Readers of my posts will have noticed that we’ve been working over the last two months to launch the TLD Operator Webinar which was held recently. Its purpose was to unite all new TLD applicants and collectively share our experiences in order to build momentum in the industry and support each other in our pursuits.

With more than 300 registrations and 40 percent of all new TLDs attending, we were humbled and overjoyed with the success—validating our ‘educated guess’ that there was a global appetite for information to assist new TLD applicants.

Following the TLD Operator Webinar, we surveyed attendees and received responses from more than 200 participants who all expressed a desire for more opportunities to learn from other operators. When asked about their views on the state of the industry, most respondents indicated that it “needs some work” and “still has a long way to go”. By far the biggest challenge identified by respondents was the “lack of public awareness of new TLDs”.

Interestingly, the survey data showed broad interest for topics across all TLD categories, while respondents preferred a monthly or bi-monthly frequency for webinars.

Last week, the Domain Name Association (DNA) announced the launch of the DNA University to provide a platform for the industry to exchange ideas and learn best practices. So, based on the success of the TLD Operator Webinar, and our passion for the Domain Name Association, we have agreed to merge these two concepts and continue the approach under the banner of the DNA University.

On a more personal note, I am honoured that the DNA has selected me as the inaugural “Dean” of the DNA University where I can continue the work that I’m so passionate about.

In this role, it’s my ambition that the DNA University will be able to service the large (and growing) demand for education in the domain name industry as it is clear that this is one of the most crucial times in the history of the Internet.

As an industry, we have a responsibility to work together to ensure our shared success for years to come and I am passionate about making the DNA University a unique, collaborative forum that drives this.

The first DNA University Webinar, Premium Domain Name Planning, will be held on 28 July at 15:00 UTC and is open to all Registry operators, domain name Registrars and new gTLD applicants who can register here. It is free of charge.

This topic was chosen for the inaugural session because carefully-planned premium name selection and marketing efforts are crucial for success as a domain name registry. In this webinar, attendees will gain a 360 degree view of premium names—including the key experiences of seasoned TLD operators, strategies in developing premium name lists and customer and sales insights from some of the world’s most prominent Registrars.

Future webinars are planned to address a wide range of industry topics—with insights being provided by some of the most successful folks within the industry and beyond.

We need the support of the industry to make the DNA University and webinar series a success. I encourage you all to get behind us, participate and support this brilliant initiative.