Having experienced NextFest, the past three years, I’m extremely excited and jazzed to be part of it again! The first year in San Francisco was amazing to me since I had no pre-conceived notion or expectations. I was not only blown away at the show by the cool technologies, but more impressed by the engagement of that community. The Bay area is known for its high technology, so it was little surprise that that show had a hip audience with folks that were really excited to be a part of all the emerging technologies.

With so many things to do in New York, I wasn’t completely sure the folks in this town would be as interested or would even turn out to see emerging technology when they could be doing a multitude of other activities. After the evening gala and today’s opening to the school kids, I am extremely happy to report that New Yorkers are as jazzed about technology as the high, tech west coast! At the gala event last night, not only GE’s very important customers and friends turned out, but a very hip, tech savvy crowd turned out that you might expect to find at the cocktail lounges of Nobu or Air. Instead these young professionals were mingling, meeting and oh by the way checking out the cool technologies.

The school kids today mobbed the Javitz center and were swarming the majority of the exhibits. Unlike the hipsters from the evening before who were a bit hesitant to try the experiential games and demos, the kids are jumping all over the interactivity strewn floor. More than anything, I’m impressed to see that such a diverse array of kids are all over the technologies. I’m extremely happy to be a part and look forward to sharing my thoughts the next few days.