XBIZ Summer ’08 Draws Record Attendance

LAS VEGAS — The just concluded XBIZ Summer Forum ’08 drew a record crowd of more than 1200 attendees, shattering the attendance levels of previous shows and setting the stage for a trade show business model that offers reduced costs for attendees, greater visibility for sponsors and an all-around increased level of value for everyone involved.

XBIZ event organizers also have announced plans to move the summer show away from its traditional dates in July, to take advantage of more moderate weather. While the pool environs at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino offer an abundance of public and private networking options, organizers recognize that triple-digit temperatures present a difficult challenge for a show that prides itself on its ability to bring people together for business and fun.

Despite the heat, Summer Forum ’08 was a huge success for sponsors and attendees, who were treated to a full schedule of targeted activities, seminars and parties. Once again, the upgraded speed networking V2 was a complete hit, offering people the opportunity to meet new people and do new business, and the seminars and workshops were better attended than at any previous summer show.

The show also featured engaging daytime activities such as the XXX Iron Man Boat Races, the XBIZ Official Summer Babe Pageant, the iPorn Hot Body Contest and Webmaster Party Mix Pool Volleyball, as well as a full slate of nighttime parties that took place in the hotel and offsite.

XBIZ president Alec Helmy expressed his deep appreciation for the support of the show’s sponsors, and the impact it had on the show itself.

"We are especially pleased that this year's show was so focused on our sponsors,” he said. “Because of their tremendous support, we were able to waive registration fees and offer the opportunity of attending this show to those who may have otherwise not been able to join us."

"I am overwhelmed by the support of the companies that sponsored our Summer Forum,” XBIZ director of sales Kristen Kaye said. “This was an amazing show, one that we were able to truly enhance the sponsor and attendee experience. Without our sponsors, we would not have been able to make registration open to the entire industry."

“I could not have been more pleased with how well the educational part of the show went,” XBIZ executive editor Tom Hymes said. “Attendance was greater than at any previous summer event, and people definitely came to learn. I want to thank the speakers and presenters, each of whom came fully prepared and truly inspired to contribute.”

Information about XBIZ Summer Forum ’09 will be posted on the show’s website as soon as it is available.