It feels strange knowing that there’s no more TRAFFIC conference.
After a decade of successful domain industry shows, Rick Schwartz retired in triumph, and currently safeguards the TRAFFIC name, brand and legacy.
Meanwhile, Howard Neu, TRAFFIC co-founder and partner, moves on with THE Domain Conference, that once again uses South Florida as its stomping grounds.
Neu’s wife, Barbara, and their son Ray Dillman, are currently putting the final touches to the conference’s details. I’m certain it will be a splendid event, and although I have not committed to attending, I am behind their effort 100%.
Now that the deadline for industry award nominations has passed, I can share with the domain community my nominations – which match my eventual votes.
- Domain developer of the year: Tia Wood – Because she is a developer in the true sense of the word.
- Domain blogger of the year: Kevin Murphy – Consistent and professional, with journalistic ethos.
- Best Registry of the year: Donuts, Inc. – They’re the biggest gTLD Registry in the entire world. Enough said.
- Best Registrar of the year: Uniregistrar – Their software and domain management back-end is top of the line.
- Domain broker of the year: Amanda Waltz – In my opinion, she’s top among equals at Igloo, and these guys rock.
- Domain investor of the year: Konstantinos Zournas – Kostas is a hard-working domainer who isn’t afraid to take risks, all while documenting them.
- Best company in the industry for 2015: Uniregistry – Frank Schilling’s a dynamo and his company employs some of the best people in the industry.
- Goodwill ambassador award: Francois Carrillo – He has given great support promoting domainers, big and small, through his numerous public projects.
- Domain industry hall of fame: Donna Mahony – She’s a domain veteran that deserves recognition for her personal efforts to unite and educate domain investors.
I hope that THE Domain Conference becomes as important of a domain industry event as TRAFFIC was.
Good list!