http://www.chicagotraveler.com/chicago-navy-pier.htm)

Navy Pier (http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago/navypier.htm)

Lois

We're not sure which hotel we'll have a group rate at yet. We're going to start working on that in the next couple of weeks.

And to those who might wonder why we did not bring the show back to Las Vegas again like we had originally planned...

We worked for several weeks on trying to secure a favorable contract with The Mirage. Unfortunately, after several weeks of negotiation, we were not able to come to terms that were acceptable to both parties.

During this time we were also checking with other properties in Las Vegas. Unfortunately there are only a few properties in Vegas that have enough space and the right configuration of space to hold HostingCon. Those properties were either booked solid or prohibitively expensive to hold the event at.

Glad to see its in Chicago. The fact that there isnt a hotel attached, kinda stinks, but I think this will be a much better venue. :-D

Wow - thats going make bring home the hunnies a bit complicated if the hotel isn't attached. HA!!!!! Kidding of course. ;)

I was just alerted to this thread, and I can't express my joy enough that the convention is moving to Chicago. I was originally presenting Toronto as an option, but Chicago is just as good, as far as I'm concerned. I wasn't at HostingCon 2005, but I have no doubts 2007 will rock. I was looking forward to HostingCon 2007, though I was somewhat dreading the downsides to Vegas. Chicago will be awesome!

With all fun and games aside - I think that on a professional level - chicago is a much better place for such a convention. Remember - it is about the convention, right guys/gals? ;)

There's PLENTY of fun to be had in Chicago, and it's not 115 degrees in the middle of July either. Plus, you can pretty walk from one end of downtown to the other in 30 minutes, and you'll be safe the whole way. I'll take you up on that beer Jerett ;) This year, Amy will probably be able to make it too!

Is this official that it will be in Chicago?

I am kinda disappointed. Vegas was what you made it and I know most people that I spoke to that went loved it.

Is this official that it will be in Chicago?

I am kinda disappointed. Vegas was what you made it and I know most people that I spoke to that went loved it.
Funny - I tried to make the heat bearable, and yet somehow it wasn't what I attempted to make it :emlaugh:

Is this official that it will be in Chicago?

I am kinda disappointed. Vegas was what you made it and I know most people that I spoke to that went loved it.

While it hasnt been announced, it will be Chicago... the deal is done.. We've been sold out on! :(

Disappointing. Doubtful I will go again now, it being in Vegas made it a lot more attractive.

Chicago is great for me its about a 3 hour drive!!!

While it hasnt been announced, it will be Chicago... the deal is done.. We've been sold out on! :(

Now Matt, that's not fair. :)

Look... part of the reason we're moving the show to Chicago is that we had contractual issues with The Mirage that we couldn't work out and we couldn't find another place in Vegas to do it.

I love Vegas. I've been to Vegas 4 or 5 times in the last year. It's a great place to go and have a good time.

There were some people (both attendees and exhibitors) who were less than enthusiastic about returning to Las Vegas. Some made it very clear, very loudly that they hated it in Vegas because they didn't feel it was conducive to business.

While I don't necessarily agree that it was bad place to have a show, I do agree with some of their points, just not quite as emphatically. I do think there are more distractions in Vegas.

What we're trying to do is find a balance.

Navy Pier is a really nice facility for holding the show. People are more likely to stay involved in the show during show hours than in Vegas.

Chicago as a city has a lot to offer... if you want to party, there's lots of places to do it. You want to do the tourist thing? Shopping thing? Relax on the beach? Chicago has all that and more.

Chicago is easy to get to for almost everyone, as well, especially international travellers.

When it comes right down to it we're never going to be able to make everyone happy with the choice of location.

Hell, I went to ISPCon Spring last year in Baltimore. Baltimore?!? (Nothing against Baltimore to any who may live there) There wasn't a hell of a lot to do there, but I still enjoyed the show. I think Chicago is a much better choice than Baltimore, don't you? :)

Now Matt, that's not fair. :)

Look... part of the reason we're moving the show to Chicago is that we had contractual issues with The Mirage that we couldn't work out and we couldn't find another place in Vegas to do it.

I love Vegas. I've been to Vegas 4 or 5 times in the last year. It's a great place to go and have a good time.

There were some people (both attendees and exhibitors) who were less than enthusiastic about returning to Las Vegas. Some made it very clear, very loudly that they hated it in Vegas because they didn't feel it was conducive to business.

While I don't necessarily agree that it was bad place to have a show, I do agree with some of their points, just not quite as emphatically. I do think there are more distractions in Vegas.

What we're trying to do is find a balance.

Navy Pier is a really nice facility for holding the show. People are more likely to stay involved in the show during show hours than in Vegas.

Chicago as a city has a lot to offer... if you want to party, there's lots of places to do it. You want to do the tourist thing? Shopping thing? Relax on the beach? Chicago has all that and more.

Chicago is easy to get to for almost everyone, as well, especially international travellers.

When it comes right down to it we're never going to be able to make everyone happy with the choice of location.

Hell, I went to ISPCon Spring last year in Baltimore. Baltimore?!? (Nothing against Baltimore to any who may live there) There wasn't a hell of a lot to do there, but I still enjoyed the show. I think Chicago is a much better choice than Baltimore, don't you? :)

So maybe 20 people from the 1100 that went have mentioned that they dislike Vegas? I'd say that is a pretty high success ratio to be honest (okay, granted many don't use WHT but even if half do....)

There's also a lot of other hotels with sizable conference facilities in Vegas, it is the convention city...

I think Matt, like myself, is disappointed. A lot of us were looking forward to it being in Vegas next year and we heard rumours that it would be.

So maybe 20 people from the 1100 that went have mentioned that they dislike Vegas? I'd say that is a pretty high success ratio to be honest (okay, granted many don't use WHT but even if half do....)

There's also a lot of other hotels with sizable conference facilities in Vegas, it is the convention city...

I think Matt, like myself, is disappointed. A lot of us were looking forward to it being in Vegas next year and we heard rumours that it would be.
It appears they tried ;)
And to those who might wonder why we did not bring the show back to Las Vegas again like we had originally planned...

We worked for several weeks on trying to secure a favorable contract with The Mirage. Unfortunately, after several weeks of negotiation, we were not able to come to terms that were acceptable to both parties.

During this time we were also checking with other properties in Las Vegas. Unfortunately there are only a few properties in Vegas that have enough space and the right configuration of space to hold HostingCon. Those properties were either booked solid or prohibitively expensive to hold the event at.

O the Navy Pier is this you can take bus #151 to go to North michingan avenue where all the nightclubs are and navy pier is right by FastServers.Net Headquaters so hopefully they will be throwing another party on North Michigan Avenue like they did at Las Vegas.

Did FastServers have any pull on the decision for it being in Chicago? Considering they throw the biggest parties. HA! This is a huge improvement from my idea of having it in my backyard. ;) I am planning on attending. Can we start a car wash fund raiser for people like myself? Seriously - someone needs to start a - "Send Jerett to Chicago fund." Any takers... :D

Where you live in Texas? I know a Travel Agent and she can probably throw something together for you

FastServers hopefully and I wonder what nightclub they will chose there are so many so chosse from at North Michigan and Radoulgh. Since Chicago is FastServers.net hometown I'm sure they will throw something good together

Why not Atlantic City? :D

Where you live in Texas? I know a Travel Agent and she can probably throw something together for you

FastServers hopefully and I wonder what nightclub they will chose there are so many so chosse from at North Michigan and Radoulgh. Since Chicago is FastServers.net hometown I'm sure they will throw something good together
I can't wait to tour the FS DC and see our hardware :D

And after that momentary thrill wears off, I can't wait to party with the crew. Save an invite for my wife!

So I can't have you all to myself Paul? Well I might not go then. HA! Kidding of course.

So I can't have you all to myself Paul? Well I might not go then. HA! Kidding of course.Sorry Jerett, I only have room in my life for one woman... :rofl:

But bring your wife too, and we'll all party like rockstars for three days!

Ouch. That really hurts. (jerett reaches down and straightens his bra)

I might see if the wife would like to tag along. Somebody has to buy your beer I mentioned. ;)

Ouch. That really hurts. (jerett reaches down and straightens his bra)

I might see if the wife would like to tag along. Somebody has to buy your beer I mentioned. ;)Wives have a way of finding things to keep them occupied in cities like Chicago, especially with Navy Pier right there. Put a couple wives together, and we might not see them the whole time!

o.O Might be cheaper to go to Vegas without the wife. ;) Well I look forward to seeing you there. Do you think Hostingcon will let me wear my texas beer holder hat so I can drink and enjoy the convention at the same time? Doubt it :(

Wow! I love it, I am attending Hostingcon 2007, where do I buy the tickets? when will the booth info be up?

Im sure most vendors wont be commiting till after the first of the year anyhow. Its still a long ways away.

I meant to commit to a booth :D

Guess I wont be making it again, Being in vegas again was very appealing to me as it was close to home incase I had to get back quickly. Ohhh well.

Steven - it is still a ways off. I hope things might work out where you will be able to attend. :)

as of right now with a made up date in july,

1000 - 2 plane tickets + decent hotel + car

no need to make up a date, july 23 to 25th

Come on guys VEGAS AGAIN!!! VEGAS!!!

I have to say I liked it being in my backyard here in Vegas.

Am not crazy about Chicago but I guess we have no choice. If Vegas wasn't doable I would have liked to see Portland or Seattle get it.

Oh well it's more about the connections you make the the city it is held in right?

Vegas - I must say it had a nice strip you could see - ummmmmm - pun was totally intended.

Who is up for trying to get some Springer tickets this year, or Oprah?



** Just kidding about Oprah.

Vegas Babyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!

Hello Paul, it is Chicago Navy Peir
July 23 to 25 2007.

Hello Paul, it is Chicago Navy Peir
July 23 to 25 2007.

NNOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Vegas!!! It was in chicago the first year wasn't it?

yea I don't know why they went back to chicago but I am sure glad it is not Vegas, I am actually making all the plans to go now, was skipping if in Vegas again.

NNOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Vegas!!! It was in chicago the first year wasn't it?

it was but it was in rosemont a chicago subrab which since i live around here nothing happens here. Navy Pier is a lot better since it is in downtown.

ask me any qeustions if you have problems with chicagos as I live here and stuff

Well, Chicago means a more expensive flight for me, but if that saves me from tacky Vegas and stupidly high heat, then I'm game!

Jerett, should I attend (I sincerely hope I will be attending) I'll bring a blow up doll which can tag along with your other half and Amy... then I can show you and Paul how to p.a.r.t.y. :D

Wow that is a surprise.

I did the Chi town first time and the Vegas second time. Not having it at a hotel where every one can gather at leaves a lot to be desired.
I will have to think long and hard on spending the bucks to go next year, at this point with out the hotel and being back in Chicago I am inclined to say no.

I reserve the right to change my mind if I can see some value, which at this point I see more negatives to it than positives.

Wow that is a surprise.

I did the Chi town first time and the Vegas second time. Not having it at a hotel where every one can gather at leaves a lot to be desired.
I will have to think long and hard on spending the bucks to go next year, at this point with out the hotel and being back in Chicago I am inclined to say no.

I reserve the right to change my mind if I can see some value, which at this point I see more negatives to it than positives.

Just because it's not held at a hotel doesn't mean there won't be a hotel. There will still be a lot of people concentrated at certain hotels that will give opportunities for meeting up. Most tradeshows are not held at hotels, but at convention centers. We just weren't quite big enough to do that before this year.

Just because it's not held at a hotel doesn't mean there won't be a hotel. There will still be a lot of people concentrated at certain hotels that will give opportunities for meeting up. Most tradeshows are not held at hotels, but at convention centers. We just weren't quite big enough to do that before this year.


So why back in Chicago? Why not NYC? Back in Las Vegas?, LA? or even Miami.

So why back in Chicago? Why not NYC? Back in Las Vegas?, LA? or even Miami.

For the reasons why not back in Las Vegas, see my posts elsewhere in this thread.

Why not NYC, LA or someplace else? Honestly, because Chicago makes more sense for a yearly show. Doing a yearly show on one of the coasts puts a burden on half of our attendees as far as travel goes.

Shows that are held twice a year often do one on the east coast and one on the west coast. This makes sense as it allows you to draw regionally to one of the show. Some people will attend both, but many will choose to attend only one a year and will choose the one closest to them.

Since we only hold HostingCon once per year it makes more sense to hold it someplace centrally located in the US. Chicago is a great place to hold a show because it's a major transportation hub, has lots of great things to do outside the show and has facilities that work for the size show we hold.

In addition, because we're based in Chicago it allows us to really be more hands on with the planning process. There were some things that didn't run as smoothly as we would have liked in Las Vegas because we planned it remotely and then had to ship our show stuff like computers, etc. and our staff out to Vegas.

Well, Chicago means a more expensive flight for me, but if that saves me from tacky Vegas and stupidly high heat, then I'm game!

Jerett, should I attend (I sincerely hope I will be attending) I'll bring a blow up doll which can tag along with your other half and Amy... then I can show you and Paul how to p.a.r.t.y. :D


You are more than welcome to tag along. Just make sure your blow up isn't some cheap floozy. Paul and I won't let you bring cheap plastic on the date, has to be the good stuff. ;)

Why not in my neck of the woods? Richmond, VA at the (nearly) brand-new convention center. :)

Too bad it's in Chicago. What about the poor Chicagoans? There is no fun in driving up 10-15 miles to attend the show.

I was really hopping its going to be some where really nice. Hawaii would have been nice. HostingCon would have been a very good excuse to get out of homefront:)

I'm really surprised that you had so much difficulty finding another location here in Las Vegas to run the show. The show seemed to be a huge success, and there just isn't anywhere with as much variety of stuff to do as Vegas. As far as transportation, McCarran International Airport is the 10th busiest airport in the world, so I can't imagine anyone having problems finding affordable flights if they planned ahead a bit. (I know, O'Hare is the second busiest, but that's beside the point :)) I can think of at least a dozen hotels both on or off the strip that have adequate convention facilities to house HostingCon, and I wouldn't think they would all be booked up for a gig in the middle of summer, since that is generally the slow time of year for conventions here.

I did think it was somewhat poor planning to try and run a convention in Las Vegas in the middle of July - unless you live here and are acclimated, the heat can be pretty unbearable that time of year. If you were to do it in early May or late September here in Vegas, that would be pretty much ideal. Oh well, so much for my 15 minute convention commute - I guess I'll start planning my first ever trip to the Windy City.

Windy City - Oh yea that's right. Jamie you better have a tether strap around your date just in case. ;)

I'm really surprised that you had so much difficulty finding another location here in Las Vegas to run the show. The show seemed to be a huge success, and there just isn't anywhere with as much variety of stuff to do as Vegas. As far as transportation, McCarran International Airport is the 10th busiest airport in the world, so I can't imagine anyone having problems finding affordable flights if they planned ahead a bit. (I know, O'Hare is the second busiest, but that's beside the point :)) I can think of at least a dozen hotels both on or off the strip that have adequate convention facilities to house HostingCon, and I wouldn't think they would all be booked up for a gig in the middle of summer, since that is generally the slow time of year for conventions here.

I did think it was somewhat poor planning to try and run a convention in Las Vegas in the middle of July - unless you live here and are acclimated, the heat can be pretty unbearable that time of year. If you were to do it in early May or late September here in Vegas, that would be pretty much ideal. Oh well, so much for my 15 minute convention commute - I guess I'll start planning my first ever trip to the Windy City.

Rob, what you don't understand since you don't plan conventions for a living is that summer is about the ONLY time that's available in Las Vegas in the next few years. Most places are booked pretty solid for years in advance. Besides, there are other shows such as ISPCON that some of our exhibitors exhibit at and some of our attendees attend that we try to avoid conflicting with if possible.

And there are not a dozen hotels in Vegas that can handle HostingCon, believe me. There are only a few that have the space we need and most of them are in configurations that just would not work for the show. There are really only 3 or 4 hotels that have the right amount and configuration of space for the show.

Did FastServers have any pull on the decision for it being in Chicago?

I assumed it was Ubiquity. :)


I have to say I'm very happy with Navy Pier though, there's always fun to be had inside the city, even if you're from the area.

I can't wait to tour the FS DC and see our hardware :D

And after that momentary thrill wears off, I can't wait to party with the crew. Save an invite for my wife!

Have fun driving 5 hours to see that hardware!

Have fun driving 5 hours to see that hardware!

Yeah.. Team Technologies is kind of in a cornfield on the outskirts of Cedar Falls, not entirely a convenient trip from Navy Pier. But if you can get in pm, you can see where their bandwidth comes from at 111 N. Canal and 350 E. Cermak in Chicago!! :)

Yeah, Jamie pointed out right after I posted that little goof we were in the Iowa DC, which would be a bit of a jaunt from Chicago. Oopsy :blush:

Well, Chicago means a more expensive flight for me, but if that saves me from tacky Vegas and stupidly high heat, then I'm game!


I swear it felt hotter in Chicago back in 05 than it did in Vegas this year. It seems in Chicago they are so happy for a little bit of summer heat they dont turn on the AC even when its 95 degrees outside. Taxi cabs, pizza parlors, bars outside Wrigley...all had their AC turned off during a mid-summer heat wave. I will pray the windy city has a cooler summer in 07.

Chicago weather sucks. The only "hot" summer was 2005, 2006 had a few warm days but nothing to get happy about. I vote for hostingcon Miami! :)

Well, Dallas is centrally located, and AA has a major hub there. Maybe this location can be considered for Hosting Con 08?

I like Grapevine just minutes from DFW airport and one fo the best conference centers and hotels in the world in the Gaylord Texan :)

It has almost half a million sq ft in a hotel conference room, so it has to be said it is BIG. It also has some of the best dining in the area, and some nice shopping if you are upscale. However it is all close enough to other hotels that people that don't want to stay there would be able to stay elsewhere

Id like to see it go to dallas after chicago... That being said, Im for anywhere that doesnt have 115 degree heat and a 30 minute walk from the front door of the hotel to the confrence area.

I'm all for Dallas but I think Austin would be exciting as well. Let's face it though - no matter where they have it - there will be people that aren't happy. I for one think Chicago will be fun - the airfare and hotel cost won't be - but the conference should be okay.

I am trying to figure out how I will tell my wife that I am going to blow my vacation time on week trip to Chicago in the Summer instead of a vacation with the family.
(jerett checks his backside to make sure there is enough there for the chewing)

I agree with the others - Las Vegas was a great venue!

Lots of interesting things to see and do - both professionally and for pure entertainment.

Hotels and service are great.

It's also easy for most to get to - as all the major airports and airlines have flights there.

So let's keep it in Vegas for a while.

1 drawback: You can lose alot of money while trying to have fun in a casino!

Vegas wasn't bad, but I agree the heat was overwhelming. What about Detroit!! I promise it's safer than people think, plus there are a ton of things to do and places to go, as well the summer usually peaks at 90. Oh and of course I would be able to get there in a few minutes.

Well, Chicago means a more expensive flight for me, but if that saves me from tacky Vegas and stupidly high heat, then I'm game!

Jerett, should I attend (I sincerely hope I will be attending) I'll bring a blow up doll which can tag along with your other half and Amy... then I can show you and Paul how to p.a.r.t.y. :D

Southwest Airlines to Midway

htttp://www.southwest.com/

Who is up for trying to get some Springer tickets this year, or Oprah?



** Just kidding about Oprah.

Dr. Phill :lol:

I think I should start a donation site to help Jerett (that's me) experience Chicago style Mexican food and who ever contributes can take a ride on Jamie's blow up doll just off the pier. No photos will be included.

I think I should start a donation site to help Jerett (that's me) experience Chicago style Mexican food and who ever contributes can take a ride on Jamie's blow up doll just off the pier. No photos will be included.

I'd pay to see that, as long as I wasn't the one taking the ride. You'll have to start a donation site to get Jamie and his doll (Hey, she needs a seat on the plane all of her own) to Chicago, *then* we can start a donation site to get Jerett to Chicago. :D

You think Paul would design something for us? We could give 25% to your doll's charity of choice. Possibly the Battered Inflatable Doll Society? or Helium Abuse Anonymouse? (HAA)

Nah, I've got Paul working on all things PHP right now (He loves it when I send him *more* work). I'm sure my doll (I should name her) could design something.

Ok... this thread is going somewhere scary.

Yea but it sure is fun. I'm serious - I bet people would show up just to see if you brought a blow up doll or not. Ha! I can see it on PingZine now -

"HostingCon 2007 - Who's doll will fly the furthest in the Windy City"