I am looking to apply to the New York instance, as it is close to where I am located, however I am not exactly sure what someone would get out of going. From the outset it seems as though it would be very valuable to go, but I can't really tell what the tangible benefits are from going.
It is clear that I would be able to see world class speakers - but I can also do that online as I did last year when I watched a large portion of the talks posted. So is it also a networking event (obviously all these are that to some degree)?
I guess I am just trying to figure out if it is worth taking a day away from my startup, and spend money to get up to NYC to go (assuming I even got in). Can anyone with experience having gone to one of these give some insight? Thanks.
If you are in the "in" group, there's an invite-only event the night before. That is obviously valuable as you will have been vetted in some way thus draw more attention from vc's etc.
Otherwise, if you've seen the videos of previous years, you'll get exactly the same (which is quite good), however I am disappointed in the lack of slides to go with the presenter video recordings.
So if you don't have an in for the pre-event, there's not a whole lot to be gained by a physical presence.
God, this is obnoxious, why do you need to desperately try to draw attention of the freaking VCs? They will come to you and beg on a doorstep for a precious minute of your time if you have a working business. Talk to users and iterate on your product, don't waste your time listening to god damn inspirational talks and schmoozing with investors.
It is clear that I would be able to see world class speakers - but I can also do that online as I did last year when I watched a large portion of the talks posted. So is it also a networking event (obviously all these are that to some degree)?
I guess I am just trying to figure out if it is worth taking a day away from my startup, and spend money to get up to NYC to go (assuming I even got in). Can anyone with experience having gone to one of these give some insight? Thanks.