These are not the normal type testimonials. You can see an added dimension to their comments.
I attended the T.R.A.F.F.I.C. domain conference and expo several years ago when it was held at the Lowe's Hotel on Miami Beach.
First, a word about the hotel itself. It was awesome. Directly on the beach, the place was a 5 star palace. Beats the Holiday Inns at which I'm used to staying. The atmosphere, people and hosts were most gracious. Howard and Rick sure know how to throw a party! This was the not only the impression I immediately had, but it was obviously shared by the others in attendance. As someone who grew up on Miami Beach, the only place that can possibly top the Lowe's is well, the Fontainebleau -- their upcoming venue.
I met people there who I had been reading about and hearing about for years. I mean big people like founders, pioneers, registrars, publishers, CEOs and more. I met the brains behind many of the websites I visit, the publishers of many of the tools I utilize regularly, the editors of the sites I read and many of the voices I've listed to attentively throughout the years on Webmaster Radio.
While there I wore a t-shirt that had been sent to me by Network Solutions as a promotion when I registered one of my early domains. The white shirt had the URL on the back in big bold letters and it was the first time I ever wore it. I was amazed at how many people came up to me after noticing the URL on my back. Seems that many of them had similar domains too. Some wanted to buy, trade, joint venture, advertise or rent. To this day, I am still in contact with many of the attendees I met that day, several years ago. I have done business with several of them and consider some to be exceptionally good friends to this day.
The conference was awesome and my head seemed like it was about to bust from all of the knowledge I had soaked in and the contacts I suddenly had. As someone who lives and breathes domains and sees them as the real estate of the 21st century, this was definitely a show of a lifetime for me.
I'd like to thank both Rick and Howard for the obviously hard work they put in and want to assure them that, as an attendee, it shows. Best of luck with your upcoming show in Miami Beach, guys. It's been a great 10 years and domains have increased in value significantly during the period.
Best wishes,
Howard Fellman
The year is 2004 and I'm hand registering names and here is a link at my site going back to 2005:
http://web.archive.org/web/20050210073156/
http://www.domainbonanza.com/
As you can see that these names were garbage and i don't remember what i was thinking.
I remember reading either an email or somewhere on the web that there will be a domain conference called Traffic 2007 in vegas. Without knowing anybody in the industry at all i buy my ticket to Traffic.
Rick, i can't really describe to you what this conference meant to me and did to me. It really opened up my mind and knowledge, before Traffic i really didn't know that a domain name industry existed. And i was so happy and same time sad that i wasn't aware of Traffic prior to 2007. Prior to, what ever i was doing was done in the blind, no direction and sheer speculation. I was introduced to parking, and other pertinent platforms that really changed my life forever. I met great people of which I'm still friends with to date. I have to say Rick that I owe you guys, for putting together these events and bringing domain people together. Traffic has opened up a whole new world for me. Thank You Rick, I owe you.
Steven Kaziyev, Founder
YourBrand.com - Naming & Branding Solutions
Hi all,
After 31 hours traveling back home to Australia from Traffic East....what's the first thing I did? Jump on this board of course! The traveling there and back was absolutely worth it!
What a GREAT event! Many thanks to Rick and Howard for organizing the show.
Rick & Howard,
We just want to thank you again for the opportunity of participating in TRAFFIC this year. I hope that both our financial contribution and presence helped to make this event a success. I know that our invited guests that definitely felt it was worth the trip and we all look forward to next year.
We particularly found the conference beneficial in just meeting many of our own customers for the first time and networking with others The seminars and panel discussions along with the companies, pioneers, and industry folk that do deals and meet each other is worth tens of thousands of dollars to many on its own..
You do have our commitment for next year to sponsor and participate in TRAFFIC 2005.
Hats off to you both!
We are so lucky to have a place in the small brother/sisterhood that is the domain space. I can't imagine a group in any industry with more brilliant/successful people who despite their talents and accomplishments have kept their feet planted firmly on the ground. You are such a joy to be around! Just an awesome job that will produce far ranging benefits that the attendees will see for years to come.
It’s the only show I go to and the only show I will ever recommend.
Rick and Howard,
I want to thank you both for a great week in Orlando. I had a blast. I brought my wife and kids along and they had an amazing time. You guys are a class act. The kosher food was great and the networking was better than any other traffic I've been to.
Also, I wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on a panel. It was great to be able to share some of my passion for this business with everyone. I hope I can be more involved in future shows.
Rick/Howard,
Thanks much for putting this show on. As the current owner of "www.computer.com", it is very evident that your show attracts the right audience.
Once again, thanks. If you ever need any computer related products for your companies or shows, please let me know. I will ensure the best deals for you.
Hi Gentlemen,
I want to congratulate you on yet another spectacular conference...
I'd say it was the best one I've ever attended to date -- and that's saying alot!
It was my first show...and it lived up to all I ever heard about .....
You guys are the BEST!
We are well traveled at the ADTECH, SES, Webmaster World etc. conferences, all of which have varying degress of relevancy to domain traffic monetization.
The high density and quality of TRAFFIC attendees makes it possible to literally pinball through a 2 hour happy hour and via a quick chat, find many good ideas to follow-up on in the coming weeks/months.
TRAFFIC was the single most productive event they have EVER gone to. We did a year's worth of business in just 3 days.
Rick and Howard-
I just wanted to let both of you know how great a time we had at the show last week in Disneyworld. As usual, the conference provided excellent networking opportunities, coupled with some top-notch fun at the parties.
Both of your wives were extremely helpful and made us feel very welcome, as usual. Every TRAFFIC event has been special for us- and this past event was just as beneficial for us as any in the past. We're always looking forward to the next TRAFFIC conference.
Hi Rick,
Thanks again for having us present at the TRAFFIC West show.
We really felt very welcomed by the participants, and got a tremendous amount of positive feedback. As you promise to make the show bigger and better, I'll do what I can to make Google increasingly present as well.
The most significant event (again) was the T.R.A.F.F.I.C. conference in Delray Beach, Florida in October.
The panels were top-notch, filled with high caliber people with clear insights into the industry. The presentation by Andrew and Zappy had the WOW factor of seeing the success that comes from guys who know how to think big and can execute successfully on that vision. The conference was also a chance to meet with the parking providers and brokers, strengthen those relationships, and explore new opportunities. My main regret is that I wasn't able to stay for the industry's first live auction, which sounds like a blast. Next time.
Rick,
What a fantastic event. I'm glad I chose to go. Glad I got to meet you. I was very impressed with the entire event, the people, the knowledge and the networking... it was great. Plus best meals I've had in a long time, thought I was on a cruise ship.
Thanks for a great conference. Very well done.
TRAFFIC's greatness is in bringing key people together. It is exclusive no doubt. It isn't open to everyone, nor cheap, as in order to create the level of attendees Rick has created he must decline some "noise" and he must charge more then what a casual domainer would feel comfortable paying.
TRAFFIC isn't for the average domainer, it's for real professionals, highest integrity and business ethics - the best of the best; it's a total TREAT.
I just wanted to say Thank You for putting on a great conference in Florida. I really enjoyed the sessions and all the networking opportunities. This had to be one of the most productive conferences I have attended in a long time.
Just over 6 years ago I walked out the front door of Corporate America, drove to my house, went inside and walked down into my basement to take my run at the brass ring, via the Internet.
It took Rick and Howard putting together the TRAFFIC shows to finally drag me back out of my basement. TRAFFIC West was life changing for me. And I'll be damned if TRAFFIC East didn't TOP IT. It was a phenomenal week on all fronts; business, social, accommodations, atmosphere, et al.
THANK YOU Rick and Howard
Thank you very much. I can truly say that the Traffic shows have changed my life and in fact part of the reason that I am not attending is because of the monumental impact that this show has made in my life and direction.
Anyone that goes to traffic that thinks it is just a convention is missing out on the greatest gift. Again, thank you.
You were correct I have discovered info that should increase my revenue by a minimum of 10%-info I gathered here at Traffic2004. The personal contacts I made with various individuals has much value in several aspects. Friendship, sharing info and feeling comfortable with the trust factor, etc.
There are many things to analyze and discuss on next months to reach a real difficult goal, almost a miracle I would say, that is to make TRAFFIC 2005 more successful than TRAFFIC 2004.
For whatever financial success it may have been, it was even more successful for the chemistry – the flow of good feelings between fellow domain owners, as well as the flow of good will between "the industry people" and domain owners. Truly, I think a bridge was gapped between us and I got a real sense of camaraderie that developed. We (domain owners) and you (sponsors) are truly in this business together, and the concept of us all succeeding is a WIN/WIN proposition that YOU all definitely get.
Fantastic event and to all of the attendees who embraced and welcomed one another with open hearts and open minds. Never have I been in such a competitive arena where the competitors were more welcoming, respectfull and supportive of their competition. Amazing. It's simply amazing what all of you have to offer. So much knowledge and such a willingness to share.
Today I feel as though I've been through an Anthony Robbins like seminar and am transformed. I thought I "got it" before I came to Florida and I did "get it" to a certain degree but what I didn't realize is that there are even greater depths, levels of "getting it"....my eyes have been opened to a much wider and broader opportunity that exists in this space and it is because of you guys that that happened. Not only has my vision expanded but my beltline has expanded and inch or two as well, and Rick I hold you personally responsible.
To those of you in Vancouver, in Canada, in the US, Aussy, THANK YOU....thank you so much for everything.
Any sense of elitism is EARNED and JUSTIFIABLE. Everyone at the show was on equal footing - attending based on the merits of their domain portfolios and their conduct on the various boards. It was great to see that offline discriminators like age, race, religion, and economic background didn't come into play at all. You're crazy if you don't attend next year's conference.
Even people who weren't there will benefit when the various sponsors, registrars, and other providers return to work and implement the great suggestions we all put forth. This conference was a landmark event and will produce benefits for everyone throughout the industry.
Seriously, the food was great.
The hard part was actually eating anything, because I don't think I've ever spent as much time continuously engaged in fascinating discussions.
Overall: I respect and admire all of you, in different ways. I learned so much from your approaches, your attitudes and your ambition. It is truly a group of pioneers. I have been revitalized thanks to you and I truly look forward to our next soiree. Special thanks to each and every one of you.
And again, big props to King and Howard, for first having the vision and then for turning it into a huge success. You guys deserve an award :o)
I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to attend Traffic 2004 last week in Delray.
I learned a ton about your industry and the information, speakers, and participants were all an invaluable resources to me. Again -- thank you for opportunity, I truly learned a lot and I'm looking forward to next year!
I wanted to thank You again for organizing and putting on such a GREAT conference. You can count on us for the next one for sure.
Jerry Nolte, Jr.
CEO
MercuryLink Online - International ISP, Internet Traffic Signal - Internet PPC advertising, Tri State Computer - Hardware Sales & Service
THANK YOU very much for facilitating, working so hard, busting your ass, and bringing to fruition yours and Rick's dream of Traffic 2004!
Rick,
Thanks again for putting together a great event. I am extremely grateful for your hard work and determination that you put forth in this event and towards the industry as a whole.
Thank you
I leave Delray Beach with a completely revised business plan and at least two possible solutions for every problem I face. I am very optimistic that the best days lie ahead in the very near future.
A big thank you to Rick and Howard for putting on the show, and I hope there are many more.
Hi Rick - congratulations on a great event – it was fun for me to meet a bunch of Domainer's I'd been working with while for years, but had never met in person. We also had some very good meetings so I think it's great timing on your part to start getting the industry organized.
Thank you Rick and Howard for the first class show! It couldn't have been done better and will be hard to match anything from now on. No doubt that this was a huge event that will have repercussions for years to come!
Hi Rick,
Thank you again for organizing a show for domain owners. I am glad that it was such a success.
We already mailed a check to reserve a place for us next year. I am sure that the things that I learned and the contacts that I made at TRAFFIC will help us in our continuing improvements at the new Afternic.com
Show was brilliant
Sorry if this sounds like I'm just piling on, but the show just blew me away.
Hello Rick -
I just wanted to take a second and thank you and Howard for the wonderful show in Vegas. After many years in this industry, I am so proud to see such a great group of folks involved and such a professional seminar put on by you. This seminar was probably the largest step forward for our industry, as I have seen to date! Again - Thank You for all the hard work you put in to this for all of us.
Rick/Howard,
Traffic West was one of the top highlights of my 6 years of doing business on the Internet. Not only was it incredible to be around other folks that 'get it', but it was also a networking/financial windfall for me. You two have directly impacted my business and my life, and for that I am so grateful.
Hi Rick,
I want to thank you for an incredible conference. Your hard work resulted in every detail being realized. You set the tone and the attendees responded. What a world class group of people you gathered together! I know that the shockwaves of energy resulting from all those great minds under one roof will reverberate for months and months to come. You should be congratulated for accomplishing your goals.
Hi Rick,
A quick note to say a huge THANKS for organizing such a great conference.
Looking forward to Delray!
Rick/Howard,
I just wanted to drop in a quick note to personally thank you for the opportunity of participating in TRAFFIC West. It was a truly amazing show and is proving to be extremely valuable for us. You guys did an amazing job putting everything together.
I had to fly down 10,000 miles for the conference and I would surely do it again :)
Rick/Howard,
I wanted to thank you for one of the best conferences I have attended in a long time. The networking was fantastic!...and the food was first class as well.
Hi Rick & Howard,
Just a quick note of thanks to both of you for putting on such a great show. I spoke with many folks at the conference who made it abundantly clear how impressed they were with the caliber of the program and the speakers. I hope more people email you with their appreciation...you both deserve it as pioneers in this fledgling industry.
Rick and Howard:
I've been attending Internet conferences since 1993. In fact, it appears that I sponsored and organized the first conference on the commercial pontential of the web ever held in 1994 (with Netscape, then called Mosaic.)
As a newcomer to TRAFFIC, I want you to know how thoroughly impressed I was by your Silicon Valley event. I learned a ton, met many absolutely first rate people, and had a great time.
Keep up the good work. I'd recommend TRAFFIC to anyone who is serious about the Internet marketing channel and wants to get the WHOLE picture.
First of all, let me say that I have been extremely impressed with the caliber of your events. I have been to numerous trade events over the years, and T.R.A.F.F.I.C. has been by far the best both in terms of content/attendee quality and organization. It is also the only event I've found thus far to actively and effectively utilize the art of networking. Never have I seen an event that is engineered in every respect to maximize contact between all attendees and exhibitors. This, in addition to your first class conference, was truly impressive for me as an exhibitor and sponsor of your event. To top this off, both of you (and your better halves), were extremely gracious, warm and accommodating in every respect. Thank you.
Kindest regards,
Joe, Patricia, Julia and all of us at Casale Media
TRAFFIC has by far been the most successful show to exhibit at for Trellian to date. I would say equivalent to 20 other shows combined in terms of quality leads, networking opportunities and revenues generated. Keep up the good work, in getting the right people together in one place!
Hi Rick,
I just wanted to thank you for a great conference. I thought the keynote was terrific, I was furiously making notes on my little pad of paper.
It seems like every time I sat down next to a stranger at the meals, each person turned out to be a really good strategic contact for me. It was uncanny how that happened so many times at TRAFFIC WEST. The presentations were very good, the food was very good....but the networking contacts and conversations were alone well worth the costs of attending.
I am really looking forward to New York.
Hi Rick,
It was a pleasure meeting and chatting with you at the Traffic conference in Las Vegas. Looks like you had an awesome show! Looking forward to NY.
I’m eager to begin monetizing your parked domains with our popunder advertisers as we discussed. Have time for a brief chat?
Rick and Howard,
Thanks for another great Traffic show. I acknowledge you for bringing the best of the best in the domain industry together at your Traffic Shows. Each show I attend moves my business forward toward greater success. The contacts, ideas and resources that come out of Traffic are well worth the price of admission. This is the best investment I make in my business each year. I look forward to seeing you at the next Traffic show in New York.
Rick,
I just wanted to thank you again for making room for me @ the last moment @ T.R.A.F.F.I.C. last week. I had a great time and found this to be one of the most useful events I've been to. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing you in New York or Miami this year :-).
sRick,
I just wanted to send you a quick thank you! It was great presenting and being a part of the Traffic conference. That was my first foray into the domaining world. I was extremely impressed with the overall conference organization, content, and food.I received very positive feedback on my session. I would like to stay involved with the Traffic conference series and future events.
Thanks!
I’d like to thank you for bringing me the opportunity to speak and participate in Miami. The event was non-stop - I’m still processing the information and people I’ve met. I now see why this community has a networking experience that is unparalleled.
Going into the conference, I had somewhat of a long-term vision of how the industry would develop. Now, leaving the conference, I can see today’s opportunity staring me right in the face. Right now I’m working on some research on how domainers can approach the agencies who manage brands close to their niche.
Rick –
I hope you are well. I really enjoyed the Miami show this past month … I think it was the best yet.
Best regards
It's taken me this long to recover from the exhaustion of the conference. I can honestly say that I've never been to a conference that packed so much into so few days! Don't ask me why I didn't expect that - I saw the schedule well in advance. I can only imagine that the two of you - and your families - are nearly comatose.
I appreciate the catalyst you've created to bring the industry together and look forward to forging relationships with the people I've met this past week. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to meet you and the industry leaders.
Howard, Rick,
Thanks again for the great show at NYC. I am sure you get a lot of this sort of stuff - but I really mean it.
I've not been to TRAFFIC before, but I have been to lots of other shows. I was very impressed by the quality of the show, the speakers and many of the attendees (grin). The show was easily the best one I attended this year.
A lot of your attendees are clients and friends and it was nice to see them again and also meet some face-to-face for the first time.
If you ever need any web hosting or high-traffic cluster advice or if you do a panel on such things at future shows, please let me know as I'd be happy to share my knowledge.
Thanks again, see you next year.
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