The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) hosted a series of public information sessions about the new gTLDs in three European capitals : London,Paris and Berlin .
Here is the announcement :"ICANN hosted a series of public information sessions in three European capitals during the week of 19 September, part of its commitment to engage with the Internet community on the coming expansion of new generic Top Level Domains.
Events in London, Paris, and Berlin provided an opportunity for interested parties to ask questions and openly discuss all aspects of the program. A series of high-level media interviews complemented the events in all three cities.
- London
The events kicked off with a breakfast panel discussion on Tuesday, 20 September, at the offices of Edelman PR in London. Panelists included Rod Beckstrom (CEO, ICANN), Lesley Cowley OBE (CEO, Nominet), Lorna Gradden (Director, Com Laude) and journalist and blogger, Kevin Murphy (DomainIncite.com).
The audience, which included members of the press, listened and participated in a discussion on a number of new gTLD issues with particular interest in the newest version of the Applicant Guidebook, which had been released the previous day.
- Paris
Wednesday in Paris began with a breakfast by influential French "think tank," Renaissance Numérique, with communication, advertising, and branding professionals attending.
A luncheon followed at Paris' Scribe Hotel. Ten journalists from France's key business publications and newswires, along with members of the Internet community and representatives from the business community, participated in a broad discussion on new gTLDs. ICANN's Rod Beckstrom moderated the conversation, assisted by Edelman's Christophe Ginisty and Liz Williams from gTLD consultancy, Sedari.
- Berlin
On Thursday, ICANN's "road show" moved to Berlin for a mid-morning panel discussion, which included Jamie Hedlund, ICANN's Vice President of Government Affairs – Americas, and Oliver Süme, Board member of .eco, the Association of the German Internet Industry.
Issues discussed included the application guidelines for the new gTLD program, fees, implications and opportunities for companies and brands.
Participants from the audience included brand owners as well as potential applicants for city gTLDs and other bids. Several journalists attended as well."