“Startup and Play has changed my Raleigh experience”
- Will Hardison
Will Hardison is the Co-Organizer of Startup and Play attended his first showcase in August, 2012. Will is also Founder of Fanbase | Co-Chair B2B board of Shop Local Raleigh | Drummer for Catch22. Follow him on twitter @willhardison.
This is Will’s first blog post about his first time at Startup and Play.
I was nervous
I didn’t really know what to expect. I wasn’t sure if I was going to go through with it. I almost backed out.
At the last minute, something inside me said, “you can do this.” I decided to attend my first Startup and Play. I’m glad I went. I must say, Startup and Play has changed my Raleigh experience.
No Idea What to Expect
Having lived in Raleigh for only two months, the idea of walking into a room filled with 200 strangers was a bit daunting. I didn’t really know what to expect.
Honestly, I thought I was going to sit down and hear a pitch from the companies that were “showcasing” that night. Boy was I wrong. I walked into what I can only be described as an “Adult Science Fair.” I tasted pasta sauce from Nello’s Sauce, tossed a few corn hole bags at the Cornhole Express booth, and found out I could have been a zombie for an upcoming event with Live Gumption (“Rrraarrggghhh. Brains!” See, I’m a natural).
Come to the Next One!
If you’re on the fence about going to the next event… don’t be. You’ve got to go. There’s nothing else like it in the Triangle. It’s fun, filled with young professionals and entrepreneurs, and everyone is extremely friendly and welcoming.
Because I decided to attend Startup and Play last August, I now help plan the event. I’ve met dozens of amazing people, many of whom have unlocked doors for my band, my company, and me personally.
Still on the fence?
February’s event will be epic. A dozen amazing companies will be showcasing and we’ve got a live band for crying out loud! See the door that it opened up for my band?!
If you’re not coming because you don’t know anyone – find me. I’ll introduce you to people and show you a good time!
Aaron Gerry
My name is Aaron and I am deeply passionate about helping people and building things. In so many words, I am also a life-learner, entrepreneur, hot sauce and zombie movie enthusiast, biker, adventurer, dreamer, enabler, Patriot-devoted, dog lover.
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