Back from DDC

We just completed DDC2005 in Denver, and while I may be a little close to the subject, I feel it was one of the better DDC events in recent memory. I don’t credit TKG for this as much as the circumstances facing this industry. The combination of intense competition within the business, plus an accelerating pace of change in the digital arena, raised the energy level both on the podium and in the hallways.

It wasn’t perfect, of course. There were some blue sky platitudes uttered and some selling from the stage. Not every question that needed to be asked was asked. But in general, our speakers delivered a balanced, insightful and often candid view of what is happening in this business. As an event organizer, I can’t ask for more than that.

There is a real growing tension between protecting the past and preparing for the future, and this tension is leading to more thoughtfulness and some combativeness. This all was in evidence at the conference. We will be issuing an Advisory asap with some key takeaways from the event, and we will cover many of the specific story lines that emerged from DDC in next week’s Local Media Journal.

Thanks to all of you who participated.