Well, I survived DMA08. It was my first fall conference in a while since I have been out of the pure list business the past few years. One thing about this industry is that it doesn't change much. Oh, you have technological advances but the business is still about mailers doing their thing and the brokers and managers playing both coach and referee.

This was the first show where I never made it to the exhibit hall. I think I did the smart thing and scheduled all my meetings at the RMI suite at the Bellagio, or within the hotel. The meetings were productive. I think the mailers are comforted by the fact that they have the same challenges. And it's good to get together and see how others are tackling them. If you can come out of a meeting with just a few good takeaways, then it was worth it.

Made it to one show - La Reve at the Wynn. Not an event I would normally choose to attend but I must admit it was fantastic both visually and physically. I can't even do a chin-up these days and to see what these extraordinary performers can do with their bodies. Just amazing. Don't tell Martin but I even found time to win a few sheckles at the tables. Blackjack. It wasn't easy though. Down early, but then the late comeback. Anytime you leave Vegas with money in your pocket, you've made out okay.

Good show. Oh, I almost forgot. The fountain... made me think of that scene in Ocean's Eleven. Very cool. ‘Til next time...