Morning Folks!!

When we started T.R.A.F.F.I.C. in 2004 we had a capacity crowd of 135. We still have a capacity crowd in 2011, but now the crowd is much larger, more intense and much more sophisticated in what they do and how they do it. It is also much more diversified. Represented by more countries. Many more women both as spouses that support their mates and domainers in their own right.

So what does that mean to you? It means I have to sell less next year because the Ritz will not grow. They will have the same amount of space and when folks understand what we are doing, selling out the hotel will be easier next year than this year. Folks, you are going to LOVE the Ritz Carlton and you are going to LOVE the deals you make. TRAFFIC is going to be your turning point!

It’s tough out there and that is what makes things happen. If you have money you can get bargains. If you need money you can find it. People are in a deal making mood. Creative deals. Circumstance is in control.

So from here on out it is time for me to be quiet and others to take the lead. I work my ass off to make sure that everything goes PERFECTLY!! That there are life changing things going on. That anyone that isn’t at T.R.A.F.F.I.C. KNOWS they missed something very special.

The schedule is jammed packed with panels of folks that know their stuff. We are wall to wall and while we know many of you have meetings throughout the days, there are seminars that really can’t be missed. Speakers that have something to share with you.

Screw the noise. Screw those that can’t do business the right way. Screw the anons that can’t even show up at T.R.A.F.F.I.C. because they are ghosts and will always be ghosts.

We tell it like it is regardless of the fallout or agendas and regardless of how big or how small. The RIGHT WAY and every other way. We are the “Handshake” crowd. Our WORD means more than the piece of paper we sign.

T.R.A.F.F.I.C. MEANS B.U.S.I.N.E.S.S. or Howard and I would just be sitting on the beach instead. Maybe that is why I am the way I am and don’t take crap from anyone anymore. Life is way too short. If your word is not your bond, I am your enemy. If you steal from me or others, I am your enemy. If you are a troll that just posts crap without ever meeting me, talking to me, doing business with me, I am you enemy.

If you are legit, I am an ally. The strongest ally you can find. Loyal to a fault. A friend to death.

Have I made mistakes? You betcha. Lots of them. It’s like being a politician up here. Every word is scrutinized and used against me when it is convenient. Twisted when it is not. But so what? I have a mission. That shit is meaningless. The folks that come to T.R.A.F.F.I.C. understand that one single element.

So going to T.R.A.F.F.I.C. is energy for ME and YOU! It is like an energizer drink that lasts all year long. I know we are bending history. I know we are accelerating the process. I know we as a group have an impact. I know the future will be brighter for us than the past and the past has been a very nice journey.

We saw a need and grabbed an oar and just started rowing. We just row. Some use their own oars to row with us and yet others use their oars to try and slow us down or divert us or to just hit us over the heads with. That part I never expected nor understood. The only thing you can do with those folks, is throw them overboard.

So a week from today the festivities begin and more history will be written and progress will be made. The worst of times for most will become the best of times for us. We are not passive. We are aggressively going after the future.

In 1995-1996 I saw one thing. I saw a unique opportunity in time. I saw a parallel between INCOME PRODUCING Real Estate and a domain name. Like you, something sparked inside of me. Consumed me. Has never let me out of her grip. It was like everything that ever happened in my life was to prepare me to understand domain names. Deeply understand domain names and what they represent.

And like you, I want to build an empire. I want to build a string of great successes. I want something that only happens to others. I want to create something that outlives me. I want what you want and THAT is what makes TRAFFIC what it is. I think they just call it PASSION! You can’t buy it. You can’t force somebody to look forward to Monday. You can’t make somebody work until they collapse unless you have PASSION.

We all have different degrees of passion and we have different ways of expressing it and how it might manifest within us. But that is a strength not a weakness. Passion means you want to be the best. The best. You give 100% and then look for another 100% to give. Few can wrap their heads around that.

So the colors here are vivid. They are not pastels. The Ritz Carlton is the #1 Hotel Chain in the world for my taste. And this specific hotel is one of my very favorites. It will soon be one of your favorites as well.

T.R.A.F.F.I.C. is about doing it all FIRST CLASS and rewarding ourselves for a job well done. And lastly, the day you leave you will have so much energy and enthusiasm that nobody can hold back. Years ago they would laugh at what we do. Today they see what we are all about. Serious business men and women working with passion to make our lives much better for us and our families.

Some of you may start your journey in the next hours and days. Howard and I wish all of you safe and prosperous travels. Our commitment to you since 2004 is not to take you away from the comfort of your homes and families unless there was a reason.

To our alumni that can't make this year's show, you will be missed and we will see you next year!!

So see you there! We are all looking forward to it and I can tell you without doubt that we have put more effort into this show than any other show we have ever done. You will be the beneficiaries of our passion.

Rick Schwartz

PS: If you need to cancel any room nights at the Ritz Carlton, please cancel through us as we have nearly a dozen domainers on a waiting list for a room and if you cancel with the hotel, the room doubles in price and goes into general circulation.