LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Amsterdam Trip Report
Finally I made it back from an extended stay in Amsterdam. I am trying to figure out where to even start getting caught up, but I suppose I'll start with a quick trip report. Overall the conference was an awesome conference for me personally.
I do have to apologize for being offline and un-reachable for the last week. Unfortunately I could not establish a wireless connection anywhere (I still can't even here), Thank-you Bill Gates and Vista. My blackberry didn't work while there either, so I was completely disconnected for a week. Oh well, maybe that was a good thing to be disconnected for a change.
We had tons of meetings set-up that went very well. I think between Steve and I, we probably spoke with every program out there. More valuable for me however was the chance to hook up with all the other affiliates. It's amazing the great ideas, advice, and suggesstions you get when kicking it with other successful affiliates, not to mention how motivating it is.
Regarding the operators meeting. From what I understand, it was a bust. It was very disorganized and there were no exact plans. Half the affiliate managers I met with were not in support of it and actually thought it was a bad idea. So with that, I will be on the sidelines not really worrying too much about it. All these people can try to jockey for position in the industry; personally I am going to run my business to the best of my ability and in respect to PAL/CAL, add as much value as possible for both affiliates and operators.
The first weekend we were there, 25,000 Scottish people were in town for the Scotland vs. Holland World Cup Qualifier. Europeans get nuts when it comes to Soccer.
The PAL dinner at the Supper Club was awesome. It was great to get the group together to hang out, that club is amazing.
Each night myself, Alex Pratt, and Adriaan from BlackjackPartners.com rented out the Europub for happy hour. It was awesome to see PAL/CAL stuff branded all over the pub each night. I am pretty sure almost everyone from the conference at least stopped by at some point for a beer. Probably the best advertising spend I have ever made.
Regarding my accomodations, Kyle and I found what we thought was this great apartment online before we left. Long story short, it was a filthy hostel located above a coffee shop in the scariest part of the red light district. Putting 5 dudes in an apartment with no maid for a week is also a terrible idea. I think we all agreed we would never do that again. Nonetheless, we made the best out of it and had a great time hanging out and partying.
The last few days, the West Coast HipHop Festival was in town and staying at the Kras. It was fun to hang out with Ice Cube, Xzibit, E-40, DJ Mugss, and the rest of their entourage. Too Short was there but didn't see him. They were actually a pretty cool and down to earth group of gangsta's.
Overall, it was a great conference. There's probably a ton more stories, but this post is already too long. We'll cover the entire conference in much more depth on the radio next week. If you have a PM or email into me, I'll get to it shortly. I am so happy to be back online and in the real world though. By Monday, I am hopeful that my head will be clear and I will feel fresh again.
Reply With Quote
)
Bookmarks