How do you collaborate and network with other IDNs and DNS professionals and organizations?

1 Join online forums and groups

One of the easiest ways to connect with other IDNs and DNS experts is to join online forums and groups that discuss topics related to IDNs and DNS. For example, you can join the Universal Acceptance Steering Group (UASG), a community initiative that promotes the acceptance of all valid domain names and email addresses across applications and systems. You can also join the IDN Program Mailing List, a public mailing list that provides updates and information on IDN-related activities at ICANN, the organization that coordinates the global DNS. By joining these forums and groups, you can ask questions, share insights, and learn from others who have similar interests and experiences.

2 Attend webinars and events

Another way to network and collaborate with other IDNs and DNS professionals is to attend webinars and events that cover topics related to IDNs and DNS. For example, you can attend the IDN World Report Webinar, an annual event that presents the latest data and trends on IDN registrations and usage around the world. You can also attend the DNSSEC Workshop, a regular event that provides technical and operational information on the security of the DNS. By attending these webinars and events, you can gain new knowledge, meet new contacts, and participate in discussions and debates.

3 Follow blogs and podcasts

A third way to keep in touch and collaborate with other IDNs and DNS professionals is to follow blogs and podcasts that feature IDNs and DNS-related content. For example, you can follow the Domain Name Wire blog, a popular source of news and analysis on the domain name industry. You can also follow the DNS Podcast, a weekly podcast that interviews DNS experts and practitioners on various DNS topics. By following these blogs and podcasts, you can stay updated, get inspired, and discover new perspectives and opportunities.

4 Contribute to projects and initiatives

A fourth way to collaborate and network with other IDNs and DNS professionals is to contribute to projects and initiatives that aim to improve or innovate the IDNs and DNS space. For example, you can contribute to the IDN Testbed Project, a collaborative effort that provides a platform for testing and evaluating IDN implementations and interoperability. You can also contribute to the DNS Flag Day Project, a coordinated action that encourages DNS operators and vendors to adopt standards-compliant behavior and avoid workarounds that cause problems. By contributing to these projects and initiatives, you can demonstrate your skills, build your reputation, and make a positive impact.

5 Join professional associations and communities

A fifth way to collaborate and network with other IDNs and DNS professionals is to join professional associations and communities that represent or support the IDNs and DNS field. For example, you can join the Internet Society (ISOC), a global non-profit organization that advocates for an open, secure, and trustworthy internet for everyone. You can also join the Domain Name Association (DNA), a trade association that promotes the growth and innovation of the domain name industry. By joining these associations and communities, you can access resources, benefits, and opportunities to advance your career and influence the future of IDNs and DNS.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?