Sure, New York City is home to pretty much every industry on the planet, but its tech scene really can’t be rivaled on this side of the country.
Same goes for its tech networking scene. Whether you’re new to tech or just looking to grow your contact list in the field, there are tons of options for networking events in NYC.
So, which ones should you choose from the roster? The following six NYC tech events get The Muse’s stamp of approval for their affordable prices and awesome offerings, which include everything from fireside chats with impressive people in tech to low-key evenings with ambitious professionals like yourself.
1. LMHQ Programming
Frequency: Weekly, sometimes daily
Location: LMHQ, 150 Broadway, New York, NY
Price: Varies
LMHQ is an event space, tech hub, and community organizer extravaganza all wrapped into one in lower Manhattan. While some regular tech events can be intimidating (it seems like everyone knows each other), LMHQ throws a number of different networking events in NYC every week that range from intimate brunch talks with industry insiders to huge bashes celebrating the best tech has to offer. You’re bound to find something that interests you.
2. NY Tech Meetup
Frequency: First week of the month
Location: NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 Laguardia Place, New York, NY
Price: $10
Founded in 2004, NY Tech Meetup is one of the older tech networking groups in town, hosting sold-out meetups month after month at NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Aside from attending events, you can also sign up for a membership with NY Tech Meetup (fees range from free to $500 per year).
3. TheLi.st Monthly Meetups
Frequency: Usually Monthly
Location: Varies throughout New York, NY
Price: Varies
The tech space is largely male-dominated, so for all the ladies out there, this is for you. TheLi.st calls itself “a network and visibility platform for all professional women,” and while it’s open to anyone, many of its members and event attendees (including its two founders) come from backgrounds in tech. Events vary greatly, from networking events featuring BaubleBar shopping sprees to discussions of fertility and what it means to women now.
4. AlleyNYC’s Happy Hour Showcase
Frequency: Weekly (Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 PM)
Location: AlleyNYC, 500 7th Avenue, New York, NY
Price: $0-$10
Want to check out the latest in the tech scene at one of the coolest co-working spaces in New York? Head to AlleyNYC’s weekly Happy Hour Showcase, where they give the floor to up-and-coming startups every Wednesday. The crowd is enthusiastic, the space is hip, and you’re bound to have a good time while networking all night.
5. Mashable’s Social Good Summit
Frequency: Annual (September 27-28, 2015)
Location: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Price: $75-$135
Held at 92nd Street Y, Mashable’s Social Good Summit brings together leaders from all walks of life to discuss the most pressing issues facing the world right now—and how to fix them. You’ll meet inspiring professionals from all over the place, from grassroots organizers to social enterprise giants.
6. Startup Grind New York
Frequency: Monthly
Location: Pivotal Labs, 625 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY
Price: $10-$20
Startup Grind is one of the largest independent startup communities, hosting networking events that connect over 200,000 tech evangelists in 185 different cities. The events generally consist of networking and eating, followed by a fireside chat with the guest of the evening. Recent speakers have included Minerva Tantoco, the first-ever Chief Technology Officer of New York City, Zach Sims, co-founder and CEO of Codecademy, and Evan Frank, co-founder of onefinestay.
What are your other favorite tech networking events in New York? Let me know on Twitter!