How do you get that edge or advantage?
2/26/20
Over the years, I have been very lucky to work with NewCo and travel to many cities to experience the magic and power of a NewCo festival. It’s sometimes hard to explain what NewCo is to someone that hasn’t attended an event – but once you attend, you get the value immediately. The lightbulb comes on. It’s the opposite of an event that takes place in a hotel or conference center. NewCo festivals take place throughout the city on a particular day or series of days. Each attendee’s schedule is unique – I like to refer to this as a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’. You decide the companies you want to see in each pre-determined time slot and simply show up inside their space where the magic happens and engage.
We hear from attendees and host companies how powerful and exciting it is to experience companies that are disruptive, passionate, mission-driven and really making a difference, whether it’s in a big or small way. NewCo festivals are also a great way to learn the landscape of your city. You get the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals, connect directly with the founders and leaders of companies, all while being inspired and feeling a sense of connection.
I have gone to NewCo festivals in cities where I had never traveled to before and there is no better way to learn about a city than through a NewCo festival. NewCo encourages you to get out into your city, navigate through new areas, experience the energy of each neighborhood, and really get a feel for the culture and what makes the people of that city rock. I have also attended NewCo festivals in cities I have been to many times, which was also an exciting experience. Even in a place I thought I knew well, I was able to see and understand new things, and ask questions that had never occurred to me.
I love NewCo (of course, a bit biased here) because of the people you meet along the way. I have made so many connections through NewCo festivals, and it is truly heartwarming to meet others who are passionate and contributing to the greater good. NewCo is a magnet for people who are interested in driving positive transformative change, and gleaning insights from leaders and founders of companies that spark their interest and curiosity. NewCo was founded on the idea that you learn so much more about a company, and the people that bring that company to life, by being in their space. It’s like visiting with someone for the first time in their living room, surrounded by their things. There is so much more to be learned by being on someone’s home turf, where they are at ease surrounded by the people they create with, and things that inspire them. NewCo is an intimate look into amazing companies where attendees get a feel for the chemistry and electricity of the place.
From the host company perspective, hosting a NewCo session is a way for companies to showcase what they have built and give attendees a peek behind the curtain. They are proud of what they are doing and want to share that with people who are truly engaged – in a very intimate way. Host companies are encouraged to go around the room and ask each attendee why they chose this session. It is a great way for them to understand who is in their space, and how they can connect with them. Plus, host companies benefit from recruiting new talent, business development and most importantly, being part of the local innovative ecosystem and the global NewCo platform.
This is why NewCo will give you the edge on the movers, shakers and innovators in your local market! Visit us at one of our local festivals or reach out to us if you’re interested in bringing a NewCo festival to your city – all are welcome.