By Alejandra García

YNOT EUROPE – YNOTeurope.com met with Andreas and Walter, the creators of one of the most important webmaster events in Europe, to discuss The Barcelona Summit. The next incarnation will take place 18-21 February in the Hotel Miramar Barcelona. It is expected to draw more than 400 participants from more than 30 countries.

YNOT Europe: What is the most difficult thing about organizing an event like this?
Andreas and Walter: Finding the place to host it, because it is not easy to find a nice hotel that can be rented in its entirety…and one that accepts our industry. And, of course, the uncertainty at the very beginning of preparations, because many people will not commit until you send the first list of participants.

What is the most satisfying detail now that we are in the final days before the show?
Above all, to see that many have registered and, for the first time, many of the webmasters are Spanish.

The registration list can be found here.

Do you expect any influence from the Mobile World Congress, which will take place 14-17 February?
For some the closeness of the two shows is positive, because they can better use their trip to Barcelona. Some gaming industry professionals will attend both shows, but most come just to attend The Barcelona Summit.

The summit is almost as famous for its networking opportunities as for its parties. What does the schedule look like this time?
We will have three major parties. On the first day, the “Rockstar & Groupies” party will be at Shoko. The next day, “Millionaires & Models” will take place at CDLC, and the farewell party is titled “I’m the Major of Barcelona.”

There are more sponsor logos than ever on your website. What new sponsors signed on this year?
Trodat, Wister, AdMoDa, Saboom, Reporo, Partner Cash – JoyFactor, Reporo … and we hope some more “last minute” surprises.

What new features will make news for The Barcelona Summit?
On one side there will be product presentations — for example, Saboom.com’s interactive porn — and surely one of the major issues of discussion will be who will take the place of ePassporte.

The Barcelona Summit will take place again in September … in Prague, Czech Republic. How did that come about?
That will be our climax as an event, for sure! At the moment we have only received positive feedback.

Why Prague?
The reason is clear: It’s like 30 percent cheaper than Barcelona, and Prague is in the middle of Europe.

The Barcelona Summit has become an essential business event offering many opportunities and potential contacts. Registration is free for industry insiders until 16 February. Visit the online registration form here.