I’m not going. I don’t want to go. Hopefully this will be the end of it.
The NetSquared folks address the criticism they received over the conference here, and since they quote this very blog I thought it fair to report back.
Having just gotten back from an event I organized, I fully understand how tough these things are and how things look very different on paper than what happens in reality. It’s one thing to push code or push pixels, it’s entirely different when you’re pushing people, even if it’s simply to get them from one side of the room to the other (or in our case…to meet at a building across from the Capitol so you can get a group picture). To make sure that you’ve anticipated every possible "what if" scenario and you have the answer or "Plan B" ready. There’s always going to be something that will throw you off…always. But at least let it be something big. One of our attendees got into a car accident on the way to the airport…she’s fine, thank goodness, but no way I could have anticipated that one.
That’s where the NetSquared folks fell flat on their faces. Sorry. They blew it. They meant well. Their heart is in the right place. But if you’re expecting people to make an investment of resources and time, yikes…you owe them better than that. They missed the first "what if" out of the gate…With their attendance so limited, and the fact that they only want a certain number of people from each area, it’s hard to believe they never asked themselves "What if we get more people interested in this thing than we have room for?"
Good luck, folks…you’re going to need it.
Judi Sohn 
3 responses to “Final word on the NetSquared thing”
It sounds like me when I deal with moving little kids from point A to point B.
I have been reading your blog for a while now. Finally, I have taken the time to comment.
Good luck on taking that picture!
I work with the NetSquared team. I just wanted to drop you a quick comment to thank you for taking the time to respond to the conference — the push and comments you gave helped us have some hard conversation and make some tough decisions and then to clarify those decisions.
Did you get the ‘If you’re interested’ email today? I’m a little schocked about it coming so late in the game. I went back and looked at my rejection email. It is sort of sad that they never pushed paid registration in that email, they just told me about distance opportunities.