NY TechDay 2017 Recap

In its sixth year, the nation’s largest startup event somehow grew to be even bigger.Bringing in over 35,000 attendees of veteran investors, renowned members of the press, users, job seekers, corporates and more, NY TechDay reflected the rapid expansion and vigor of the startup community.The show officially kicked off with a networking event for all participants held at Galvanize and hosted by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati. These dynamic startup founders and subsequent members of their team were able to mingle and make new connections prior to the hectic day to come.This proved to be a fantastic opportunity for our exhibitors, sponsors & partners to connect and exchange ideas in a relaxed setting, for when TechDay ultimately arrived, it was a nonstop marathon of pitching, schmoozing and demoing.When April 18th finally rolled around, 575 revolutionary startups filled Pier 94 with an extraordinary energy and stunning vibrancy. From companies that had yet to launch to ones as established as Uber, Vimeo and Soundcloud, startups at every stage were in attendance.Much of this extraordinary innovation was unveiled at our two live demo stages in front of an audience of major tech influencers & players. Attorneys from Olshan Frome Wolosky emceed throughout the entire day assuring poignant pitches and active engagement.Along with these demos, insightful fireside chats took place on the stages by execs from Justworks, Lighter Capital, Mapquest and more. These industry leaders shared invaluable advice from how to “Grow Your Company without Breaking Your Culture” to “Readying Yourself for Business Success.”Though an inordinate amount of wisdom and creativity was shared on these two stages, the rest could be experienced by wandering through the expansive expo floor.At every turn, the ingenuity and imagination of our entrepreneurs was palpable as the event served as a glimpse into the future. Within the span of just a couple feet, those in attendance could dance in a world of VR, enjoy an on-demand massage or even take a nap on one of the world’s most comfortable mattresses.Startups from every vertical were represented from those revolutionizing IOT, to others breaking the status quo of the fashion and Fintech industries.Our sponsors, whose support helped make the event possible, boasted their own impressive displays with Gett placing a car in the middle of the venue and Clif Bar fueling attendees with their nut butter bars and morale boosting games of ping pong.Producers from ABC’s Shark Tank also joined the event once again, holding open casting calls for everyone seeking the chance to swim with the sharks.A few of these ambitious hopefuls were lined up no later than 24 hours before the doors to TechDay even opened, staying overnight at the venue in tents and sleeping bags.With so many original and visionary pitches from these budding entrepreneurs, the Shark Tank producers were moved to extend their visit at TechDay to ensure they got to hear every last one.In addition to the eclectic main expo floor, the TechDay Access portion of the show was a huge success.In its inaugural year, TechDay Access was able to secure some of the world’s most esteemed founders to share their wisdom via AMA style sessions.Executives from WeWork, Yahoo, Peloton and 30 others took the stage and answered mid-stage founders’ most pressing startup questions.These intimate sessions allowed all TechDay Access attendees an unrestricted and unprecedented platform to gain the most sought after business knowledge.All of our speakers abandoned cliches and bromidic turns of phrase to, instead, offer real and comprehensive advice from their lived experiences.Following these sessions, TechDay Access morphed into a networking session for both our speakers and attendees. This allowed everyone to walk away with not only pointed startup knowledge, but also new resources and connections to utilize it.Though both portions of the event spanned the entire day, our exhibitors somehow mustered the energy to attend the official TechDay after-party hosted by Diffusion- only further highlighting the remarkable energy and dedication of our entrepreneurs.This year’s NY TechDay truly served as a testament to the fortitude of the startup community and the tenacity of all of our founders. We continue to be inspired by the unrelenting entrepreneurial spirit of our exhibitors and their drive to make the world a better place.On every front, NY TechDay 2017 was bigger and better than ever before and we so look forward to seeing what happens next.And for those who were unable to join us at this groundbreaking event, both TechDay LA and TechDay London are right around the corner!