Lesson #05 Convention Costs
Written By Titmowse

The best things in life may be free but the fun stuff costs money.

This lesson covers possible costs you face when you attend an adult webmaster conference or gathering. Obviously you know you'll have to pay for plane tickets or bus passes. You also know the need to put money aside for a hotel room, possible car rentals and naturally meals. What you may not be aware of is the fact that adult webmaster conferences themselves usually charge a fee to even enter the showroom floor. There are some other expenses you might want to add when you are budgeting your costs and this guide will cover these.

Conference Fees

On a rare occasion, an adult webmaster convention will be completely free to attend. You'll only have to pay for traveling expenses and lodging. Most of the time though, the conventions charge a price to attend. The cost to attend just the showroom floor of the biggest adult convention (Internext) is around $125.00 for pre-registration and around $150.00 at the door.

Seminar Fees

Running around a showroom floor is fun and you'll get to meet the people whom till now you've only known by reputation or on message boards. Networking is important but learning the details of this business is even more so. Adult conventions host intensive, informative and valuable seminars on subjects ranging from legality issues to webmaster basics. The catch is the seminars most times are not free. Citing Internext again, the charge to attend the many seminars they host is approximately $125.00.

Cover Charges for Parties

Big companies and groups of mid-level adult sponsors (most times) will host parties at no charge. This is their way of showing goodwill and appreciation to their affiliates. Still, every once in a while you find one or two who either charge a cover fee or do not offer an open bar at these events. If you want to go to a hot party and aren't sure of the details, make sure to bring some cash with you. Don't forget that even when the party and the liquor is free - if you're being waited on by servers and bartenders - bring some money to tip them.

Internet Connection Fees

We're all net junkies and going without a connection is like the heroin addict without a fix. Whatever hotel you stay at, make sure to check into whether or not the place provides connection services. Some will charge huge money just for the local call to a national provider while others might offer a high-speed connection for free or for a fee. Think about how much room service costs and you'll have a good idea about hotel connection fees.

Self-Promotional Costs

Business cards, portfolios on CD and even handouts will be important materials to help you network with your porn peers. Bring as much of yourself as you possibly can to an adult webmaster conference. Hyperlinks scrawled on cocktail napkins simply won't do if you want to present yourself as a serious adult webmaster.

Adult webmaster conferences are a blast. They are chock full of nude models, free photos shoots, take-home software, t-shirts and memories you'll keep forever. The friendships and business contacts you can make at them will serve your needs for years to come. Conferences are the humanizing element in a somewhat impersonal business. We spend do much time conversing with each other through computer screens and the telephone, it's thrilling when we finally see our peers face to face. Don't pass up a chance to go. It may set you back a few bucks but it's money well spent.