We received a communique from Rick Schwartz today, the organizer of T.R.A.F.F.I.C., the premier domain industry conference in the United States. Here is what he wrote:

"T.R.A.F.F.I.C. is proud to present another ground breaking first in the industry. For the first time at any domain show we are going to have multiple live auctions presented by multiple auction houses...

This is going to be a game changer! Howard and I have nothing to sell. Our job is to promote the industry as best we can and also be as inclusive as we can. In tough times like these there will actually be an increase in domain acquisitions. Domains that would have never been sold will now be on the auction block. Plus, with multiple companies promoting the live TRAFFIC auctions in New York City, the bidding action and excitement will be better than ever. Multiple companies trying to include end users. Multiple companies competing for the best domains. Multiple companies offering different type inventories at competitive prices. Multiple auctions with multiple auctioneers and different styles of auction.  As is stands now we believe there will be up to 5 different auction companies holding live domain auctions in New York City in September. Moniker will continue to be the "Premiere" auction at T.R.A.F.F.I.C. as they have been. It will still be the "Main event." As you might imagine, this was not an easy decision. Monte and his crew have done a great service for us all over the years. Just sometimes what is good for one company may not be in the best interest of an entire industry. So kudos to Moniker for doing what others would not do when none of us knew the outcome. 

Last year the New York TRAFFIC show produced a record breaking $15M in auction sales. I believe that is more than all other live domain auctions at other shows combined for both 2007 and 2008!! We have the right location at the right time with the best domain audience. Including other auction houses will be effective, good for the growth of the industry, make things very exciting and open things up that will create lots of energy. Like I said, this is a game changer and we are all big winners. More info will be released soon.   We will also be announcing a T.R.A.F.F.I.C. REWARD PROGRAM later this summer. This program will give perks/discounts to future TRAFFIC shows starting at our San Francisco/Silicon Valley show next April. Those spending $10,000 or more at the auction will be eligible for those rewards. The reward program will be in effect during the New York City show in September. The more you spend, the more perks you get.  

That's about it. We are working hard to make sure that TRAFFIC keeps way ahead of the pack. Since 2004 we have set the tone and agenda for the industry by always providing cutting edge and trailblazing ideas and agendas. Howard and I take great risks in an effort to bring the industry to the forefront of marketing. Mix that with the biggest and the best and you get TRAFFIC. We don't know the result of multiple auctions but it is going be a fun thing to watch unfold. I expect we will announce the participants as early as this week. I will update you with the companies as those companies commit. Not only will this transform the domain aftermarket, it will transform the auction houses that participate. Just look at the growth of our biggest partners over the years. From DomainSponsor, to Moniker, to TrafficZ and others, TRAFFIC has facilitated the growth of these companies. We are the "King makers" and that has been the bi-product of what we do and we can do it for many more as you will see in the coming months.

Have a GREAT day!
Rick Schwartz

P.S. Just a quick reminder, the group fees go up tomorrow (Tuesday)"

Source: Submission by Rick Schwartz to DomainNews.com on July 14th, 2008 - Posted by Roland G. Buck - Chief Editor