• by May 21, 2008

I arrived late last night and ran into David Atlas at the front desk.  We both looked at each other with exhaustion after 10 hours of flights, connections and local travel.  Man is this a hike from the airport!  I think I took 5 wrong turns and in a state where it only goes North and South, that's hard to do... I think I'm going blind and can't read the tiny signs... probably from reading too many emails with 8pt type at 4am.

The event kicks off tonight and from what the registration tells us we have over 150 attendees, right in line with our last Summit in December.  Bring your walking shoes, and be prepared to travel while here, it's a hike to the bars, restaurants and meeting facilities, but isn't Florida about walking anyway?  there are some fun trolleys running around that will taxi you anywhere on the island..

We have an exciting line up of activities and speakers that I hope challenge the status quo, validate what you all see in the space and your contributions and feedback will certainly make this a valuable event.  BTW.. almost got a hole in one today! :)

For those that made the hike on a memorial day weekend, your ARE the dedicated or just needed a business excuse to go to a resort island and pretend to work, but don't worry, you will go home with lots of goodies (ideas and friends).  Let's see if you can pry yourself away from email abit while here.

 I estimate that over 50% of the audience will check email before they brush their teeth in the morning.  75% will check it more than once during presentations.  99% will scramble to answer email after each session.  98.5% will have at least one mojito.  at least 20 marketing campaigns will be launched by attendees while at the event (Thu-Saturday).  80% will check their personal email at least once a day and 20% of you will blog or tell someone else about the event - and hopefully 100% of you will tell others that you work with how valuable the event is.... 

 I hope that all of you will respond with comments, suggestions, ideas for new topics and speakers as this is an evolving event.  The people attending this event help prove that this event is reaching more marketers and providers as I believe there is only 30% that attended the last event.  So,, Welcome to the new blood!

 We've added a new element to this conference with Topical RoundTables.. this is your time to explore thoughts, ideas and share insights specific to "hot topics" that you have.. they will be moderated by thought leaders and experts in the space who will help keep the communication flowing and hopefully expand your views.  Think about what topics are most important and how you can contribute.

One thing to note.. Cell phone service is suspect so conference calls from your bungalo will be difficult, we may see most of you doing conference calls from Starbucks :)....be sure to leave a comment card about how they need to improve their email program.

Welcome all, and hope to connect with many of you over the next few days...

db