Here are my thoughts after attending Nordic Domain Days for the first time.
Nordic Domain Days (NDD) took place this week in Stockholm, opening Sunday evening and wrapping up Tuesday night. A record 450 attendees from 77 countries made this edition especially lively and diverse.
If you’ve been to other domain industry events but haven’t experienced NDD, a few features set it apart.
The content is excellent
Two factors stand out. First, the organizers don’t sell speaking slots or promise stage time to sponsors, which keeps the program independent and focused. Second, most sessions were single-presenter talks instead of panels. Solo presentations demand more preparation and often deliver clearer, more substantial takeaways. I normally skip many conference talks, but at NDD I deliberately scheduled time to attend several sessions because the quality was consistently high.
The audience was different
NDD draws a strong European presence—many attendees who rarely travel to conferences outside Europe made the trip, so I met numerous people face-to-face for the first time. The crowd leans toward registrars and registries rather than domain investors. There were solid investing sessions, including those led by Giuseppe Graziano of GGRG, but overall the mix felt more operational and industry-centric. That said, I see a real opportunity to expand investor-focused programming and highlight unique European perspectives to attract more investors in future editions.
The environment encouraged people to stay on site
The venue is organized around “the living room,” a central area with meeting tables, snacks, a bar during certain hours, and even an arcade. The arcade added a playful touch—high scorers won prizes—and helped create a relaxed atmosphere where people naturally lingered and connected.
The session hall sits adjacent to the living room. Day one featured a single track; day two offered a main track plus masterclasses. In addition to open meeting areas, the venue provided private meeting rooms and a VIP lounge, so there were options for both casual networking and quieter business conversations.
The program filled the day: activities ran from early morning into the late evening. The first night closed with karaoke, and the second night featured multiple live entertainment acts. There were even on-site tattoos and piercings—an unusual but memorable element for a business conference.
Evening dinners and entertainment made it easy for newcomers to find social opportunities without having to make plans in advance. That inclusive, ongoing social program helped foster conversations and connections long after the sessions ended.
Overall, I’m glad I attended and plan to return. I’d like to see a larger investor presence next year, which would broaden the discussions and perspectives. If you’re interested in attending, note the next NDD is scheduled for June 6–8, 2027.