Two weeks ago, I had one of the most unforgettable experiences, surrounded by some of the industry leaders in the hosting space.
When we first envisioned Hosts Del Mar, the goal wasn’t to create just another business event. There are plenty of those already.
So, we asked: What would happen if we removed the fluff and focused on raw connections?
No talks. No keynotes. No booths. Just real people, meaningful conversations, and genuine connection.
We knew this couldn’t be just another industry event. So we partnered with the incredible team at Monarx, a cybersecurity company that, like us, believes the heart of tech isn’t just about infrastructure or innovation, but the people behind it.
Together, we crafted something truly special: Hosts Del Mar, in the beautiful island of Ibiza. A fun meetup of thirty of the most influential leaders in web hosting, coming together for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and the kind of authentic connection that only happens when you leave “the schedule” behind.
When the weekend finally arrived, it exceeded every expectation. Imagine sun-drenched terraces, laughter echoing over Mediterranean views, guitars strummed into the breeze, and conversations that ran long into the night.
Without a single sales pitch, networking happened. The kind that’s built on trust and shared vision.
One evening, I looked around and realized something profound had happened. The conversation had shifted from features to philosophies. From scaling infrastructure to scaling people.
We talked about everything: mental health in leadership, the loneliness of founders, and the challenge of driving true innovation in a world full of noise. There was a rare depth, the kind that can’t be scheduled into a 45-minute keynote.
In one of those quieter, more introspective conversations, I shared a bit of our journey at Atarim.
We started with a simple goal: help creatives manage client feedback more efficiently. From day one, it was a focused effort to solve a specific problem we knew firsthand, and it resonated. Today, Atarim powers collaboration for over 50,000 teams across the globe.
As we explored other ways to scale website creation effectively, the conversation naturally turned to the force reshaping nearly every corner of tech right now: AI.
GoDaddy’s Aero, Hostinger’s AI builders, the whole wave of automation tools. There’s a lot of excitement happening in the industry.
But I offered a grounded reminder: even with the best AI, most people still don’t finish their websites.
More than 80% stall out, not because the tools aren’t good, but because clarity and guidance are rare.
Atarim doesn’t just provide tools. We build the workflows, the feedback loops, the collaboration structures that keep projects moving.
As I shared with the group:
“Build more roads, and you get more cars. The same goes for websites. Easier creation means more websites… but also more chaos. That’s where professionals still matter.”
The Eagle Has Landed
During the gathering we had the privilege of hearing from Eddie the Eagle, the legendary underdog who defied expectations and soared into Olympic history.
In a heartfelt session, he opened up about failure, grit, and the importance of trying, even when the world expects you to fall.
The session was hosted by our very own Andrew Palmer, Customer Success Manager for Teams.
Watching Eddie reflect on his improbable journey and seeing how it resonated with founders and execs alike reminded us that courage, not code, often determines success.
But we didn’t stop at inspiration, we added some rock and roll to the mix.
We were treated to a private rock art tour by Lynn Goldsmith, iconic rock photographer, and Marky Ramone, legendary drummer of The Ramones. They showcased their art exhibitions and a rare collection of memorabilia from decades at the heart of music history.
As I walked through the exhibits, what struck me most was how raw and unfiltered everything felt. Lynn’s portraits didn’t just document music history, they told stories of rebellion, vulnerability, and the chaotic beauty of creative lives lived loud. Marky’s reflections were equally powerful, a mix of humor, grit, and punk wisdom from someone who helped shape a movement.
And then came the Lords of Uptime, the unofficial CloudFest band, featuring Marky Ramone, & Cherie Currie (of The Runaways).
I’ve played guitar with the band for years, and every time is special. But something about this night, under the Ibiza stars felt different.
Hosts Del Mar wasn’t your typical business event. I think that’s pretty clear by now. We were not afraid to let loose, have a little fun, and to do things differently. So when the band plugged in and we hit that first chord, everything else faded.
The planning, the pressure, the job titles, all of it melted away. What filled the room instead was music, energy, and the kind of anticipation you can feel in your chest.
For that hour, there were no panels, no pitches, no small talk. Just a group of people, leaders, founders, friends, completely in the moment. Singing, moving, connecting through something bigger than any agenda.
This wasn’t a break from the event. It was the heartbeat of it. A reminder that the most powerful moments aren’t the ones you plan. They’re the ones you feel. You show up, turn it up, and let it carry you.
Why Hosts Del Mar Mattered
This weekend was definitely one for the books. It showed that when you invest in relationships, without trying to extract value from them, you build something far stronger.
We didn’t need flashy stages or elaborate sponsor decks. All we needed was space. Physical, emotional, and professional. Space to just be.
Monarx brought their ethos of thoughtful security. We brought our commitment to collaborative clarity. And together, we sparked something that could reshape how our industry connects, supports, and grows.
As I reflect on that weekend, between the music, the laughter, the vulnerability, the fire in the conversations, I’m more convinced than ever: The future of web hosting isn’t just about servers or software. It’s about people who trust each other enough to build together.
Want to See What Happens When Human-Centric Collaboration Scales?
Explore how Atarim is helping top-tier hosts deliver high-volume website services with unmatched speed and clarity.
If you’re curious about how Atarim might work for your team, reach out to us.
Let’s make you the hosting provider of choice for agencies.
