Today is a bit of a sad day. I’ve just received an email from John Davey (organiser of Flash on the Beach), informing me that Flash on the Beach Miami has been cancelled. It’s a real shame, but I can’t disagree with his reasons. The global recession is a concern for everyone and couple that with poor ticket sales, John says he doesn’t feel he can deliver the high calibre conference that us Europeans know and love.
I just hope that people don’t think that this decision was taken lightly, I know John, both professionally and as a close personal friend, and I know he will have had many sleepless nights trying to work his “Davey magic” to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat
Below is his email in it’s entirety, for those who are interested.
It is with huge regret that I have taken the decision to cancel FOTB Miami. My intention was to take FOTB with its awesome speaker line up, fantastic networking opportunities and of course terrific FOTB vibe to the USA, but low registration numbers have meant that I would not be able to deliver the high calibre event that Flash on the Beach has become well known for.
It seems that the recession has really hit harder than anyone expected. Even reducing tickets to an incredible $99 did not increase the registration numbers enough to be able to deliver an event which is as good as the European conference.
For your information, I have given every registrant a 100% refund PLUS a complimentary ticket to FOTB Brighton.
Flash on the Beach Brighton will go ahead as scheduled, and already has some very big names, and exciting topics lined up. It is being held September 20-23rd.
I’m sure there will be a Flash on the Beach in the US next year, so for those of you who have missed out this time around don’t worry; and don’t forget Flash on the Beach Brighton in September :D
I know its not 100% equivalent, but I just announced Flex Camp Miami (http://www.remotesynthesis.com/post.cfm/flex-camp-miami-flex-air-sun-and-warmth) which may be of interest to those who were planning on attending FotB. We also have an excellent speaker lineup, though more focused on Flex and AIR rather than Flash but still relevant.
Right you are. Organizing an event is a very complicated undertaking. While I also got the sad notice, I was very impressed with the classy way it was handled. Much respect to Mr. Davey for his efforts.