Called it!

I might be the only one who's a little disappointed by the recent announcement that the Optical Fiber Communication (OFC) conference and exposition will combine with the National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (NFOEC) starting in the spring of next year. I'm not disappointed at the prospect of combining the events, which will save me (and lots of other industry folks) from having to attend separate sparsely attended events (or, in the case of some, having to choose between the two for budgetary reasons). And it's a good combination.

OFC announced the news last week, while I was on vacation. (Last week's column was taken from an archive of "classic" columns, which is why it contained so many references to the movie "Three Men and a Baby.") But that's not why I'm disappointed, either.

Last fall, after a very quiet NFOEC, I suggested the two optical events combine. ( Here, I can prove it. In fact, in this column, I suggested they call the combined show the National Optical Communications, Optical Fiber & Fiber Engineering Exposition, or NO-COFFEE. They took my concept but not my brand.) Did I receive anything in the way of consulting fees from OFC for my suggestion? No. Nada. Granted, I made that suggestion after hearing a lot of attendees at the fall 2003 NFOEC suggest the same thing, but isn't that how consultant fees are usually earned?

Any free advice for me? E-mail me at egubbins@primediabusiness.com.