Propelify will return to Maxwell Place Park in Hoboken on October 6th to bring entrepreneurs, innovators, founders, C-suite leaders, industry experts and many others to two stages to share insights and develop new Celebrate the stuff and create the next.
“I think the culture of this event has been going on for years,” Aaron Price, founder of Propelify and CEO of TechUnited:NJ, told NJBIZ. “We hope this day will help inspire, educate and celebrate those who are building the next future in our industry.”
The one-day event features all-star speakers, over 70 exhibitors, local investors pitching, a startup contest, and what Price believes is the future of communications. In his 3D version of someone who could be on the other side of the world.
“Propelify’s culture connects people who put ideas into action,” says Price. “So, on a very high level, that’s what this event is about: to make things happen and make the world a better place.”
Notable speakers include Priceline co-founder Jeff Hoffman. Amanda Cassatt, co-founder and CEO of Serotonin. His CMO of Mindmed, Dr. Dan Karlin. Ben Sun, founder of Primary Ventures. He is Vinit Bharara, co-founder and CEO of Mojo. Ralph Izzo, Executive Chair, PSEG. Tim Sullivan, CEO, New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Sean O’Sullivan, managing his partner, SOSV. and many others.
Since its launch in 2016, the event has attracted more than 40,000 attendees, hundreds of exhibitors and speakers including Arianna Huffington, Gary Vaynerchuk and Governor Phil Murphy.
The Propelify event will feature prominent speakers such as Governor Phil Murphy pictured here at the session two years ago. – Social Wise Communication
“Properify Innovation Festival brings together innovators who are building the future while continuing the legacy of innovation rooted in New Jersey,” said Murphy. “TechUnited:NJ is thrilled to be leading the way in bringing the most inspiring companies, entrepreneurs and innovators who put ideas into action to New Jersey.”
The event comes at an exciting time here in the great Garden State, where efforts are underway to grow and expand the innovation ecosystem that has been so widely documented by NJBIZ.
Price says there’s a lot of excitement and momentum in New Jersey’s innovation space, but he stresses that there’s still a long way to go.
“There’s definitely a lot of enthusiasm, and I think there’s a time for productions in the region to acquire talent who are no longer interested in commuting to New York to stay local,” Price said. “We need more companies to get started here, we need more early-stage funding. “
That moment also comes at a time when the debate over congestion pricing is heating up. Of course, the world continues to work through the pandemic, and economic life has essentially come to a halt.
Price said the event, held remotely in 2020 and resuming live and in-person in 2021, has had a lot of positivity and community enthusiasm, with or without COVID.
“But I think the pandemic has created even more energy and a desire to get together in person,” Price said. “Our enrollment numbers are higher than they’ve ever been. So I expect it to be a very high energy day.”
Organizers expect over 5,000 attendees for this year’s event.
Focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, Propelify’s Stage of Wisdom will tackle topics such as climate change, diversity, smart cities, communications, wellness and venture capital.
“The whole theme of this is better together,” Price said. “TechUnited’s mission is to empower entrepreneurs and innovators to build a better future for all.”
Aaron Price, CEO of TechUnited:NJ, said the event aims to “inspire, educate and celebrate those who are building the industry’s next future.” – Daniel J. Munoz
2022 TechUnited: BetterX Challenges Winners Announced, Entrepreneurs Win $100,000 in Cash and Mentorship Opportunities. These challenges include: BetterPlanet Challenge: Better Wellness Challenge to Accelerate Adoption of ClimateTech: Build a Modern Patient Experience. and BetterConnected Challenge Newark.
These events are offered by many business and corporate partners. This is a unique aspect of Propelify, according to Price. Partners such as RWJBarnabas Health, PSEG and Labcorp not only provide start-ups with cash prizes and large prizes, but also connect them with large companies and mentors who can help grow their businesses, Price said. , Audible and others want to see the startup community thrive.
“So now we can help it happen in our own backyard,” he said.
Price noted that tackling these themes is an important part of Propelify, but he thinks the most exciting part of the day is meeting the exhibitors and talking to people about their business. increase.
“We learn how to help each other. And we hear from people how much they’ve gotten from it, who they’ve met, where their connections are.”
Jet.com’s Jack Hanlon was one of the speakers at the 2018 Propelify Festival.
With music, food, drinks and more, this gathering has been described by Forbes as the “SXSW of the Northeast.”
Price said it’s a great company to be compared to the legendary Austin Festival, but stressed that they weren’t trying to copy SXSW in any way.
“I love that they call it the SXSW of the Northeast,” Price said. “It’s certainly an experience that we’re proud to compare. At the same time, I think Propelify is a unique experience, a unique culture, a unique event.”
Events like Propelify are essential, Price said. Because technology affects everything in our lives and industries.
“Even if you don’t think you’re in the technology business, every business is and will be a technology-enabled business,” explains Price. “Propelify is a place where people can see where the future of various industries is headed. A place where startups can meet investors. A place where talent can find potential job opportunities. It’s a place where people can come together, network, discuss what they can do to make the industry better, and find new opportunities to invest in something meaningful.”
In addition to all of the above, the festival concludes with a happy hour and fireworks show.
“I think it’s the most fun business event you’ll attend,” Price said. “But it’s business first.”