As we wrote about in our February 2010 Cover Story, domain conferences are popping up everywhere these days. To stand out from the crowd, show organizers are trying out new

locations, formats and pricing plans to attract attendees and spread the "domain gospel". Oversee.net's DOMAINfest conference will roll out a new one-day power networking format for the first time Thursday (May 13) at the W Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. 

They have put together an impressive agenda that will include a live Moniker domain auction from 4:00-7:00pm (U.S. Eastern time). The sale is packed with high profile domains including Dating.com, Jeans.com, BoardGames.com and HardDrives.com to name just a few (you can view the entire auction catalog here). 

The conference and auction is drawing mainstream media attention. Today I was interviewed by Arlene 

Satchell, a reporter from the Sun Sentinel (the leading newspaper in the Ft. Lauderdale area), for a piece she is doing on the domain aftermarket after hearing about Thursday's event. 

This is a story that would not have been written if DOMAINfest had not taken their show on the road, bringing more people's attention to opportunities in the domain space. While I remain a fan of the established multi-day conferences (including Oversee's superb annual DOMAINfest Global event) I think the affordable one-day format taken to a variety of locations will really help get the word on domains out to people who might never have been exposed to them otherwise and that is good for everyone in the industry. 

Unfortunately I have a previous out of state family commitment this week so will not be able to be in Ft. Lauderdale. However, I have arranged coverage of the event so we will be able to bring you some photos and highlights from the show when it is over. 

(Posted May 11, 2010)