NamesCon Global have announced a slight change in the dates for their 2020 event to be held in Austin, Texas, for the first time, from 29 January to 1 February, a 3 day delay on the previously announced dates. And the reason for the change, in part, is partly because of a day at the beach.

“Our NamesCon Europe 2019 Beach Day was such a huge success that we knew we had to do a dedicated fun day in Austin,” said NamesCon CEO Soeren von Varchmin. “Since our program for that day can only be done on a weekend, we’ve had to shift the event dates to 29-February 1. So it starts a few days later than before.” (Also, they say they can’t mess with Super Bowl Sunday)

NamesCon will kick off on Wednesday the 29th with Beginner and Expert tracks as well as the opening reception. Then NamesConGlobal moves into two action-packed days of programming. These will include the exhibition hall and the famous live domain auction. It will wrap up with a day of fun and networking “out of the office”, so to speak.

“I can’t tell you yet what the fun day will be,” said Head of NamesCon Helga Neumer. “It’s still a surprise!”

“The date change also allows us to better realise our vision for NamesCon Global 2020, which we’re calling ‘The Domain Economic Forum’,” says von Varchmin. “NamesCon has evolved from an investor-focused event into the central event for everything domain-related. We’re happy to bring in domain name investors, registries, registrars, internet service providers, attorneys, brand managers, affiliate marketing companies, domain marketplaces, parking companies, financial service providers, and individual end-users. We’re looking beyond the right or left of the dot: now we’re taking you 360 degrees around the dot!”

“Our team has been going back and forth between Cologne and Austin to get things ready, even though the event is six months away,” said Neumer. “It’s a lot of flying, but it’s worth it!” The team has scored a new partnership with the Omni Hotel Austin Downtown: it’s described as a cool, chic spot with a rooftop pool. The special NamesCon rate is $200 less than the OMNI’s average price per night.

Since its founding in 2013, NamesCon’s flagship event has been held in Las Vegas.

Early-bird registrations are open until 31 July to save a few hundred bucks.