NamesCon Global 2018: Unmissable Sessions and Networking Opportunities

NamesCon Global, the premier conference for the domain name industry, returned to the vibrant city of Las Vegas from January 28th to January 31st at the iconic Tropicana. This year promised an invigorated structure, diverging slightly from its predecessors with an increased emphasis on Sunday’s activities and an earlier conclusion on Wednesday, paving the way for an engaging “Unconference” session in the afternoon. Attendees were treated to a fresh lineup of speakers and innovative content, ensuring that even seasoned industry veterans discovered new perspectives and insights.

Navigating the extensive agenda of a conference like NamesCon can be a daunting task. To help you maximize your experience and ensure you didn’t miss out on critical discussions and invaluable networking moments, we curated a guide highlighting the most compelling sessions and events. What made NamesCon 2018 particularly exciting was the influx of new faces and voices, promising a departure from familiar panels and introducing attendees to a broader spectrum of thought leaders within the domaining community.

Before diving into the specific highlights, a practical tip for all attendees: the Tropicana introduced a fantastic new dining option, Robert Irvine’s Public House, located where the sportsbook once stood. This addition significantly addressed a common concern regarding food availability at the venue, offering diverse culinary choices for all conference-goers throughout their busy days.

For those who hadn’t yet secured their passes, NamesCon frequently offered exclusive discounts, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. In 2018, attendees could grab tickets for half off, making this invaluable industry event even more attainable. These early bird offers and promotional codes are crucial for prospective attendees looking to engage with the domain world’s leading minds and innovators without breaking the bank.

Key Sessions and Events You Shouldn’t Have Missed at NamesCon Global 2018

Women in Domaining Dinner

The domain name industry, while evolving, has historically been male-dominated. However, the landscape has seen a significant increase in female participation over the past five years, bringing much-needed diversity and new perspectives. The Women in Domaining Dinner was an essential gathering, designed to foster community, support, and mentorship among female professionals. This event provided a unique platform for women to network, share experiences, discuss challenges, and celebrate their contributions to the industry. It was a powerful statement on the growing presence and influence of women in domaining, offering invaluable connections and empowering conversations. Attendees were required to RSVP for this inspiring dinner, held on Sunday from 5-7 pm.

Megadeth’s David Ellefson: Rock Star Insights on Digital Engagement

Monday morning kicked off with a truly unique and highly anticipated session featuring Grammy Award-winning Megadeth bassist, David Ellefson. This interview transcended typical industry discussions, bringing a rock star’s perspective on leveraging digital platforms for audience engagement. Ellefson and Megadeth were pioneers in online fan interaction, establishing a robust digital presence well before the advent of social media giants like Facebook and Twitter. Remarkably, Megadeth was the first band ever to create a website, showcasing their foresight in understanding the internet’s potential. This session delved into how Ellefson cultivated deep connections with fans through social media and other digital channels, offering crucial lessons for businesses seeking to build strong online communities and brand loyalty. Attendees learned how to apply these innovative fan engagement concepts to their own ventures, highlighting the universal principles of digital branding and direct-to-consumer communication. This captivating discussion took place on Monday from 10-10:45 am.

An Actual Blockchain Use Case: Leveraging DNS for Blockchain Innovation

Blockchain technology, while revolutionary, often suffers from an abundance of hype and a scarcity of tangible, real-world applications. Many discussions around blockchain’s potential to transform industries frequently lack concrete details on implementation. This session stood out as a beacon of clarity, presenting a genuine and practical use case for blockchain within the domain ecosystem. Featuring Tim Favia from Donuts and Justin Newton from Netki, the discussion focused on how Netki is ingeniously leveraging DNS (Domain Name System) to support blockchain operations. For an industry deeply rooted in DNS, understanding its role in the emerging blockchain landscape was incredibly insightful. This session demystified blockchain’s practical implications, offering attendees a clear vision of how this technology can integrate with and enhance existing digital infrastructure. It was an essential deep dive for anyone looking beyond the buzzwords to understand true blockchain utility, held on Monday from 12-12:45 pm.

Thinking About Generations: Anticipating Consumer Habits

In an increasingly diverse market, understanding generational differences in consumer behavior is paramount for any successful business. Lisa Box from WPEngine led a compelling session focused on how younger generations expect businesses to anticipate their habits and preferences. The insights shared were grounded in extensive research conducted by The Center for Generational Kinetics, a highly respected firm specializing in generational studies. This session offered attendees a strategic advantage by illuminating the evolving expectations of Gen Z and Millennials, particularly in their digital interactions and purchasing patterns. For domain investors and developers, understanding these dynamics is crucial for creating relevant online properties, developing effective marketing strategies, and designing user experiences that resonate with future consumer bases. This forward-thinking discussion provided actionable intelligence on Monday from 2-2:45 pm.

WaterNight Charity Dinner: Making a Difference

NamesCon isn’t just about business; it’s also about community and giving back. WaterNight, the conference’s annual charity gala, returned with a refreshed format, continuing its tradition of supporting vital humanitarian causes. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for attendees to network in a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere while contributing to a meaningful cause. WaterNight serves as a powerful reminder of the impact the domain community can have beyond its commercial endeavors, uniting participants in support of global water initiatives. Attendees were required to purchase tickets to attend this inspiring evening, which took place on Monday from 6:30-10:30 pm. It’s an annual highlight, blending philanthropy with unparalleled networking.

Lessons from a Big Domainer: GoDaddy’s Strategic Evolution

GoDaddy, a ubiquitous name in the internet infrastructure space, has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a major player in the domain investment landscape. This session featured Paul Nicks, GM of Domains at GoDaddy, offering an exclusive look into the company’s journey and the invaluable lessons learned from managing an immense portfolio of domains. Attendees gained insights into the strategies, challenges, and opportunities associated with large-scale domain acquisition, development, and monetization. Nicks’s expertise provided a unique perspective for both individual domain investors and larger enterprises, shedding light on the complexities of the secondary market and portfolio management at an unprecedented scale. For those interested in a deeper dive, you could also listen to a relevant podcast on the subject. This insightful discussion was held on Tuesday from 11-11:45 am.

Recognizing Excellence: Top Domain Brokers Awards

The role of domain brokers is critical in facilitating significant transactions and fostering growth within the domain name market. Last year, Escrow.com proudly recognized the industry’s top ten individual brokers based on the sheer volume and value of transactions they facilitated. This year’s awards ceremony was highly anticipated, offering an opportunity to celebrate the leading professionals who drive the secondary market. Attending this session provided valuable insights into the top performers, potentially revealing trends in high-value domain sales and the skills that distinguish successful brokers. It was a chance to honor excellence and learn from the best in the business, held on Tuesday from 3:30-4 pm.

Going Once, Going Twice: The NamesCon Domain Name Auction

The live domain name auction is an iconic and exhilarating event at NamesCon, a tradition that draws both seasoned investors and curious observers. It’s an experience filled with anticipation, rapid-fire bidding, and the potential for life-changing acquisitions. While the start times for these auctions are notoriously flexible – a charming quirk of the industry – the excitement and opportunities they present are undeniable. Attendees had the chance to witness high-stakes deals unfold, observe market valuations in real-time, and perhaps even acquire a premium domain for their own portfolio. Whether you were bidding or just soaking in the atmosphere, stepping into the auction room was always a worthwhile endeavor, showcasing the vibrant liquidity of the domain market. The auction kicked off on Tuesday from 4-7 pm.

ICA Dinner: Supporting Domain Industry Advocacy

The Internet Commerce Association (ICA) plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and interests of domain name owners and the broader internet commerce community. Their annual dinner at NamesCon is not just a social event but a vital opportunity to support their ongoing efforts and connect with influential figures committed to protecting and promoting the domain industry. Attending the ICA Dinner signifies a commitment to the long-term health and stability of the domain ecosystem, offering attendees a chance to engage with policy discussions and industry leadership in a convivial setting. Tickets were still available, encouraging broad participation in this important event, held on Tuesday from 6-9 pm.

Making the Most of Your NamesCon Experience

NamesCon Global is more than just a series of sessions; it’s a vibrant ecosystem designed for learning, networking, and deal-making. Beyond the structured agenda, the hallways, lounges, and informal gatherings provide fertile ground for serendipitous connections. Engage with speakers, meet fellow attendees, and explore the exhibition hall to discover new services and technologies. Don’t underestimate the power of casual conversations; some of the most valuable insights and partnerships often emerge outside the formal program. Prepare your elevator pitch, bring plenty of business cards, and embrace the spirit of collaboration that defines the NamesCon community.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation and Connection

NamesCon Global 2018 reinforced its position as an indispensable event for anyone involved in the domain name industry. With its refreshed structure, emphasis on diverse voices, and a packed agenda covering everything from groundbreaking blockchain applications to timeless strategies in domain investing, the conference provided immense value. From empowering women in domaining to gleaning insights from rock stars and industry giants, attendees left equipped with new knowledge, expanded networks, and renewed inspiration. The dynamic environment, combined with practical tips and strategic insights, ensured that NamesCon continued its legacy of fostering innovation and building critical connections within the global domain community. We look forward to seeing how these discussions and collaborations continue to shape the future of internet commerce.