HostingCon 2009 [Archive] - Web Hosting Talk

BuffaloBill

08-01-2008, 05:26 AM

Well that automatically guarantees that I won't be attending next year. Go figure, iNet messes something up.

You are correct Mr. Obvious..
There will be no group discounts and even more surprising is that all of the other thousand hotels in the Northern VA, DC, and Maryland all went out of business yesterday. It was the most shocking thing that I have every seen. Only one hotel has been able to stay in business. :eek:

One day there was hundreds in a 10 mile radius, and now.... only one.:rolleyes:

Early speculation was that no other hotels could pay their employees enough to get them to work with the current high gas pricing. Gaylord was able to circumvent this by actually putting up tents in their employee bathrooms so they would never have to go home and use the gas! That's genius! :)

So yeppers..... This is all messed up already....

On a serious note. DC is a fine place for a conference. 3 airports, decent number of attractions, enough hotels, and more than enough data facilities to tour. Also the largest ISPs all have a base (or are based) in that region.

NYC is also a fine one.... 3+ airports, and a hell of a night life.... Maybe for 2010?

wyb

08-01-2008, 09:27 AM

WTH - that hotel is $499 a night for their cheap rooms without a group rate... this might be a killer as far as us attending...

https://reservations.gaylordnational.gaylordhotels.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+R0F26153E28D063004196061+NAT+ENG

kkleiner

08-01-2008, 09:36 AM

I am excited to see that you are preparing for HostingCon 2009! And, I am happy to share the "official" room rates with you:

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD 20745
301-965-2317

Special room rates for HostingCon- $214 per night. This includes wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, 2 complimentary in-room bottles of water per day, a daily newspaper, fitness center access, and an in-room safe containing an outlet for laptop charging.

The hotel and convention center are attached, and several restaurants and bars are within walking distance, making it even easier to get to those "networking" parties!

We will have more 2009 information available on the HC website within the next few weeks, and we'll continually update it as more information for both exhibitors and attendees becomes available.

We're looking forward to seeing you there!

wyb

08-01-2008, 10:13 AM

those rates are some of the best discounted conference room rates I have seen - as soon as you can get the links up to reserve rooms, we can set about reserving them. Get the early bird registration info out and we'll consider registering for the event before 2009 also.

NickCatal

08-01-2008, 01:39 PM

2 complimentary in-room bottles of water per day

Considering how much hotels like that usually charge, this is like a $15.99/night value :)

Douglas

08-01-2008, 02:31 PM

Kelly, you freakin' ROCK! Thank you for this! Great rates and you don't get nickled and dimed on everything (water and internet).

There's a few of us that would like to bring a router/splitter for internet connectivity, can you see if that can be done/allowed?

Oh, and it was great annoying ya to death, hahaha!

Mr. Obvious

08-01-2008, 02:58 PM

Dougy

08-01-2008, 03:05 PM

kkleiner

08-01-2008, 03:07 PM

There's a few of us that would like to bring a router/splitter for internet connectivity, can you see if that can be done/allowed?

This is a sensitive issue because the hotel doesn't allow it. But, I've heard it's technically possible. ;)

LuckyBambu

08-01-2008, 03:15 PM

This is a sensitive issue because the hotel doesn't allow it. But, I've heard it's technically possible. ;)
You're going to have people sneaking 24-port switches into their bags.

Which reminds me, I'll have to bring extra luggage if I go for all the swag I bring back. I took the train into Chicago on Tuesday with a briefcase and left with 3 bags of stuff. O.o

the_pm

08-01-2008, 03:16 PM

OMG 2 whole bottles of water? I'm sold!That's a $14/day value if you stayed at the Intercontinental in Chicago ($18/Day if you ordered water with room service). Staying at upscale hotels is like reverse prostitution. You pay them, but they get to have intercourse with you(r wallet), instead of the other way around :emlaugh:

LuckyBambu

08-01-2008, 03:25 PM

RyanD

08-01-2008, 03:46 PM

Water @ The W was $6.80 for one of the small bottles in your fridge :)

wyb

08-01-2008, 04:24 PM

This is a sensitive issue because the hotel doesn't allow it. But, I've heard it's technically possible. ;)

as long as you can setup the MAC address on your NIC - first find out the MAC of your router - setup your machine to be the same and connect your laptop to the service using the wired option; accept the terms and signup for your access.

Now disconnect, setup the MAC to it's previous value, plugin you router using the wired connection and it will have access. Your PC connects to the router and away you go.

peruviantalk

08-01-2008, 05:34 PM

NickCatal

08-01-2008, 06:01 PM

I might add that there is a Hamptoninn right next door that has 2 queen beds and a sofa-bed for under $200/night (on weeknights) w/AAA membership

Free wifi, comfy beds, and an awesome hot breakfast and it is literally a block away according to Google Maps.

Fit 3 people in a room each having their own bed for 3 nights = $200/night, instead of having to (if they have them) get a cot for a third person or get another room.

Plus I love Hampton Inns.

mams482

08-01-2008, 08:49 PM

2nd that. Vegas is always a great spot. Maybe even Seattle, I have not been up there in a while

Gaylord eh? They need to bring it back out to the west coast. Well, there's always hope for 2010.

RyanD

08-01-2008, 09:20 PM

Why not Miami, New York, Atlanta, Dallas?

LuckyBambu

08-01-2008, 09:20 PM

2nd that. Vegas is always a great spot. Maybe even Seattle, I have not been up there in a while
I can think of a few places in Cali that would be nice as well...

NickCatal

08-01-2008, 10:12 PM

That's a $14/day value if you stayed at the Intercontinental in Chicago ($18/Day if you ordered water with room service). Staying at upscale hotels is like reverse prostitution. You pay them, but they get to have intercourse with you(r wallet), instead of the other way around :emlaugh:

I was in the Austin Omni last year and learned the hard way how much things actually cost for expensive hotels. Just give me somewhere to pass out on after drinking, a shower and WIFI and I'm good.

The few times I have stayed in a 'luxury' hotel like that I have told the people to either not give me the key to the mini bar or take everything that costs money OUT of the room because I wasn't paying a cent to them past the quoted night rate.

sirtwist

08-01-2008, 11:48 PM

Before I start my post, please note that the following is simply based on my experience as the producer of HostingCon for the last four years as well as a number of other shows. iNET may not necessarily subscribe to the same viewpoint, so I'm not speaking in an "official" capacity. :)

To those asking why not [insert city here], I've mentioned this before but it bears repeating. When planning an event like HostingCon, it becomes extremely difficult to change host cities every year. This is because of a few things, but mainly because of increased costs (no discounts for multi-year contracts at the same facility), more difficult planning (you have to learn the ins and outs of new facilities every year) and more likelihood of problems (due to different facilities, union rules, etc.) for both attendees and exhibitors.

While most conference/tradeshow producers would love to be able to offer a diverse geographical coverage, it's just too difficult most of the time.

That's not saying it can't be done, just that the benefits of seeing new cities each year just usually don't outweigh the negatives and probable difficulties.

EvilMan

08-01-2008, 11:53 PM

Just as a reminder, if you wanna visit the white house, contact your senator and get that background ivnestigation started now!

lol, hope to be able to come next year, it sounds like it is gonna be decently affordable now to attend.

ForumsAddict

08-02-2008, 06:40 AM

I bet if you guys do Miami tons would come...change of city is important also to attract folks that just want to go there for fun and networking.

wheimeng

08-02-2008, 08:23 AM

but.. but I'm in Miami now! :P

Somewhere else. Seattle, Atlanta sounds cool to me, never been there before.

ForumsAddict

08-02-2008, 08:31 AM

Atlanta has some nice *special* places to visit after 12 am Im sure Jeff Henkle should be able to elaborate... ;)

wyb

08-02-2008, 09:23 AM

what are the room and city taxes for the DC hotel?

Just got my bill for Chicago and the combined $32 of taxes per night adds up!

Steven.C

08-02-2008, 10:39 PM

Parking in Chicago was not fun either. Got a $60 ticket for being parked for 20 minutes in a 15 minute standing zone in front of our hotel.

LuckyBambu

08-02-2008, 11:36 PM

I finally got my hands on one of these Steadfast shirts.

I figure I can wear it when I go out and walk around at night so I won't get hit by cars.

GotWebHost

08-03-2008, 02:03 PM

Gaylord eh? They need to bring it back out to the west coast. Well, there's always hope for 2010.

Personally, I look forward to the DC location as I have never been there before. These shows are a great way to see the world on the company's dime.

GotWebHost

08-03-2008, 02:05 PM

I bet if you guys do Miami tons would come...change of city is important also to attract folks that just want to go there for fun and networking.

Chicago was humid enough, I can only imagine Miami. In fact, there is a show in Miami next week that I am skipping because it is Miami in August. Save Miami for the winter shows.

DC Lover

08-03-2008, 04:21 PM

Just to chime in here a bit - the Gaylord is *not* in D.C. It is about 30 minutes (by car, with traffic) from the interesting parts of the city. This is a new complex that is pretty self contained. While you can walk to restaurants etc., it's pretty much going to be chains and corporate type set ups. Think TGIFridays, not Delacosta. Also, it is not generally close to public transit. There is a bus that links it to metro (4 stops) then 7 stops to downtown. If you're going to do anything outside the complex, better rent a car.

That said, some people prefer self contained. However, this will be a much different, and very suburban, experience than the past two HostingCons.

PaulZ5

08-03-2008, 05:11 PM

I was at this years show in Chicago - pretty useful all in all I thought.

Washington DC sounds good to me locationwise (I'm UK based) but please can you consider putting HostingCon not during the summer months. Next summer we have a family road trip organized for the whole of August so I doubt i'll get to this.

Paul

LuckyBambu

08-03-2008, 05:12 PM

Chicago was humid enough, I can only imagine Miami. In fact, there is a show in Miami next week that I am skipping because it is Miami in August. Save Miami for the winter shows.

You should feel absolutely pitiful for those of us who live in Chicago and have to deal with the humidity every day.

GotWebHost

08-03-2008, 08:51 PM

You should feel absolutely pitiful for those of us who live in Chicago and have to deal with the humidity every day.

Trust me, I do. I live at the beach in LA and pretty much dread the climate I have to deal with on my frequent visits to the mid-west. I originally came here for Ad Tech, but when I heard HostingCon was going to be here I went ahead and came a week early.

I can't wait for Weds when I will be back home.

BigTom3007

09-01-2008, 07:43 PM

You should feel absolutely pitiful for those of us who live in Chicago and have to deal with the humidity every day.

I was in DC during July and the humidity in Chicago was nothing compared to what DC was going through. Though this summer wasn't a bad one for Chicago :)

ianjw11

09-02-2008, 06:27 PM

They should have done it in NYC.....

Dougy

09-02-2008, 08:58 PM

They should have done it in NYC.....

I probably wouldn't go, even then.

ianjw11

09-02-2008, 09:39 PM

Oh come on Dougy...You live 30 Minutes from NYC! I might take amtrack to DC though.

Dougy

09-03-2008, 08:14 AM

Oh come on Dougy...You live 30 Minutes from NYC! I might take amtrack to DC though.

More like 15 minutes. I wouldn't be going next year. I expect iNet will do the same thing they do to WHT (load it up full of adverts).

If not, maybe I'll attend in 2010.

SoftWareRevue

09-03-2008, 09:41 AM

(load it up full of adverts):think: Isn't that why we go to these events? :S

mdrussell

09-04-2008, 02:07 AM

A lot of people go to HostingCon because it is fun as well. A fun environment certainly encourages people to do business. Hosting it in out of a large city detracts from this; I don't know anyone who finds it fun spending 100's of dollars on cab rides just looking for something to do outside of the conference.

What's more, most people I speak to usually get in a day before HostingCon and leave a day after. 5 days at this complex so out of town doesn't seem particularly appealing for me and for the first time ever, I find myself questioning if I want to go.

Mr. Obvious

09-04-2008, 02:27 AM

What can you say though? It's iNet, if they feel it's right, then they aren't going to change it.

In my opinion, having HostingCon in Chicago has become sort of a tradition, not to mention the pictures I've seen of Navy Pier are beyond beautiful.

What'd be nice to have is a clear explanation on WHY DC was chosen? From what it seems, as talks have obviously been going on before HC was held this year, as they had already had the hotel and conference area picked out...it's sad.

And I was looking forward to going :(

nimbar

09-04-2008, 07:05 AM

Hello, I think the new place is great too, however Chicago is -maybe- the best location possible: you're at downtown, amaizing city, tons of places to go walking, historical navy pier, and one of the best places to take pictures (land, water, skycrapers and you're in a lake... quite impressive). In the new place you would have to take a taxi or drive with your own car. Maybe iNet would like to put a free bus or schedule trips to visit Wash. DC?. Maybe they chose this location because is cheaper for everybody?. Greetings.

Netrilli

09-04-2008, 08:36 AM

DC has a really good zoo :) It has a lot to offer as far as sight seeing, but it is expensive. Not to mention that traffic around DC is horrible. I have relatives in the area and driving to a restaurant for dinner is a 2 hour ordeal :rolleyes:

I like Atlanta personally. Would like to visit Chicago. And I think an international convention would be awesome.

SoftWareRevue

09-04-2008, 09:13 AM

I would have thought it's obvious there is no place on Earth that would please everyone. But then, what can I say?What can you say though? It's iNet, if they feel it's right, then they aren't going to change it.

In my opinion, having HostingCon in Chicago has become sort of a tradition, not to mention the pictures I've seen of Navy Pier are beyond beautiful.

What'd be nice to have is a clear explanation on WHY DC was chosen? From what it seems, as talks have obviously been going on before HC was held this year, as they had already had the hotel and conference area picked out...it's sad.

And I was looking forward to going :(

Jamie Harrop

09-04-2008, 09:38 AM

I'm not against the decision to move HC to DC, but I do want to give some feedback (of what little I can give, considering the event is still a long time away).

Chicago was loved by many. I can't speak for 2008, but the feedback of the 2007 event that I attended seemed to be overwhelmingly positive. The hotels were perfect. They were good prices. They were in fantastic locations. The after-hours events were outstanding. The conference hall, minus the lack of air-con on the setup day, was perfect. Pretty much everything was given the thumbs up by all the attendees I spoke to.

Next years event is in DC. We can't change that. It's a decision made by iNet, and one Interjuncture were going to make had they retained HC. But what we can do is give feedback to iNet.

Personally, right now, just under a year from the event, DC appeals less to me than Chicago. No matter how flash and plush the new complex in DC is, it doesn't appeal to me as much as Chicago. That comes from both a business and personal standpoint. Business, because I have zero contacts in DC whereas I have several in Chicago. Business, because flights to Chicago are cheaper from Europe than they are to DC. And personal, because Chicago is a better tourist spot than DC, especially on the lake. And the hotels are right in the heart of everything, whether you're arranging a meeting, drinking, eating, bowling, walking through the parks or viewing the tourist skyscrapers.

I'm sure iNet haven't forgotten, but I really hope HC doesn't lose its "personal" focus. HC is more than a convention. It's more than a place to make business deals. It's much more than a place to walk around a hall and view adverts. It's much more than most other conventions in the world, for one simple reason. HC is one of just a few events serving the Web hosting industry. It's the one place where you are guaranteed to see old friends from the industry. I have friends throughout the hosting industry, but HC is the only time I see them. I'm not alone, and it's not just WHT members who experience that. From the people I spoke to in 2007, WHT members and non WHT members, they believe HC is far more than formal networking and lectures.

iNet really need to take that in to account when planning the location next time. I'm not saying they haven't taken it in to account this time (far from it). I'm just saying they need to continue taking it in to account.

Again, from the people I spoke to in 2007, most said the real value they get out of HC is meeting new people in the informal after-hours. Sure, they might meet for the first time during a walk around the hall and they may go grab lunch, but it's the bonds after the hall is closed that really make HC what it is. I've done business with many people I met at HC07. But every single one of those people are people I networked with after the hall was closed for the day. Whether it was dinner, a pizza, or a night in the Skybar, I've only dealt with people who I interacted with outside the business hours. I'm sure I'm not alone.

I'm not saying DC is a bad choice. I'm just saying Chicago was the perfect choice. :) And that tends to be what most people are saying here. They're not really saying DC is a bad choice (you can't possibly say that when the event hasn't happened), but people are certainly sad to see it leave Chicago, because it worked so well for the attendees.

And there ends my feedback. I hope Dennis and the other iNet staff take it as constructive, and not destructive. :)

writespeak

09-04-2008, 11:21 AM

In my opinion, having HostingCon in Chicago has become sort of a tradition
There's been a lot of discussion in this forum in the past couple of years by people talking about where they wanted the next conference to be. The only thing that was consistent in those discussions was that people wanted it to be in different locations. More locations = more variety and opportunities for more people to attend.

It appears that the previous and current owners of HostingCon were listening to people when they decided to move the conference to a new location for 2009. :)

Lois

mdrussell

09-05-2008, 09:08 AM

Actually, I wouldn't mind so much if it was in the city itself. DC is a pretty cool city Jamie and I'm sure the bars of Georgetown would be frequented by us networkers.

However, by trying to "stimulate" networking by having everyone in one location where they cannot leave so easily will work against the conference. We don't need to be stimulated. For many of us, its a chance for a break as well as a conference -- a lot of people brought families to Chicago.

With no disprespect to inet, they know nothing about running a succesful conference. George and co did a decent job but for HostingCon to grow in size, we need industry figureheads. The keynotes this year were boring. The sessions were mediocre. inet need to look at conferences like PubCon and TRAFFIC for ideas.

And how cool is www.trafficdownunder.com (http://www.trafficdownunder.com) for a location?

mdrussell

09-05-2008, 09:11 AM

There's been a lot of discussion in this forum in the past couple of years by people talking about where they wanted the next conference to be. The only thing that was consistent in those discussions was that people wanted it to be in different locations. More locations = more variety and opportunities for more people to attend.

It appears that the previous and current owners of HostingCon were listening to people when they decided to move the conference to a new location for 2009. :)

Lois

Switching around keeps it interesting. I think inet need to be sensible; everyone wants it in their home city but why? I and many others travel 3000 miles and spend thousands of dollars on the travel every year and any hosting company serious about sending representatives/staff to a conference shouldn't have a problem doing the same. In other industries, people don't seem to have a problem with the travel.

Jamie Harrop

09-05-2008, 09:13 AM

However, by trying to "stimulate" networking by having everyone in one location where they cannot leave so easily will work against the conference. We don't need to be stimulated. For many of us, its a chance for a break as well as a conference -- a lot of people brought families to Chicago.

Agreed.

With no disprespect to inet, they know nothing about running a succesful conference

That's certainly not a concern of mine. Soon after the announcement of iNet's takeover, they announced two new staff members. Both of whom have ample event planning experience. http://www.inetinteractive.com/blog/annnouncements/inet-welcomes-two-meeting-and-event-industry-veterans/

mdrussell

09-05-2008, 09:16 AM

That's certainly not a concern of mine. Soon after the announcement of iNet's takeover, they announced two new staff members. Both of whom have ample event planning experience. http://www.inetinteractive.com/blog/annnouncements/inet-welcomes-two-meeting-and-event-industry-veterans/

I missed that, I don't tend to read that propaganda ;)

Nich

09-05-2008, 09:31 AM

Props on sending HostingCon towards the east coast. I am happy it is in DC and I look forward to going next year.

qwidjib0

09-05-2008, 05:35 PM

I love the east coast, but this will probably be the first hostingcon I don't attend. Nothing on iNet, but turnout really hasn't built much as the conference has gone on to date, and it kind of feels like it's just a little industry reunion each year with the people we already know and occasionally gossip with as it is (which is cool in it's own right, but not necessarily merit for venturing across the country and for the week).

Though if iNet could build up enough clear buzz long before the actual event, I think that I and a lot of others I know in the same boat would make it out.

clickitservices

09-15-2008, 05:35 PM

I think I'll be going to hosting con 2009, not been since 2007! Gaylord here i come ;)

PS any plans to do a UK hosting con?

AL-Benjamin

09-15-2008, 05:53 PM

I'm amazed people are tlaking about this already :)

clickitservices

09-15-2008, 05:54 PM

I'm amazed people are tlaking about this already :)

i know! sad really isn't it, that we plan our year so much in advanced haha.

eclouds

09-15-2008, 07:32 PM

You should feel absolutely pitiful for those of us who live in Chicago and have to deal with the humidity every day.

And for those of us who live in Miami and have to deal with it also every day :)

clickitservices

09-16-2008, 05:17 PM

wish i could say the same about the UK, but we have rain daily lol

FS - Mike

09-20-2008, 06:20 PM

Yay! I was waiting for this to come around :D.

It's in DC as well! SWEET! I have friends there... maybe I can entice them to meet up and party :P

The discount on the hotel is awesome as well. Just under $300, nice! Time for me to save my pennies for next year :D. I'm totally going to be there! It's in my planner already and nothing is going to get in the way :P

*is excited* :D

mdrussell

09-21-2008, 01:48 PM

Anyone else thinking about staying in DC itself and renting a car to drive to the conference each day?

jtrivino

09-21-2008, 09:57 PM

Looks like it will be in DC :agree:

Next year hostingcon will be close conferece with a big party :)

RyanD

09-21-2008, 11:53 PM

Anyone else thinking about staying in DC itself and renting a car to drive to the conference each day?

lived there for 2 years in a burb of dc... not some place I'd like to deal with the traffic :)

citricsquid

09-22-2008, 10:51 AM

Am I not the only one laughing at the name of the hotel? "Gaylord" hahah.

clickitservices

09-22-2008, 10:52 AM

its interesting.... I wonder if it lives up to its name haha.

FS - Mike

09-23-2008, 08:01 AM

Am I not the only one laughing at the name of the hotel? "Gaylord" hahah.
No you're not the only one :D

I had to tell people why I was staying in a Gaylord Hotel :-\

citricsquid

09-23-2008, 02:35 PM

No you're not the only one :D

I had to tell people why I was staying in a Gaylord Hotel :-\

Brilliant!
I just can't understand why they would name it that? Unless like, there's something that's gone straight over my head, gaylord only has one meaning as far as I know and it's not something you'd call your hotel! Maybe a sleezy motel...

dualpacket

09-23-2008, 09:47 PM

We are only located 2 hours from the new hosting con location so we will be there :)

atchoooo

09-25-2008, 04:57 PM

Chicago was loved by many. I can't speak for 2008, but the feedback of the 2007 event that I attended seemed to be overwhelmingly positive. The hotels were perfect. They were good prices. They were in fantastic locations. The after-hours events were outstanding. The conference hall, minus the lack of air-con on the setup day, was perfect. Pretty much everything was given the thumbs up by all the attendees I spoke to.Personnally I think the 2006 show in Vegas was a LOT better than 2007 in Chicago even if I like Chicago as a city. There were more people in Las Vegas than in Chicago, it was more dynamic, the cpanel and fastserver events at Jet & Pure where really great, etc. I was not at Hostingcon in 2008 but was a Hosting Transformation Summit that changed a lot this year and looks to me like a better networking event than Hostingcon. I'll probably be at Hostingcon in 2009 but I do not expect a lot from the event .. let's see if iNet surprises me :-)

Regards,

Eleven2 Hosting

09-26-2008, 09:02 PM

RyanD

09-29-2008, 12:17 AM

I honestly dont think I will be going after 4 years. Each year seems to be getting more corporate and all the classes are just advertising ones company. Take Serguei Beloussov's keynote last year, it was the biggest sales pitch in the world and one of the biggest waste's of my time.

Yeah any of the sessions that involved anyone from softlayer were a complete waste of time as it was nothing more than listening to their marketing pitch instead of either discussing the technology at hand or what ever the actual topic was supposed to be.

I was actually quite disappointed in all the sessions I went to in '08. I think I'll just get an exhitbit hall only pass for '09 and just spend my time doing a bit of 'social networking' otherwise.