NFT NYC Review: Coachella for Nerds
NFT NYC is the largest NFT conference in the world, but it’s better known as “Coachella for Nerds.”
I went and can attest to the truth of this description, as I am both a nerd and also love a good night out. From learning about how artists are monetizing their work on the blockchain to hearing a harpist play a cover of “Hey Ya” in the greenhouse of a Brooklyn townhome, NFT NYC was definitely a Good Time.
As a freelance copywriter and storyteller in the web3 space, I’m an intense advocate of the potential that web3 technology unlocks for creators, especially in the way that we can move on from “buying on rented land” and instead build communities with true ownership. I love working for companies and projects with real utility and value for users and fans, and while there are plenty of scams and shady projects in this new frontier, that’s common in any new field with a lot of money being invested.
So, here are my highlights of NFT NYC, and some recommendations on how to make the best of the conference — especially if you’re a freelancer or founder.
A Web3/NFT Freelance Writer’s Journey at NFTNYC
The last time I checked in with y’all, I had sold everything in LA, went on a two month roadtrip, and then left our sunny Oakland cottage and flew from SFO to JFK. After a whirlwind travel day, I jumped right into the conference’s events, meeting founders and creators in this space and attending events.
Highlights of my time at NFT NYC include Crypto Coven’s witchy party called The Burning Citadel and a brunch for the NFT collection Surge Women. I’m a holder of these two NFT collections, and I was blown away at the level of detail and thoughtfulness of how these events were put together.
I also attended a ton of panels covering everything from how NFTs are disrupting the music industry to the rise of virtual, AI influencers.
As an introvert, I didn’t get to attend all of the events I had planned on going to because my dead social battery and the timezone change had other plans for me, but I loved everything I did get to attend, and was so grateful to meet lovely people doing awesome work in different parts of web3!
Your Guide to Attending NFT NYC
If you’re thinking about attending NFT NYC, skip the VIP badge and VIP dinner. It’s not worth the money because most of the interesting events happen outside of the conference itself. Instead, follow your favorite creators, DAOs, and NFT collections on Twitter to get the download on the best events to attend. If you’re on a budget, you could even skip the conference ticket altogether and just spend your time at the satellite events!
However, don’t totally write-off all the panels — especially if you work in web3 like I do. I learned boatloads from hearing other founders and creators take the stage and show off what they’re building. I loved the short-format structure of the talks, as most talks only lasted 5-10 minutes, with some panels going a bit longer. It’s a rapid-fire way to get to know what’s going on in this space, and I met some awesome founders whose work I really admire.
Wandering the conference expo floors is also a great way to see a ton of NFT projects, fast: just make sure to mask up if you’re still worried about COVID, as most of the conference members got “airdropped” COVID after they left this year. (I dodged this particular airdrop, in part because I made sure to wear a mask to the larger venues and opted for the more intimate gatherings and parties when I did take my mask off!)
If you’ve been eyeing an NFT, you should pull the trigger before attending the conference. My favorite events at the conference were hosted by the NFTs I owned, so be sure to take advantage of the perks from your NFTs and meet fellow community members.
Why Freelancers and Founders Should Be at NFT NYC
If you work in the web3 space at all, you should be at NFT NYC. I’ve met so many founders and potential collaborators in need of writing help, as well as cool people who I had such a great time getting to know in general. I’ve learned so much more about web3 in such a short time thanks to all of the NFT NYC events, so I can’t recommend attending enough.
