What Makes the ICA Conference Different: A Domain Industry Insider’s Perspective
Next week I’m heading to fabulous Las Vegas for the ICA Conference. This will be my third ICA event. Of the two I’ve attended so far, I probably liked the first one the most—maybe because it was new, or maybe because I wasn’t yet used to how different this conference really is. It’s small by design, usually somewhere between 150 and 200 people. Between the membership requirement and the not-cheap ticket price, it naturally filters out anyone who isn’t genuinely serious or invested in the domain industry.
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The format is unlike any other conference I’ve been to. Let’s be honest—at most conferences, regardless of who’s speaking or how good the content is, a lot of attendees don’t actually go to the panels. The ICA leans into that reality. Day one is built around optional activities like pickleball, Topgolf, hiking, or even a trip to the Hoover Dam—all designed to network in a more natural way. That’s followed by cocktail hours, networking events, and guru roundtables. Maybe next year, I’ll be considered a guru myself—but not this year.
At the end of the day, it’s a great chance to spend time creating new opportunities, catching up with friends, colleagues, and business partners who are truly serious about this industry. The conversations are thoughtful, the people are sharp, and there’s always something new to learn—even after all these years.
If you’re not totally sure what the ICA actually does beyond hosting great events and cocktail hours, here’s the short version: (take it away AI)
Legal advocacy & defense
- Funds and supports legal efforts that protect domain owners’ rights
- Files amicus briefs in key court cases
- Pushes back against domain overreach, trademark abuse, and unfair domain seizures
- Helps ensure domains are treated as legitimate digital property
Policy & ICANN representation
- Represents domain owners at ICANN
- Advocates for fair rules around WHOIS and privacy, transfers, new gTLDs, and registry/registrar practices
Industry legitimacy
- Works to counter the “domain squatter” narrative
- Promotes domains as valuable digital assets, similar to real estate or IP
- Supports responsible ownership and commerce
On top of all that, the ICA is run by a genuinely good group of people who care about the industry, and I’m happy to support what they’re doing. If you’re attending, hopefully I’ll see you there. And if so, send me a message.
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