Get the most out of NamesCon — How to

Here are some quick tips to get the most out of NamesCon in Las Vegas next month.

It’s hard to believe that NamesCon is taking place next month! The largest domain name industry conference (not counting ICANN meetings) typically attracts over 1,000 domain investors, registrars and other service providers.

I’ve been to each year of NamesCon in Vegas, and here are some tips to get the most out of your time at the conference.

• Uber or Taxi – The Vegas airport taxi stand is sometimes empty and other times very long. You can pick up an Uber at the airport but it requires a bit of a hike from the baggage claim. The show venue is very close buy, so cost shouldn’t be a major consideration.
• Try to make good conversation – You’ll have many conversations at NamesCon that go like this. “Where are you staying? Oh, when did you get in? When are you heading home?” Try to be more interesting than this. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn.
• Arrive early Sunday – NamesCon is a long week and you might not want to give up your Sunday morning with family. But Sunday’s Networking Lane and corresponding expert discussions can be some of the most useful time you’ll spend at the show.
• Plan your session strategy ahead of time – There are multiple concurrent content sessions. I recommend creating a schedule ahead of you go so you don’t miss sessions you would like to attend.
• Get some food for breakfast – Breakfast isn’t provided by the show and room service at The Tropicana is horrible. Last year I was quoted wait times of 1-2 hours by room service (when they actually picked up the phone). So I suggest buying a few breakfast items at the Starbucks in the hotel to keep in your room for the morning.
• Stay at the Trop – This is the most controversial advice I have. I haven’t been thrilled with any of my stays at The Tropicana hotel. And, as I mentioned above, food service is touch and go. That stated, the convenience of riding down the elevator to enter the show is worth it. In years past, I know a lot of people stayed at the MGM across the street. It’s connected via a sky bridge with The Trop, but the sky bridge will be closed this year so you’ll have to take a modest detour. Update: I also recommend booking through the NamesCon link. Some other sites might seem cheaper but the NamesCon rate includes a half price resort fee. Also, if someone calls saying they represent NamesCon for hotel booking, this is a scam.

See you next month!