Discover Boston tech through these 3 events
Boston and I have had a love affair for over 12 years now! Having built a couple of businesses there and gotten married in the harbourside I always feel very emotional about this city.
Of course beyond the joy of such a place with its amazing sports, tourism and social opportunities there is a truly vibrant tech ecosystem. There is a history there as well as a present and an amazing future ahead.
Fuelled by the huge amount of colleges and universities in the region. I am told more than 300 within 90 minutes of the centre of Boston, but I’ve never counted myself. Places like MIT, Harvard, BU, BC bring together a richness and diversity of talent from the US and afar. One in Five people who go through Higher Education in the US do so in Massachusetts.
There are billions of dollars that go into startups in this city each year, and it is often quoted at government functions that there is more VC in 1 Kendall square than all of europe aggregated. Opportunity aplenty!
Over the years I have attended, and hosted, a number of different events in the city and to be honest I’ve never been to one I didn’t enjoy. For me, Boston is just that kinda place. You get a lot of smart people and a lot of great questions. There is a long term core of people who really live in the region and love it and value it and not only build companies there but give back and contribute and build community. #tribe
If you are visiting Boston for the first time I wholeheartedly recommend going to these three events as a way of finding your feet, meeting some amazing people and getting to know what’s going on.
Mass Innovation Nights — https://mass.innovationnights.com/
Amazing event held every month and hosted by the legend that is Bobbie Carlton. I have learnt a lot at these events and from Bobbie herself who has run MIN for over 10 years. Along the way helping to launch a whole host of different companies and forming a great speaker network too.
Boston New tech — https://bostonnewtechnology.com/
Vibrant event with a real energy. Highly recommend it as a place to see what tech is emerging in the city. Speak with Chris Requena before going along and he will help you make the most from attending.
Venture cafe — https://venturecafecambridge.org/
No visit to Boston is complete without a visit to Venture Cafe. The landmark event in the landmark building of One Kendall, everything innovation and tech has touched this space at one point or other. Take a look at the master classes and side events happening on the same day.
To get some advance insights reach out to Kevin Wiant. He’s a busy guy but will steer you true on the right people to meet on the evening.
Beyond the events?
Part of the challenge of Boston is that there is too much to do, too much to see, too many events, too many places to go, too many restaurants and just too many choices for any one person to keep on top of at any one time.
My top tip for you is to make a good job of doing what you can do. Be present with people and make genuine authentic connections.
Follow up well and invest in the connections and people you enjoy being with. From this will come further events and opportunities which join things together.
Don’t go to Boston to take without giving -> too many people already do that. Be part of the community and enjoy it. For me it’s amazing and I hope it will be for you too.
#tribe #neverstoplearning #followyourdreams
