Getting into The Industry Standard rooftop party required standing in one line after another. First, a line to get into Studio 450, which has only one freight elevator (that holds about 20 people) to get partygoers up the top three floors of event space. Then there was a line to check in. Then there was a line for the bag check. There was even a line at times to climb the stairs to the first floor of food and drink.
At least the Standard hired two stilt performers and a mime from Naomi's World of Entertainment to perform outside. They also helped partygoers on their way to the event find the venue on the far West side. But most people were more interested in getting up to the free food and drink than talking to clowns.
Those who made it to the actual event found themselves in yet another digital frat party, filled with lots of dot-comversation. We also overheard some newbies getting advice for sneaking into these ubiquitous so-called "networking" events when you're not on the list or even employed by a Net company.
Catered by Apogee Events, the food included some Southwestern fare--chips, salsa, avocado, Spanish rice--and mussels on the half-shell, while shish kabobs grilled outside.
As DJ Rich (booked through event management firm Save the Date) played a mix including Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston and Bob Marley, many partygoers went out to the full terrace to enjoy its remarkable view of the Hudson and the rest of Manhattan.
Between the many lines on the way in, partygoers lustfully eyed the T-shirts and gift bags, provided by BananaRepublic.com and filled with goodies from SmartMoney.com (calculator), Quidnuc (water bottle), and inforocket.com (yo-yo). But many were scared away by the security guard who kept saying, "Folks, get your gift bag and T-shirts when you leave." Many who listened to him missed out: The bags ran out early, while lots of people were still upstairs, crowding the one bartender outside on the deck serving beer, margaritas and tequila shots.
--Chad Kaydo
At least the Standard hired two stilt performers and a mime from Naomi's World of Entertainment to perform outside. They also helped partygoers on their way to the event find the venue on the far West side. But most people were more interested in getting up to the free food and drink than talking to clowns.
Those who made it to the actual event found themselves in yet another digital frat party, filled with lots of dot-comversation. We also overheard some newbies getting advice for sneaking into these ubiquitous so-called "networking" events when you're not on the list or even employed by a Net company.
Catered by Apogee Events, the food included some Southwestern fare--chips, salsa, avocado, Spanish rice--and mussels on the half-shell, while shish kabobs grilled outside.
As DJ Rich (booked through event management firm Save the Date) played a mix including Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston and Bob Marley, many partygoers went out to the full terrace to enjoy its remarkable view of the Hudson and the rest of Manhattan.
Between the many lines on the way in, partygoers lustfully eyed the T-shirts and gift bags, provided by BananaRepublic.com and filled with goodies from SmartMoney.com (calculator), Quidnuc (water bottle), and inforocket.com (yo-yo). But many were scared away by the security guard who kept saying, "Folks, get your gift bag and T-shirts when you leave." Many who listened to him missed out: The bags ran out early, while lots of people were still upstairs, crowding the one bartender outside on the deck serving beer, margaritas and tequila shots.
--Chad Kaydo
Stiltwalker Everett Hoag and other entertainers from Naomi’s House of Entertainment helped to divert partygoers waiting outside.
Liz Kafka, The Industry Standard’s conference and event planner, even found time to dance for a few minutes while watching over the party.
The first of many lines of the evening kept partygoers waiting outside to get on the freight elevator up to Studio 450.
Liz Kafka, The Industry Standard’s conference and event planner, even found time to dance for a few minutes while watching over the party.
