The narrow streets and alleyways are a combustible crossword puzzle of cars, pedestrians, bicycles, scooters and motorcycles, all seemingly coming at one another from different directions but somehow, against all odds, managing to avoid collision without even a peep of concern. Accidents happen, but far less often than one would expect.
Likewise, the show, put on by the Adult.com crew, threw people together with less structure than almost any other event out there, with a sort of “you’re on your own” attitude. (Though the badges did have the entire schedule printed on the back - quite the cool, helpful feature.) Still, against all odds, it worked.
The seminars started mostly on time, the events were well-attended, and the sponsored parties, though few, came off successfully and lasted well into the early hours of the morning. And most importantly, attendees were happy.
As expected, the event had a decidedly European webmaster bent to it, and there were a surprising number of newbies in attendance along with quite a few of the usual suspects. The semi-modern Radisson Hotel was the host venue, though many people stayed in surrounding hotels. The Radisson lobby was where people met for impromptu networking, and though there were not nearly enough chairs or sofas to accommodate the number of people who congregated there, a gorgeous hotel bar took on the overflow, and the overall feel was of a very healthy turnout.
I only could get to two of the seminars, and even was asked to moderate the second – which was my pleasure to do. Almost all seats were filled for each, the vast majority by Europeans. It may be an unwritten rule that an American is not to be disturbed at an adult trade event before the hour of 1 p.m., and that time may extend an hour or two in Amsterdam. Just kidding. (Sort of.)
The events were fun and different. Platinum Bucks sponsored a daily tour of the Heineken Brewery; Cybercat, Sleazydream and Adult Friend Finder sponsored a daily Rembrandt and Dungeon Tour; Private Cash continued their Canal Cruise Tour; and the day before the show featured the inaugural Amsterdam Golf Tournament, sponsored by Love Dollars, TrafficCashGold, Epoch and Naughty America.
GroobyBucks sponsored Friday’s cocktail reception and LoadedCash sponsored Saturday’s. And of course, no visit to Amsterdam is complete without a Red Light District VIP Tour, sponsored by Python.
Thursday featured the Cybersocket Opening Night Party at Escape. The place offered a dance floor and open bar, and was packed by midnight. The following night, Payserve, VXSBill and OrgyCash sponsored a raucous party at the three-story Sinners Club which featured a handful of lovely ladies of the night given away to some lucky winners. Yes, some sinners were winners that evening.
The corporate sponsors of Webmaster Access events are SexSearch.com. DatingGold, WEGCash, Adult Webmaster Empire, PussyCash, Silvercash, Adult Rental and Python.
The next Webmaster Access is in Los Angeles, November 14-17, 2007, and will culminate once again with the ever-popular Playboy Mansion party.
