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EVENT REPORT
Lotusphere still has the magic
By Dan Velasco
This was my fifth Lotusphere, and quite honestly I was worried that the magic might be gone this time. It wasn't. I not only had a great time, but I used it, as I always do, as a chance to reflect, re-energize and refocus my priorities for the coming year. I'll share my priority list for 2002 with you today along with some other thoughts about this year's event and throw in some pictures for good measure. I'll also tell you where to find even more information about Lotusphere in case you're one of those people that just can't get enough, and you know who you are.
Yes, smaller is better
The first question that comes to mind when you talk about any Lotusphere is how it compares to past events. Well, the short answer is that this year's show was a lot smaller than in recent years (around 6,000 compared to 10,000+, by some estimates). Fellow DominoPower writer Mick Moignard kept asking people the question, "Is a smaller Lotusphere a better Lotusphere?" I have to agree and say yes. Not only because it was nice not to have to tuck in my arms and swim like a salmon to get to the dining tent, but also because the caliber of the people I met was outstanding.
Those that were able to get their companies to spring for a trip to Disney World in the middle of harsh economic times are really the cream of the crop. I even noticed a difference in the Product Showcase, where almost every company representative I talked to really knew their stuff, as opposed to in years past where I talked to a fair number of marketing flunkies.
Here are some other miscellaneous thoughts about the conference:
The All-Star Sports Resort
This year I stayed at the Disney All-Star (my boss asked me to save money) Resort, and quite honestly I thought it was a pretty nice bargain for $75 a night as you can see in Figure A, although I did miss relaxing on the fake beaches at the Caribbean Beach Resort.
FIGURE A
 
The All-Star was a nice place, and hey, they all look the same with your eyes closed. Roll over picture for a larger image.
I've stayed at the Dolphin, Port Orleans, and the Caribbean Beach in the past and the All-Star compared favorably to all of them, even more favorably once you take into account the cost savings.
Shuttles
The conference shuttles were fantastic this year, and I don't think I waited longer than 10 minutes for a shuttle more than once my whole stay. One of the nice things about staying at the All-Star Sports Resort is that there's a single bus stop as you can see in Figure B, rather than the Caribbean where you have to ride around to all of the stops.
FIGURE B
 
The busses to and from the All-Star Resort couldn't have been more convenient. Roll over picture for a larger image.
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