NFT NYC! What does it mean anyway? Lol so let me be clear up front: I have never been to the actual conference, and I went to only a few side events this year. Nevertheless, let me share a few takeaways and things from my experience this year, and you can do with them what you may!
NFT NYC 2023: It’s in April Now!
I don’t know why, but after being held in June last year, NFT NYC was moved up to April of this year, which had the effect of making it feel sooner than expected! Maybe that’s one of the reasons why there were far fewer events held in general this year (not to mention the countless other crypto conferences popping up in other cities to compete with this one). Maybe the big bags of sponsorship money behind countless open bars and all night parties just wasn’t there this year. And because of that, maybe the move was to get more focused, more intentional with guest lists in smaller spaces.
I remember being stressed the fxck out last year around this time. I had been running this blog for just a few months, and was convinced that my not putting together some kind of event for NFT NYC week was a failure — a huge missed opportunity. In reality and in hindsight, that was kind of a silly way to look at it, haha. I think I was one of many who were wound tightly, not sleeping, and working nonstop on *something* back then.
This year, I’m in a much better, healthier place! And I was also actually prepared to throw my first event, which I kept small & of substance. Let’s get into it!
Events I Made It Out To:
The list is short, mmk! But I’m really glad I did make it out to a few things. When I look back at it, here’s what got me out to events: did I have friends going there?, was I interested in the topic or theme or performer or whatever?, was there a feeling that the community at this event was friendly even if I didn’t personally know anybody? With those q’s guiding me, yes, the list stayed short, but I think that’s okay.
I’ll go in chronological order.
Qrypto Queer x PRISM: QUEER3 Happy Hour
The FIRST event I made it out to was the Qrypto Queer x PRISM happy hour at MIKA in Bushwick, a bar + restaurant I already knew & like. My partner and I reunited with a couple web3 friends and met some new people before we had to jet. This was the only other intentionally queer event that I knew of that was going on (which is also why I was determined to throw an i-wave event!).
Jadyn Violet! Web3 music legend and self-made af, I’m so glad I got out to this late night party, as it was everything I hoped it would be: good + loud music, a cool mix of people, a free White Claw (lolz), and high energy live performances (I finally got to see Jamee Cornelia live!). I have so much respect for Jadyn and what he’s created in the web3 world, and I think a lot of others feel that way, too — that goodwill energy filled up the room.
Events I Missed:
Anything Boys Club or She Fi is where it’s at, so I’m sad I missed their respective event and outing that happened during this week! I also wouldn’t of minded stopping at a Deadfellaz ice cream party during the freak heat wave we had during these few days. Music-wise, I bet the Songcamp party was cool, and I wouldn’t of hated catching a great panel discussion or two but I missed anything happening in that realm.
Rainbow Bloom (iridescent wave x the Pact Collective x BOYFRIEND co-op)
Last but not least!, our Saturday collab garden party in the East Village, Rainbow Bloom, was a delight! Against the backdrop of a less hyped up, less funded NFT NYC season, I was able to link with the Pact Collective (also a DAO) via a mutual friend, which is always cool. From there, queer Brooklyn-based coffee + tea co-op BOYFRIEND came on board to supply really outstanding drinks for the event, and we were off — with under two weeks to go until our event day, might I add, haha.
The vision: an outdoor, low stakes queer social event that anyone would feel welcome walking into, even if they came solo. We tried to make that happen with social card games, coloring, and origami, as well as treats to eat via mostly local queer/women led businesses. We wanted people to feel fed, inspired, friendly, and connected!
By some miracle, the rain in the forecast stayed away, and we came together — web2 and web3 crews alike — to put on what felt like a very different kind of NFT NYC event. I was so inspired by the gathering of hearts & minds at Mutual Love Fest last month, so I knew I wanted to try and make something with similar energy happen. I think we did a pretty good job of that; check out the above highlights video to see how it went.
Thank you to everyone who came out to Rainbow Bloom! See you soon.
xo C