New Tech Seattle: January Meetup
Attended: Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025
I continue to fail at taking photographs at events, so here is one from their website.
“Come connect with the Northwest’s smart, fun, creative, innovative tech community – software and application developers, company owners, startup founders, recruiters, hackers, job seekers, executives, investors, and community leaders!”
Event Summary
Since Protagonist Events has done great work in the robotics and innovation spheres, when I came across New Tech Northwest and their monthly meetups, I signed up.
Wow, the difference it makes when you pay to attend! For $20 (“early” pricing, meaning any purchase before day of when it is $27), you get an agenda/program, A/V, and snacks, in addition to the standard awkward conversation. Because it was a large event with content in the form of two short (approx 8 minute) presentations, it gave attendees discussion points to start a chat with a stranger. The host, Brett Greene, also encouraged referrals and connections, suggesting to the crowd that they talk to two people and try to find links with others in the room.
It helped that I enjoyed both of the presentations, and both were new platforms that I was glad to have learned about. The first, ZestyBakers.com, is a new way for Seattleites to find indie bakes - like etsy for cake artists. Support local! And cakes! The second, EmployPlan, is a new platform for tracking/HR in order to build better teams for projects; I can really see how this would benefit a larger company.
The vibe they were going for was “neighborhood block party”, and I think they nailed it. Overall, the event had a good amount of structure to it and included designated free-form networking time in a way that was satisfying and helpful. Additionally, I really like The Collective venue, which feels high-end hipster. A good match for a tech-focused meet up event.
Ticketing: $20, register on Luma (links to Feb 2025 meetup)
Attendance: There were about 50 people attending
Personal Bias/Reason I went: Growing my business, meeting more local entrepreneurs
Transparency/Communication
Luma sent multiple text reminders in addition to email (I will be reviewing my settings when I sign up for something else through Luma, the six text reminders were a bit much, so keep an eye out for that)
Event Goals
The goal was “neighborhood block party” where the connection is first and business is second. I would say that they hit the right vibe, but the clientele was most interested in connecting about their businesses and that’s where the conversation tended to go.
Reception
Enthusiastic in a genuine way, not the tech-bro way I was expecting.
Value
You might think $20 is a bit steep for some light snacks and a drink, but the venue and the A/V make it worth it. It’s nice to hear a presentation with a good mic!
Bottom line
Worth the investment if you’ve got any relationship to the tech community (or want to have one)
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