In our travels across the country, we’re often asked what exactly a TechCrunch Meetup is. “What is that? A meetup? Is that like a geek party?”
We answer as graciously as we can. They just don’t understand yet.
“Yes, it is a geek party,” I say, stepping forward. “The greatest geek party in the world.”
With our Boston and Los Angeles Meetups (and Pitch-Offs!) right around the corner, I think it’s about time for a refresher course.
TC Meetups 101
For one, there is alcohol. That’s part of what you buy with your ticket. 21+ only please.
It’s not really like this…
It’s more like this…
And by the end of the night, I start to get a little drunk, and I think I look like this…
But really it’s more like this…
The Meetups also have awesome speakers.
We do these interviews with big-name startups in each city we visit. In Boston, we’ll be chatting with Maxim Lobovsky from FormLabs, a 3D printing company, and in L.A. we’ll be sitting down with Whisper CEO Michael Heyward.
We have some pretty exciting chats. They’re not as glamorous as this …
And because they’re pretty much tech celebrities, I usually get a bit overexcited…
And then after the interview, we get into one of my favorite things about the meetups: The Pitch-Off.
It’s a part of the show where startups from the area (who have applied and been selected), pitch their product in 60 seconds or fewer to a panel of local VC and TechCrunch staff judges. I host the show.
In New York, we had pizza and I was like…
And the judges are kind of like…
But then someone’s declared a winner…
It’s pretty awesome.
If you want to purchase tickets to either of the events, being held on April 8 in Boston and April 10 in Los Angeles, head over here for tickets (Boston and L.A.). The price goes from $10 to $15 during the week of the event, so better to move now and save some cash.
Our sponsors, exhibitors and demo startups make these events possible. If you’re interested in sponsoring one of the meetups, or would like to set up an exhibitors table at the event, please email sponsors@beta.techcrunch.com.