But the organizers, Fabian and the Island Gathering staff, are well aware of what it takes to come here, and go out of their way to make sure no complex tasks are required of those stepping off the plane. Everything is thought of as they hand-guide you through the arrival process – transportation, handling of luggage, room registration, organizing of events – in a way that does not intrude on your sense of independence. In short, we were taken care of without being overly pampered.
According to Joe D. from Klixxx, attendees were also encouraged to bring their spouses or significant others and several did. When I last attended this event a few years ago, the focus was more on gonzo partying and business, including the infamous trip to one of the island’s legal whorehouses, an experience no one who attended will forget. As “fun” as that was, a concerted effort was made last year to tame the event down without losing any of its true appeal. They have succeeded admirably.
Daily activities have been expanded, sponsored dinners have been refined and networking events are well thought out with the end result being a sense – at least from everyone I’ve spoken with – that this show has found an ideal balance of business and pleasure. It is true that some who were planning on coming – including a significant sponsor – had to make the difficult decision to stay home and work instead, but such is the life of the ambitious adult entrepreneur. Sometimes you make it, and sometimes you don’t. I don’t have any numbers, but it feels as if a lot of industry people are here, and a good mix too.
Last night, after the Sex Search Happy Hour at the pool, there was the Island Gathering Welcome Dinner on the beach, sponsored by 123Resourcing.com, that featured a buffet, open bar, a live band and entertainment, followed by a Late Night Party put on by PrideBucks in the resort’s Queen’s Ballroom, also with an open bar. Photos are available at WebmasterLifestyle.com.
Today will see the first day of activities, featuring the Extreme ATV Island Tour, sponsored by Eurorevenue, and the Camazon Cash-sponsored Swimming with the Dolphins or Sea Lions Encounter/Shark Feeding Dive. Tomorrow will feature those and more, including the Sail ‘n’ Dive/Sail ‘n’ Snorkel cruises, sponsored by Naughty Bank.