With the recent explosion in the growth rate of Twitter as a communication tool and the growing size of personal and professional social networks like Facebook and LinkedIn, some reasoned these would cause the rapid demise of live conferences. Well, based on the numbers for sales and registrations just in for the month of July, a month which included the highest single-day registration sales ever on record for any PhoCusWright Conference, there is convincing evidence to the contrary. The major travel industry event of this year is indeed alive and well.

While budgets are pared down in many instances and every expenditure is scrutinized, it seems that even in these tough economic conditions there remains a strong need, maybe stronger than previously thought, for people to gather in one place and interact in person with peers to discuss issues, exchange viewpoints, negotiate deals and learn about the latest developments in the industry. Despite the growing number of widely used technology tools available for permanent virtual social networking, meeting and information exchange, it is very encouraging to note that we have not reached the point where these tools replace the well planned, organized and produced event.

The ideal mix of quality content, expert speakers, ample opportunities for face to face meetings and, yes, personal networking, supported by high production value is the winning formula. We remain dedicated to deliver on these principles at PhoCusWright and thank those of you who have already registered, while encouraging all those still uncommited to join us in November in Orlando and experience in person the travel industry event of this year.

It is the one approval worth fighting for!

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