9 Reasons the NY Tech Meetup is Better Than Ever

But the improvements to the NYTM extend far beyond the monthly event itself. Here’s why the NYTM is better than ever before:

1. Best Venue Yet

NYU’s Skirball Center was the best venue I’ve experienced for the NYTM. Its increased capacity, large gathering areas, staff, central location, and especially its beautiful, inspiring, modern design make for a perfect combination. On top of all that, the partnership with NYU is an important alliance that has implications which reach beyond the venue.

2. Technical Snafus are all but Gone

There used to be:

- Tons of pain switching laptops between presenters
- Internet issues
- Issues seeing the screen from a distance
- Lighting issues

No NYTM is perfect, but these issues are far less pervasive than they once were.

3. Great Presentations

Either screening process has improved, or there is a better pool of people to choose from, because the last few NYTMs have had a lot of great demos. The quality of the presentations has improved, but the businesses themselves have as well— more and more demos are of viable businesses and not simply products.

4. More Vocally NY-based Startups

I don’t have empirical data in front of me, but it looks like more of the presenters are NY-based than ever before. That’s a good thing, because every time a non-NY-based startup presents, we can’t help but wonder if NYC simply didn’t have enough worthwhile startups to offer that month. A consistent pool of NY-based startups is a sign that activity in our city is healthy and growing.

5. More Startups Getting A Chance to Present

The NYTM now lets a larger number of startups present at each Meetup by giving a handful of people a very short minute or two to pitch their wares. This keeps the event tight and punchy, and increases awareness of all the cool things being built around town.

6. A Consistent Afterparty

One of the most persistent requests from NYTM attendees was to have a place to gather after the event to mingle. As locations have changed over the years, having a consistent, appropriate designated spot to go has been elusive. I’ve been working with the NYTM organizers to ensure that every single NYTM has a solid spot to do an afterparty, and while it’s been a struggle finding a perfect venue, it’s far better than when there was no official gathering place and everyone scattered.

7. NYTM Student Group

I can’t even begin to describe how good and important this is. Before every NYTM,  college students and entrepreneurs gather to talk tech. This is a fantastic way to start building a critical connection between college students and the entrepreneurial world, something there’s a huge need for.

8. Going Non-Profit

As the NYTM transitions into a formal nonprofit, it will have the ability to do things on a much higher level than ever before. If it can overcome the pains and bureaucracy associated with forming and running a nonprofit, the organization could be a huge catalyst for tech and entrepreneurial growth in the city.

9. Nate is Dressing the Part

Organizer Nate Westheimer’s style of dress has become the subject of much discussion, with people accusing his fashion choices as being everything from “geek stoner” to “hipster” and more. Last night, he wore a suit, and in this straight guy’s opinion, looked damn sharp. It’s clear Nate’s aware that his appearance reflects on the community as a whole, and he’s stepping up to represent us well.

The NYTM has been a huge part of my life since I moved to NYC, and the positive effect its had on our city is beyond measure. Based on what I saw last night and what I’ve been seeing in the past several months, what the NYTM is going to accomplish will make what it has already accomplished pale in comparison.

And that’s a good thing for all of us.