Om Malik on Broadband writes about the Vonage IPO and other VoN 2005 Reflections in his post today.
Actually there are a lot of me too products. What's cool about VON though is the still community feeling that exists and the nice people who make up the industry one gets to know. I remain convinced that the team working at AT&T like Katherine Bagin, Chris Wood and Gary Morgenstern are all still not caught up in the corporate VoIP mind set that many others would be. They have the same passion as Dave Epstein and his wife Angela, who along with Les Berry drive Broadvoice, a company that I'm cheering for just because they're smart, and nice at the same time. Then there's the boys from the great White North, from XTEN. Bruce and Erik (who was away on his honeymoon), Mark and others are always still like the wide eyed kids on their first ride in dad's car, always wanting you to see what's new. Then of course there is the Pulver Clan, family members and extended family members who over the years have become fixtures at VoN. Say what you will about Jeff, love him or not for the stands he's taken, he's very loyal and remembers his friends and family better than most CEOs. Jeff's team, from Scott Kargman and Carl Ford on down, along with Jonathan Askin and many more all are so passionate about what they do, dealing with them is like working with a VoIP Fan Club as much as it is a business. Their enthusiasm is infectious and their welcoming attitude warming to the heart.
A few years ago I wasn't "the VoIP Insider" that I've become. At VON events I feel that way. A lot of this has to do with Jeff and his open approach to making the conference great.
Speaking of great, as a PR guy and member of the media I'd be remiss if I didn't say what a great job Todd and Susan did at this most recent VON. They managed the press, and the press room flawlessly. Their regular updated media lists and their access was just perfect.
So while Om moans and groans about the less than sexy aspects of VoN, I found the event worthwhile for both personal and professional reasons.
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