Hello,

Just thought i would ask who is all coming to HostingCon this year?

Best Regards,

I'm planning on going....

I wish i could go. May i ask where it is located? I have never really read up on it at all.

It's in DC. Check this web site http://www.hostingcon.com/2009/

Martin and I from Rochen will be there :)

- Chris

I'll be there (with a colleague of mine).

I'm flying over from Australia on Friday the 7th (first time on an A380 :D); I'll spend some time in LA and Vegas and then fly over to DC on Sunday evening.

Not sure where I'm staying in DC yet. If not the Gaylord, it'll either be the Westin or Aloft.

I think i might get a booth discussing managed hosting/large site infrastructure design and backup procedures :-D

I'll be attending, hopefully it will turn out to be a lot of fun.

I've just kept wondering how many people my age will actually go to this, as it's not necessarily something for a 17 year old.

Is there an age limit?

gee..it'd be nice to go....too far for me though...and the flight tix are way out of my league for now...butttt...i'll join u guys nxt yr definitely!

Glad to see alot of people here are taken an interested in this, i think it will be alot of fun & will be seeing all of you there:).

Best Regards,
Nick

Is there an age limit?

16 and up =)

I will be there this year and looking forward to it.

I wish I could go but cant :( I really want to go to. It better come to San Fransisco one year as i am 60 miles form SF.

We will be at the show again this year.

I can't wait to see everyone this year! Some of you again, and some for the first time. :lovewht:

Wish it was on the weekend!

If I don't make it this year, I'll definitely be heading next year.

Don't waste your time and money. I went to one a few years ago. Other than meeting people you've communicated and done business with (it was nice meeting the boyz from SWSoft, Helm and FastServers) there is absolutely nothing there you can't find on a vendor's website. If you can combine it with a real vacation, check it out; otherwise don't bother.

--Mike

Don't waste your time and money. I went to one a few years ago. Other than meeting people you've communicated and done business with (it was nice meeting the boyz from SWSoft, Helm and FastServers) there is absolutely nothing there you can't find on a vendor's website. If you can combine it with a real vacation, check it out; otherwise don't bother.

--Mike

You go to network and meet people, it's not all about what you find on the shelves....

Plus, iNet is running the show @ HostingCon this year, so expect it to be a lot bigger and better.

Don't waste your time and money.

I wouldn't say it was useless. The sessions are generally a waste of time and are just marketing pitches. iNet claims that they are going to clean it up, but we will see as soon as the list comes out. Just my seeing the same people at the roundtables again we will know if it's a sales pitch.

But the social networking is valuable. So just get your drink coupon (they call it the Exhibits Plus) for $51 and you will not be disappointed.

If you actually want to learn something.... Then go to DefCon of something like that.

I'm surely going to be there. :D

I am actually considering going now that my schedule has cleared up a bit more.

I'll be there, probably in a Top hat, a pink shirt, and short shorts.

I'll be there, probably in a Top hat, a pink shirt, and short shorts.


We are all very interested in seeing that! :)

I'll try to make it if I can afford the plane ticket to DC.

I might be there depending on whether or not I have time since it's across the country.

We'll have a booth there again... the 3rd year in a row. Really looking forward to the new location (Washington, DC) and the new host (iNet). Should be great!!

And Collabora, you say "other than meeting people you've communicated and done business with... it's a waste of time and money..." I think you'll find that networking with other people in the industry is what most people go to HostingCon for. It's a great way to meet the people you deal with, meet new people through them, and strike up lasting partnerships and acquaintances. It's all part of the process of building your business and respectability in the industry. Even if we weren't exhibiting ourselves, I would still go... as the only conference/tradeshow of its kind in North America, I think for anyone who really wants to make inroads in the hosting industry, going is a no-brainer.

Just my 2 cents :)

Hi Rob,

I guess I was being too off-handed. I went to the 2006 version in Las Vegas. It was close to home and I have friends and relatives there (couldn't get the time for my first one in Chicago 2005). I don't mind paying for the admission and conferences, its the travel expenses that kill me. Don't get me wrong; I believe in the networking angle, and it would be fun to go, but with so many other similar events here in my neighborhood around Los Angeles its a matter of cost-benefit analysis and where I will get the most bang for the buck. If I sold product/service to other hosting companies I'd get there early and stay late haha

Did you go the 2006 one? How did that one compare to others and the one coming up?

Congratulations with DemoWolf. You guys have come a long way.

Hi Rob,

I guess I was being too off-handed. I went to the 2006 version in Las Vegas. It was close to home and I have friends and relatives there (couldn't get the time for my first one in Chicago 2005). I don't mind paying for the admission and conferences, its the travel expenses that kill me. Don't get me wrong; I believe in the networking angle, and it would be fun to go, but with so many other similar events here in my neighborhood around Los Angeles its a matter of cost-benefit analysis and where I will get the most bang for the buck. If I sold product/service to other hosting companies I'd get there early and stay late haha

Did you go the 2006 one? How did that one compare to others and the one coming up?

Congratulations with DemoWolf. You guys have come a long way.
I did not go to the 2006 HostingCon, so I can't really compare. 2007 and 2008 are the two that I've gone to and I found both to be really beneficial. I am located in east coast Canada, so the trip to Chicago didn't come without expense, but it still was well worth it. This year with it being in Washington DC it's a little closer to me so I guess maybe flights are a little cheaper, but not much. Even if it were in LA or LV on the west coast though we would still go.

I think you're right though... it may be more beneficial to a "supplier" to hosting companies like we are, than to hosting companies directly. If we were a hosting company I'm not so sure we would have a booth... I think a lot of the attendees are hosting companies themselves... potential customers of ours, but probably competitors to a hosting company.

I refuse to go until I start seeing some hot babes attending this event. Yes I know this isn't XBIZ but too much male bonding.

Right social networking..yeah yeah.

Has New York been done yet? ..Good luck reserving space especially in the city. Thats gonna cost someone $$$.

Has New York been done yet? ..Good luck reserving space especially in the city. Thats gonna cost someone $$$.
Nope... just Chicago and Las Vegas so far. Chicago the last 2 years. This year's will be in Washington so it's a new venue... and the first for iNet. Looking forward to it!

Its good to know so many of you guys are going. Anyway it would be good, if the guys who attended could share their experience with us after the meeing

Im gonna try and make it if possible just booked a holiday in august im stayin in DC im there for 2 weeks so i might try get down there.

I wish they would come too Dallas :\

... it would be good, if the guys who attended could share their experience with us after the meeingThere's usually chatter about that. :)

I know I'll be taking lots of pictures, and is there any word on the speaker list?

I haven't seen much on Hostingcon.com

I wouldn't mind going, though might be a costly trip for a weekend.

We will be there, gold sponsor and booth (230) - make sure to stop by :)

Cheers

I will be there, yes, one more year... lol

id go if someone gave me the dough. to bad there is not a cheaper version

id go if someone gave me the dough. to bad there is not a cheaper version
I don't think there will ever be a "cheaper version". What you get for the money is well worth it. If it cost any less, I don't think you would get as many top companies going and therefore it wouldn't be worth it anymore... for anyone.

If I had the cash I would go. But, I do plan to go atleast once so maybe next time will be it. :)

We will be there as usual... I guess we should start booking our flights and hotel soon

I don't think there will ever be a "cheaper version". What you get for the money is well worth it. If it cost any less, I don't think you would get as many top companies going and therefore it wouldn't be worth it anymore... for anyone.

I can afford the entry fee its the plane ticket I need to get there cost twice as much as the entry itself. plus with swine around im fine by myself no contact of others XD

I'm thinking of going to cPanel Con instead.

Blasphemy!

:idea:

Or you could do both. :wht:

oh yeah, definitely should do both

I'll be there with scotch on .. Err, bells? My suite will be the suite with the good bottles of Scotch and the strippers .. OK, minus the strippers.

Not going this year, but will definitely attend next year edition :-)

Looks like a good show. I will look into it. Thanks for the link.

i may be there depends how sales start going but yeah i live 20 minutes from DC :) no hotel, no plane, ect :D

Looking forward to shaking some hands

Looking forward to shaking some handsCareful. I'm a hugger! :blush:

The number of booths and visitors @ CEBIT was drastically low in comparison to previous years. I wonder if the same can be said about Hostingcon.

I am seriously considering going to DC this summer for hostingcon, and finish off my holiday in sunny FL.. :)

Why did INET choose DC for this year? Chicago/LV/NYC or even LA would have been alot better.

meh. Im going worth a shot to see and meet people. was it good last year?

lot's of fun, make sure you stick with guys from SpamExperts to be sure not to miss out :beer:

if entry is free, then i wont mind looking what s out there.

Just started looking at this Hostingcon thread. Surprised at the absence of hardware vendors like HP or Dell. Is there some other exhibition where you can talk to hardware vendors?

We are certainly attending the HostingCon for 2009. We do attend every year and it is very productive!

Careful. I'm a hugger! :blush:

Please do not attempt to hug me.

I will be there!

I'll be there this year...but I don't recommend anyone try to hug me ;)

Please do not attempt to hug me.

I'll be there this year...but I don't recommend anyone try to hug me ;)

ill be sure to get both of you in a single hug

FYI - there are two hotels across the street (1 min walk) if the Gaylord rate is too high - a marriott residence inn and a hampton

My colleague Sojish Krishnan will be there. He is also a speaker at the event

FYI - there are two hotels across the street (1 min walk) if the Gaylord rate is too high - a marriott residence inn and a hampton

Do you happen to have their contact number and/or address?

Residence Inn: 192 Waterfront Street http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasnh-residence-inn-national-harbor-washington-dc/ Hampton Inn: 250 Waterfront Street http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=WASOXHX I am also deciding which one :)

Yeah, me and my partner, we are planning to go there.

The 'Aloft' hotel is also across the street, one block, and looks alot nicer.

I booked at the Gaylord, i'm too lazy to commute back and forth.

We will be present.

we just booked the Gaylord for 5 nights and we're headed into DC for a few nights after hostingcon... and our room rate for the DC hotel with a kitchenette just off pennsylvania avenue is $114 a night).

To be BRUTALLY honest, the Gaylord isn't the cheapest option in the neighborhood, but convenience plays a part and we went with the $214/night option at the Gaylord... although I know I could save some $$$ going across the street or down a block - Google maps shows they're big blocks though).

My biggest gripe are two things I found out in my confirmation..

1. tax rate is 16% - OUCH!!
2. they're going to authorize on a card or want a cash deposit of $50 a day for incidentals - double ouch - why not bill me as I go along - that's just rude I think.

I just checked the hampton inn across the street - it's $149 for a king room during the period we just booked - and if you have a discount option - such as AARP - it's $134 a night... it's worth joining AARP to make those savings for the one trip - I think my AARP membership was $17 for 3 years - and you can be ANY age to join (remember, it's illegal to discriminate based upon age - I'm certainly not 50+) ;)

2. they're going to authorize on a card or want a cash deposit of $50 a day for incidentals - double ouch - why not bill me as I go along - that's just rude I think.


We checked the Gaylord policy on this and confirmed that the $50 incidentals deposit/day is only for guests who pay via debit/check cards, and does not apply to those who pay with a credit card. The purpose for the deposit is to allow for charging purchases to your room. For a copy of their full debit card policy, please contact us at info@hostingcon.com

Thanks!

This is actually pretty standard policy at most hotels when you don't pay by credit card. Even when paying by credit card you will find when you check in they will pre-auth your card for a little above the room rate for the same purpose.

- Chris

We checked the Gaylord policy on this and confirmed that the $50 incidentals deposit/day is only for guests who pay via debit/check cards, and does not apply to those who pay with a credit card. The purpose for the deposit is to allow for charging purchases to your room. For a copy of their full debit card policy, please contact us at info@hostingcon.com

Thanks!

This is actually pretty standard policy at most hotels when you don't pay by credit card. Even when paying by credit card you will find when you check in they will pre-auth your card for a little above the room rate for the same purpose.

- Chris


well thanks for looking into this - I guess I have never seen it in a confirmation email - regardless of what the policy is. When checking in I always give the hotel the company Amex anyway - and all I care about is the bill at the end of the trip - that it's RIGHT. That 16% sales tax is a steep one though - and I though Chicago was high when we were there! ;)

Who is inaugurating the event or has the honour of lighting the lamp, as we call it here ?:) Reading through the visa docs.. should make it this year.

i'm in! the free water bottles sold me.

i'm in! the free water bottles sold me.

I always end up with so much swag - I don't think I ever wear a t shirt I didn't get at hosting con.

All hotels ask for a CC/DC for incidentals. Just at the Sofitel Heathrow and they pre-authed my amex for incidentals and I even had to enter my PIN!

All hotels ask for a CC/DC for incidentals. Just at the Sofitel Heathrow and they pre-authed my amex for incidentals and I even had to enter my PIN!

well it's you init... I'd ask for blood and a kidney in your case... ;)

Matt,

If it was my hotel I would make you put down a 10k deposit and then lock you in a padded room for the week :)

I cant this year, Im only 16, I has no money and I have plans for the summers already XD

I'm all set to attend again this year. I went last year and definitely got my money's worth.

My goal this year is to network, network, network. I want to meet people that are providing the same services as I am. I want to meet my competitors.

I'm currently reading "Earth" by David Brin. At one point the author talks (through a character) about how species that compete are simultaneously cooperating to find/achieve a balance. That thought could be applied to us small web hosting businesses. I feel like while we are competing, we can also work to make each other provide better services and ultimately help each other survive in the long run over the big guys. :)

OK, sorry if that sounds gay. :P

See you all at Hosting Con
Richard

I wish I could go, but alas, have no money.

You could do two shows a year: HostingCon East and HostingCon West ;)

What's wrong with travel? Some of us come 3000 miles for it :)

We'll be there with a booth in case anyone wants to drop by.

is this event open to everyone meaning even for really really small hosting companies even those that run from a bedroom outfit or home?
alot of the speakers and topics looks really interesting

is this event open to everyone meaning even for really really small hosting companies even those that run from a bedroom outfit or home?
alot of the speakers and topics looks really interesting

Yes, everyone is welcome. Gotta start somewhere :)

Hi guys - some of you may already know about it but we give out a free full-conference pass, more details can be found here:
http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?p=6287472#post6287472

Cheers and looking forward guys!!

Will be engaged in setting up my new Support Company. So I may be attending only the next version of HostingCon.

Good luck for all the business seekers :-P

I'll be there speaking on the first day @ 9am :)

We will have a booth there ourselves, it would be great to meet some of you. Stop by and ask for RioReyED

We will be there, looking forward to getting out of the office. Any good events planned for Sunday the 9th, as I am getting into DC early that day.

Mike

We will be there, looking forward to getting out of the office. Any good events planned for Sunday the 9th, as I am getting into DC early that day.

Mike

I'll be at my beach house the day before in southern Virginia :D

Hey, we will be going (Hillary & I)

I'll see everyone there...

-Steven

Just confirmed. Looking forward to attending.

Steven, drop by #128, gotta put a face to your name dude :D

I think there is still a free full conference pass available for those that are still doubting... gold sponsorship has its benefits... :P

Steven, drop by #128, gotta put a face to your name dude :D

You bet I will. :) How many years has it been?

-Steven

I'll be there with scotch on .. Err, bells? My suite will be the suite with the good bottles of Scotch and the strippers .. OK, minus the strippers.

What is it that you're considering good bottles of Scotch, eh?

I'll certainly be there, haven't missed one yet. Will be at booth #225.

Looks like Hostingcon is going to be fun, look forward to meeting alot of you there.

Great show, I was impressed with all the booths and set up this year.

Mike

Yeah for sure it was a good show, But heard some guys saying that chicago was the best amongst all.

Vegas was the best... Chicago was very god. Washington was "OK" but better than year 1 at chicago o'hare airport :)

I am going to give next year a miss just becausr the content and exhibits have been stale for the last few years, so I think a show in 2 years might inspire me again.

I thought the show was fantastic. We'll be going to Austin next year for sure! I like how they're starting to move to different cities from year to year. Helps keep things fresh. Good job guys!

Show was great. Can't compare with others and I have a new collection of business cards and USB flash disks to play with now.

I really enjoyed the show. The party at the end last night was great (even though it rained and we had to move halfway through). The food was also excellent and thanks to the Giglinx guys for handing out extra drink tickets!

I saw some great exhibits and got some great offers from exhibitors that I will be following up with.

I also am VERY excited about the iPhone I won from CDG Commerce, I just need to figure out what to do since AT&T coverage is terrible here in D.C. as many of you probably figured out and I have 4 months left on my contract with Verizon.

Overall, I really can't complain. A few of the sessions and keynotes were more advertising oriented than I would have liked, but all of the speakers knew what they were talking about and had interesting ideas to present.

Was a great show, and I am sorry I didn't get to meet with you DemoWolf :(

I also am VERY excited about the iPhone I won from CDG Commerce, I just need to figure out what to do since AT&T coverage is terrible here in D.C. as many of you probably figured out and I have 4 months left on my contract with Verizon.

The security guard at the door kept wandering in to talk to me, he told me that Sprint has a contract with the hotel to block out other carriers. I'm not sure how true that is but I know my Sprint aircard was the only mobile device of mine with any signal.

The security guard at the door kept wandering in to talk to me, he told me that Sprint has a contract with the hotel to block out other carriers. I'm not sure how true that is but I know my Sprint aircard was the only mobile device of mine with any signal.

And my Sprint cell connection was the worst I have ever seen it. National Harbor is so new that it only exists as dirt on Google Earth. My guess is cell carriers don't have great coverage there yet.

The security guard at the door kept wandering in to talk to me, he told me that Sprint has a contract with the hotel to block out other carriers. I'm not sure how true that is but I know my Sprint aircard was the only mobile device of mine with any signal.

I highly doubt that for two reasons:

1. My coverage with Verizon was great at the hotel.
2. Is that even technically possible? I thought Sprint used the same technology as a few other cell providers which would ultimately let them in too.

Who knows, maybe they tried to block out other signals but it didn't work. Keep in mind different phones pick up signals differently. I know my old flip phone could always pick up a Verizon signal when no one else's could.

G1 and Blackberry from T-Mobile both had horrendous signal.

I was lucky, we are based in Bethesda and had the same coverage in the hall as we are used to. Most of us use AT&T. It was our first show and we were the only guys there showing DDoS solutions. I'm not sure whether it was worth it yet or not.

Coverage was odd for us. We all use Sprint, since it is pretty much the only reliable provider here inside 350 E Cermak, and in the hotel the signal was just horrible, while on the show floor reception was marvelous.

Thanks, really glad you enjoyed the event, Mother nature gave us one to remember :)

Marcus


I really enjoyed the show. The party at the end last night was great (even though it rained and we had to move halfway through). The food was also excellent and thanks to the Giglinx guys for handing out extra drink tickets!

What other hosting conferences do you attend?