Emma Comeau, U.S. Director of Events at TechCrunch
Recently, Digital.NYC's editor, Marcos Dinnerstein spoke with Emma Comeau at TechCrunch to get a preview of TechCrunch Disrupt, the eagerly awaited event that takes place each year in the spring.
Digital.NYC: Please introduce yourself, your title, how long you've been with TechCrunch.
Hi Digital.NYC, I am Emma Comeau, TechCrunch’s US Director of Events. I’ve been with TechCrunch since 2014. I started at TechCrunch as the Startup Alley manager, moved into sponsorship sales before tacking on my current role.
Digital.NYC: How many attendees do you generally receive? Where do they come from? What sectors?
At Disrupt NY, our attendees our mainly from New York and surrounding areas, but we do get quite a good international set as well. We typically have about 2,500 attendees, and they mainly come from the financial sector and media.
Digital.NYC: What can attendees walk away with or how will this event change the conversation around tech?
Attendees are going to come out of Disrupt NY with a better understanding of the fields they are interested in. We have incredible thought leaders presenting on a variety of topics, startup workshops focused on specific tracks, and some great networking opportunities. However, they’re going to also gain exposure to fields that they might not be experts in, and that will help give attendees a better grasp of the overall NY tech scene.
Digital.NYC: What is the panel or speaker you are most excited about and why?
I’m really excited to hear from Steve Boom about Amazon Music. I am addicted to my Amazon Echo and can’t wait to hear what’s next.
Digital.NYC: What sets this conference apart from other tech conferences?
Firstly, no other tech conference has the TechCrunch platform behind it. We have the opportunity to break major news on our stage. Additionally, other tech conferences are either too huge, so that connecting with the right people is impossible or focused on one specific topic. With Disrupt NY, you do get those focused niches, but you also get exposure to exciting up-and-coming companies that may be outside your comfort zone. Our size also allows for maximum exposure, while at the same time providing strong networking opportunities.
Digital.NYC: What will set this year’s Techcrunch Disrupt NY apart from previous years?
Well, for starters, we are back in Manhattan, which I think everyone can appreciate. We’ve also changed a lot of things this year to add even more value for attendees. We have several workshops on startup-focused topics and also a new on-stage feature called Founder Spotlight, which will help tell some NY-based startups stories. There is also a new and improved Aftery Party on Tuesday night, and we are doing a closing concert at the Webster Hall on the last day of the conference.
Digital.NYC: Is there a way for non-attendees to follow the conversation? Twitter handle? Live feed?
Yes, the live stream will be up on TechCrunch.com, YouTube and select content on Facebook Live. They can always follow us @techcrunch and #TCDisrupt.
Digital.NYC readers: use code DIGITALNYC for $200 off all ticket types
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