Shape the Future: Submit Your Speaker Proposal for NamesCon Global 2020

NamesCon Global, the premier conference for the domain name industry, is charting an exciting new course for its 2020 event. Reimagined and strategically repositioned, the conference will convene in a vibrant new location – Austin, Texas – and will be known as The Domain Economic Forum. This significant rebranding signals a powerful expansion beyond the traditional confines of domain topics, aiming to delve deeper into the intricate economic forces that shape the digital landscape.

The vision for NamesCon Global 2020 is to foster a more inclusive and diverse dialogue, bringing together a broader spectrum of insights and expertise. Historically, many sessions at NamesCon were created in partnership with sponsors, offering valuable, albeit often commercially-focused, content. While these partnerships remain a cornerstone, the organizers are now actively seeking to augment the program with a wide array of sessions chosen purely for their educational value and ability to spark meaningful discussion within the domain industry and the wider digital economy.

A New Era: Unpacking The Domain Economic Forum

The decision to rename the event to The Domain Economic Forum is a deliberate move to elevate the discourse surrounding domain names. It acknowledges that domains are not merely technical assets but fundamental building blocks of the modern digital economy, deeply intertwined with branding, intellectual property, cybersecurity, online presence, and investment strategies. Austin, a burgeoning tech hub known for its entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ecosystem, provides the perfect backdrop for this evolved perspective.

This rebranding signals a clear intent to explore the macroeconomic trends, investment opportunities, and evolving challenges faced by businesses and individuals in the digital realm. Attendees can expect a richer program that not only covers core domain topics but also integrates discussions on how domains intersect with e-commerce, digital marketing, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and global financial markets. It’s an opportunity to understand the broader implications of owning, developing, and investing in digital real estate in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Call for Innovative Session Proposals: Your Voice Matters

NamesCon Global has officially opened its call for session proposals, inviting passionate speakers, industry experts, analysts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to contribute their unique insights. This initiative underscores a commitment to curating a program that is truly reflective of the industry’s diverse challenges and opportunities, driven by community input rather than solely by commercial interests. Organizers are particularly interested in proposals that offer actionable intelligence, fresh perspectives, and engaging content that resonates with a broad audience, from seasoned domain investors to digital marketing professionals and enterprise decision-makers.

The selection process will prioritize proposals that demonstrate a clear understanding of the designated tracks and offer compelling narratives or data-driven analyses. This is a prime opportunity for individuals and organizations to showcase their expertise, contribute to crucial industry dialogues, and gain significant visibility among a global audience of decision-makers and innovators. If you have a unique perspective on the future of domain names, the digital economy, or strategies for thriving in the online world, NamesCon Global 2020 wants to hear from you.

The organizers are specifically seeking session proposals related to three pivotal tracks:

1. The Economics of the Domain Name Ecosystem

   This track aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape surrounding the domain industry. We invite proposals that analyze the sheer size and scope of the entire domain name ecosystem, from new registrations and renewals to the vibrant and often complex secondary market. Submissions could explore various facets, including:

   • Market valuation methodologies for premium domains and portfolios.
   • Trends in domain sales, acquisitions, and investment strategies.
   • The impact of new gTLDs (generic top-level domains) on market dynamics and consumer adoption.
   • Analysis of registrar growth, aftermarket platforms, and brokerage services.
   • How global economic factors influence domain demand and pricing.
   • Case studies on successful domain investments and portfolio management.
   • The role of domain names as digital assets and their integration into broader investment portfolios.
   • Discussions on liquidity, risk assessment, and regulatory considerations within the domain investment space.

   We are particularly keen on data-driven presentations that shed light on previously opaque areas of domain economics, offering valuable insights into where the true value lies within this critical digital asset class.

2. Navigating Market Threats and Opportunities

   The digital landscape is constantly evolving, presenting both challenges and novel opportunities for domain owners and businesses. This track focuses on understanding and responding to these shifts. We’re looking for proposals that address how alternative forms of online presence and digital identity — such as burgeoning social media platforms, app-centric ecosystems, decentralized web initiatives (Web3, blockchain domains), and emerging digital marketplaces — can either threaten the traditional role of domain names or create synergistic opportunities. Key discussion points could include:

   • Strategies for brand protection and digital asset management in a fragmented online world.
   • The impact of social media giants and app stores on primary user identity and traffic generation.
   • Exploring the rise of blockchain domains and their potential long-term implications for traditional DNS.
   • How businesses can integrate traditional domain strategies with their presence on various digital platforms.
   • Cybersecurity threats related to domain names, including phishing, cybersquatting, and brand impersonation.
   • Regulatory challenges and intellectual property disputes in an expanding digital landscape.
   • Innovative approaches to leveraging domain names for competitive advantage amidst new digital trends.
   • Analyzing user behavior shifts towards non-domain-centric online interactions.

   This track encourages forward-thinking discussions on adaptability and strategic foresight in navigating the rapidly changing currents of the internet.

3. The Buyer’s Perspective

   Understanding the end-user is paramount for any industry. This track puts the spotlight squarely on the domain buyer, offering invaluable insights from those who acquire and utilize domain names for their businesses, projects, or personal branding. We seek engaging presentations that share real-world experiences, success stories, and lessons learned from the perspective of individuals or organizations actively involved in domain acquisition and development. Potential topics include:

   • Inspiring domain buyer stories: how a specific domain acquisition transformed a business or brand.
   • Case studies detailing the process of finding, valuing, and acquiring a crucial domain name.
   • Common challenges and pitfalls encountered by buyers during domain negotiations and transfers.
   • The decision-making process for choosing between new gTLDs and traditional .com domains.
   • How startups leverage strategic domain names for rapid growth and market penetration.
   • Practical advice for first-time domain buyers or those looking to upgrade their digital identity.
   • The role of domain name in overall branding and marketing strategies from a buyer’s viewpoint.
   • How businesses measure the ROI (Return on Investment) of their domain name portfolio.
   • Experiences with domain brokers, auctions, and direct negotiations.

   These sessions should provide actionable takeaways and relatable narratives that empower current and future domain buyers to make informed and strategic decisions.

Crafting Your Winning Proposal

To maximize your chances of being selected, ensure your proposal is clear, concise, and directly addresses one of the three core tracks. Highlight the unique value proposition of your session, outlining what attendees will learn and how they will benefit from your insights. Strong proposals often include a compelling title, a detailed abstract, and a brief biography showcasing your relevant expertise. Think about what makes your perspective fresh and how your presentation can contribute to the overarching theme of The Domain Economic Forum.

This is your chance to stand on a global stage, share your knowledge, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the domain industry. Your expertise is invaluable, and NamesCon Global 2020 is designed to be a platform where those insights can truly shine and influence the discourse around digital identity and online presence.

Ready to make your mark at this transformative event? Proposals can be submitted online through the official submission portal. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the future of the domain economic landscape.

Join Us in Austin for NamesCon Global 2020

NamesCon Global 2020 promises to be an unparalleled event for networking, learning, and innovation. With its new location in Austin and its sharpened focus as The Domain Economic Forum, it’s set to be a pivotal gathering for anyone invested in the future of the internet. We encourage you to submit your proposal and help shape a dynamic and insightful program that will inspire and educate the global domain community.