They're very popular, of course, those webmaster conventions like Internext and AdultDex. There is booze and half naked women and food galore! They are tons of fun and people sometimes party until dawn! It seems to many webmasters, especially new webmasters, that these conventions are nothing but a non-stop party! But these conventions are so much fun that some webmasters seem to lose site of what matters. Networking.

"These conventions are fun, yes, but they are so much more!"

These conventions are fun, yes, but they are so much more! They give you an opportunity to meet other webmasters, form friendships, make business deals, learn new tricks and much more! They can be great for learning insider tips, both from attending the lectures and workshops available and by talking with other webmasters.

Many webmasters think that they just don't have time to attend one of these conventions or gatherings. And for some - that is true.

Many webmasters have full time day jobs that they just can't get away from. And of course there are other issues like family problems and finding sitters for your children. You obviously can't bring your children with you unless they are old enough to stay in the hotel room all day alone! These gatherings are obviously not a proper environment for young children. But if you can find the time and the means, you should attend at least one. I've never heard from an attendee that did not enjoy their time there fully.

What happens at a convention? Well, lots of things happen. Too many to name, actually, but I'll go over some of more important events. For example, one of the biggest reason to attend the formal gatherings is to attend the lectures and workshops! Sometimes these workshops give out some very valuable information.

One webmistress who attended one of these events told me that she attended a big search engine lecture and took notes, and when she got home she applied her knew knowledge and tripled her search engine hits in a little more than a month! So you see, this reason alone is enough to drive one to attend.

But another very important aspect that you must not forget is networking! At these conventions you have the opportunity to meet many other webmasters who may be willing to talk with you, teach you, guide you and befriend you.

You have the opportunity to get to know some of the biggest names in the business and learn from them. Just remember not to go up to someone and ask them what their secrets are! Be tactful. Introduce yourself, let them introduce themselves, and make small talk. Get to know them. Allow them to volunteer their information. Above all remember to be friendly and if someone does not seem interested in talking to you, move on. Don't make a pest of yourself, and believe me, that can be very easy to do when you're eager and ambitious! You want make friends, not just learn all their secrets and run. 

There will also be many booths set up that you will want to visit. DO NOT miss the opportunity to check out these booths. There will be a very wide variety of companies set up, from sponsors, to hosts to content providers and more. Many booths will have free stuff for you, so don't miss it. Sometimes these companies give out freebies as a surprise!

One webmaster I talked to came home from a big convention with three free content CD's from three different companies, plus a deal with a sponsor to make 25% more than he was making with them before. So check out those booths. Not only for the freebies, which sometimes won't be there, but for the opportunity to make special deals and find new resources!

There are many, many more things to do at these conventions. As long as you devote a good portion of your time to attending lectures, networking and seeing the booths, you've accomplished a lot. The rest of your time can be spent taking in the various forms of entertainment at the convention! There may be free drinks at some places, there may be private parties that you are invited to attend, there may be free food. There will almost always be naked or half naked women, and possible men there to watch. And sometimes there will be gambling! (Watch out for those Vegas gatherings!)

Remember, these gathering can be tons of fun, but don't lose sight of why you're really there. This is a business convention, and you're there for that reason, but that doesn't mean you can't have a blast, too!