LAC2014 - just wow

[Renee]

I agree with Martyn and Stephen. Business wise, this conference exceeded my expectations and was far better than any of the London conferences before it. I felt like I just didn't have enough time in the day to talk to everyone, and I didn't. There were so many new faces. I'm just glad I didn't go alone.

I didn't go to any of the parties either and I agree that the hotel bar is a far better place to be. The crowd there is good and it's easier to talk to people where it is quieter (rather than be at a club with pounding music) and when everyone has relaxed a bit since the professional meetings during the day.

Earl's Court was definitely better than Billingsgate. I will be interested to see how it goes at Excel next year. Shame ICE had to move as being at Earl's Court was pretty convenient.

[louie.wilson]

Can only share the latest
Attended 2 parties out of 3. Got bored at 2 our of 2. Not that i'm not big into parties, but i don't think it's the best way to chat.
I certainly do prefer a lunch, coffee or diner, as i had the chance to do with a few people over there, conversation is much more valuable, laughs are permitted (because you can actually heard the jokes )

Would definitely attend some more conferences, but would probably avoid the parties and focus on more quality time organizing some diners, with affiliates or with AM, anyone that would allow to spend a good and quality time!

All in all, still a great event, great people met, great to visit London!
Cheers

[Caruso]

Earl's Court was definitely better than Billingsgate. I will be interested to see how it goes at Excel next year.

Oh gawd, is it going to Excel????????

[thebookiesoffers]

Oh gawd, is it going to Excel????????

exact same thing came straight to my head

[Renee]

Oh gawd, is it going to Excel????????

Yep. The only reason it wasn't there this year is because they couldn't get the dates.

Prepare yourself

[louie.wilson]

Too far... Going to Excel for ICE was just a nightmare! 1.30h to go, 2h to come back...
Better find a place next to it

[TheGooner]

1.5 hours travel - poor lambs ... Try a potential travel time of 48 hours EACH WAY!

No offence to the heavy drinkers / party goers ... but it's just not worth the hassle to me if THAT is the best thing to get out of the conference ..
Those free drinks aren't really free if we've paid 3K per person each way to get there ...

So it is VERY useful to get the feedback from different groups.
Any other AFFILIATE attendees want to weigh in on the payback ?

[louie.wilson]

Technically, coming from the Philippines took me exactly 24h each way... So i totally feel you TheGooner.

[alexpratt]

100% not going to Excel and whilst I am there we NEVER will - Its a hole and miles from everywhere!!!

Next venue is Olympia - But shhhhhh keep it a secret We would stay at Earls Court but its being knocked down so were in a queue into the main hall at Olympia which is the new one so should be really nice and still fairly central plus beside high st kensington for shopping... AND its an even bigger venue

[Caruso]

Thanks for clarifying that.

Someone please tell Renee not to post when she's stoned.

1.5 hours travel - poor lambs ... Try a potential travel time of 48 hours EACH WAY!

Swimming's vastly overrated.

[Renee]

Hahahahaha!!
Caruso I wish that was my excuse.
Thank god it's not going to excel. I may have gotten them confused then. Although I have no idea where Olympia is. I thought it was near Excel?
(Edit: Maybe I got confused because the Excel is near the olympic village?? There has to be a reason)

I will admit, I hate that ICE and LAC are so far away from each other. It means that I can only go to LAC.

[thebookiesoffers]

Hahahahaha!!
Caruso I wish that was my excuse.
Thank god it's not going to excel. I may have gotten them confused then. Although I have no idea where Olympia is. I thought it was near Excel?
(Edit: Maybe I got confused because the Excel is near the olympic village?? There has to be a reason)

I will admit, I hate that ICE and LAC are so far away from each other. It means that I can only go to LAC.

Olympia is not far from earls court, hammersmith way

[Renee]

Righto. Hopefully the hotel will be better staffed next year (and not run out of every single type of beverage, including lemonade).

Carusos comment did make me LOL. A bit too loud actually.
Made my morning.

Gotta keep you guys on your toes you know. At least I know you're reading my posts

[thebookiesoffers]

Righto. Hopefully the hotel will be better staffed next year (and not run out of every single type of beverage, including lemonade).

Carusos comment did make me LOL. A bit too loud actually.
Made my morning.

Gotta keep you guys on your toes you know. At least I know you're reading my posts

hotel was shocking, a bar as big as a postal stamp with 2 staff on, hence one of the reasons I was going when you came over

[Renee]

I didnt think the bar was that bad. The size seemed to fit us all and we just spread out into the foyer if we didnt fit.
I just think they underestimated us igamers and how "social" we are.
They could definitely have used more bar staff.

[Christiaan]

I agree with Renee, the bar wan't that bad.
Only the first day with the pre-registration it was really bad! We waited 45 minutes for our first drinks!

[Virtual Marketing]

I must say this one.
Did you more party or more made business ? Last 2-3 conferences it looks more about young affiliates coming to have free drinks than doing real business.

[alexpratt]

I must say this one.
Did you more party or more made business ? Last 2-3 conferences it looks more about young affiliates coming to have free drinks than doing real business.

I think this is said almost every conference and each time people reply that it is super boring to talk about the meetings you had the conference sessions you attended, the business you did (although I like talking about the conference sessions) etc. so they talk about the parties, the bar, the girls etc etc..... In reality the events are bloody hard work and the drinks at least for me are a cherry on top of the cake...

From the backend I can tell you the delegates vary enormously from big companies like Eurosport, Arsenal, Bauer Publishing and TalkSport through to established gaming focused affiliates and networks that have been around for years and then to the small affiliates that are literally just getting into the space. Its a real mix and thats what makes it really interesting as its still dynamic and full of opportunity. The day the room fills with corporate ties and PLCs is the day to shut up shop

[baldidiot]

100% not going to Excel and whilst I am there we NEVER will - Its a hole and miles from everywhere!!!

Next venue is Olympia - But shhhhhh keep it a secret We would stay at Earls Court but its being knocked down so were in a queue into the main hall at Olympia which is the new one so should be really nice and still fairly central plus beside high st kensington for shopping... AND its an even bigger venue

Thank *&%$ for that!

[petefader]

I wish I could go once... but it's way too far