Digital Mission to New York '09 - activities

Digital MissionThis is a guide to activities for the Digital Mission to New York, happening from 15th - 20th November '09. Digital Mission to New York '09 runs alongside Web 2.0 Expo, New York

We're working with the UKTI and Winston & Strawn teams in London and New York to develop this programme which will be further tailored to the companies selected.

As events and activities are confirmed, we'll update the agenda and please bear in mind that this is a work in progress - timings, dates and events may change.

Digital Mission Highlights

Sunday, 15th November

09:00 - Those traveling on the group flight to arrive at London Heathrow and check in
12:00 - Depart from London Heathrow Airport on Virgin Atlantic flight VS 45
15:05 - Arrive in to New York JFK Airport
15:45 - Group transfer to official mission hotel, Intercontinental The Barclay Hotel

Address:  InterContinental The Barclay New York, 111 East 48th St, New York City, NY 10017-1297 map

Monday, 16th November

Daytime activities:

09:00 - 14:30 - Masterclass session: Doing business in the US

Venue: Winston & Strawn, 200 Park Avenue, New York, 10166-419 (map)
 

9:00 - Breakfast on arrival and networking

9:20 - Introduction & Welcome

A short welcome to the Digital Mission from Chinwag's CEO & Founder, Sam Michel to thank sponsors and outline the morning's proceedings, followed by a welcome from our host for the day, Michael Elkin, Managing Partner of Winston & Strawn in New York.

9:30 - Understanding the Red Tape

A session tackling the legal practicalities of launching or expanding a business into the US market, including those “red flag” issues that every company needs to know with experts from Winston & Strawn, covering:

  • Litigation and the legal ramifications
  • Corporate structure and tax implications
  • Patents, trademarks and intellectual property
  • Employment and labor issues in the US

There will be ample opportunity for Q&A. The session will be chaired by Barry Vitou, Partner, Winston & Strawn, London office.

11:00 - Refreshments

11:15 - Nuts and Bolts: Government & Regional Agency Support

This session will look at the support available from city and regional development agencies and local trade associations, with insight into the market environment.

The session will be chaired by Patricia Young, ICT Vice Consul, UK Trade & Investment, New York.

12:00 - Nuts and Bolts: The Industry View

Insight from major US companies on the digital industry including their unique insight on how to connect and partner with major corporations. The panel will include:

  • Jamyn Edis, Adjunct Professor, New Media & Marketing, NYU Stern School of Business
  • Adam Hirsch, Chief Operating Officer - Mashable
  • Bonin Bough, Director of Global Social Media - PepsiCo
  • David Blumenstein, Co-Founder and Managing Partner - Hatchery

The session will be chaired by Patricia Young, ICT Vice Consul, UK Trade & Investment, New York.

12:45 - Tales from the Trenches

Views from British companies who have successfully expanded their business to the US. Questions to be raised/answered will include:

  • What were the challenges?
  • What worked and what didn't?
  • How does a British firm stand out in the highly competitive New York market?
  • How long did it take to get established?
  • What networking events/ conferences did you attend to raise profile?
  • How long did the process of setting up take?

Representatives from the following British companies will be on the panel:

This session wil be chaired by Sam Michel from Chinwag

13:15 - Buffet Lunch & Networking

Informal networking and a chance to ask further questions over a buffet lunch plus a chance to enjoy the incredible views from the Winston & Strawn office in the Met-Life Building.

14:30 - Close

14:30 - 18:30 - Free time for meetings or to pick up Web 2.0 Expo badges from the Javitz Centre

Evening activities:

18:00 - 20:00 - Exclusive Digital Networking Reception at British Consulate

Exclusive digital networking reception at the British Consulate, New York. Passport or drivers license required for security, smart dress, invite only

Venue: British Consulate-General, 845 3 Ave New York, NY 10022 (map)

Other/Web 2.0 Expo evening activity:

19:00 - Ignite NYC

Ignite NYC is back once again at the New World Stages for Web 2.0 Expo New York 2009! If you had five minutes on stage what would you say? Find out at Ignite NYC our kick-off event for Web 2.0 Expo New York, where we’ll showcase fast and furious performances celebrating your inner geek more info

Venue: New World Stages (340 West 50th St.)

Tuesday, 17th November

Daytime activities:

09:00 - 17:00 - Web 2.0 Expo, New York

09:00 - 17:00 - Free time for meetings or attendance at Web 2.0 Expo

Evening activities:

18:30 - 20:30 - Media & Marketing Social organised by  Chinwag and Glasshouse

BringinThe Glasshouseg together Digital Mission companies and the top media & marketing folk in New York for drinks & canapes in a stylish Chelsea loft venue.

Join the Digital Mission and Glasshouse for an exclusive mixer to introduce 21 of the UK's leading digital firms to the leaders and innovators in New York's digital creative, media and marketing sector,

Venue: address tbc

19:00 - 22:00 - Various Web 2.0 Expo Birds of a Feather (BoF) sessions at the Westin Hotel, Times Square

18:00 - 21:00 - Fusicology After Hours Cocktail Party

Fusicology - an event destination site focusing on urban and edgy culture has joined forces with marketing/consulting/pr company The Bloom Effect to bring a creative/artistic element to Web 2.0 techies, developers, VC’s and social media gurus. Join us at this after hours cocktail party and forum to mingle, network and be entertained in a low key fun environment. No pretense here, just pure pleasurable fun! RSVP requested

Venue: Ella Lounge, 9 Avenue A, between 1st and 2nd Streets, New York, NY 10009

20:00 - Net Neutrality Debate

During this years Web 2.0 Expo in New York, the key players on either side of the Net Neutrality issue will go head-to-head in an Oxford Style Debate. Tickets go on sale on Weds, 11th Nov - Book here

Venue: IAC Center, 555 W. 18th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues, New York, NY

18:00 - 21:00 - Social Media Holiday organised by NY Innovates

It's a festive business networking opportunity, with a laptop wi-fi, and two flat-screen TVs for you to show your social media site(s). Only your own site(s) can be shown, email events [at] nyinnovates [dot] com to be added to the list. Dress code is business or holiday party dressy.

$10 paypal, $15 at door. Drink specials 6-9 pm with wristband only. RSVP

Venue: Public House NYC, 140 East 41st Street (east of Lexington Avenue) New York, NY 10017-5515

19:00 - 21:00 - Revision3 Meetup - NYC: Diggnation NYC

Join Kevin Rose & Alex Albrecht as Diggnation rolls into New York City for another live show. The live show in NYC last June was such a blast, we thought why not have another go, this time on Tuesday November 17 So grab your friends and make sure you get in line early so you can get in and get a good spot.

You *never* know what's going to happen at a Diggnation Live Show, as evidenced last time. More info

Venue: Grand Ballroom, Manhattan Center, 311 W 34th St, New York, NY - 10001

Wednesday, 18th November

Daytime activities:

09:00 - 17:00 - Web 2.0 Expo, New York

08:30 - 10:30 - Investor Roundtable over Breakfast (8:30 breakfast and networking)

This event is organised in conjunction with The Hatchery at the wonderful digital friendly Roger Smith Hotel. The morning will offer the opportunity to quiz top New York based VC's and investors over breakfast in a roundtable style followed by a spot of networking.

Investors attending:

  • Michael Brown, Virgin Group
  • Sarah Tavel, Bessemer Venture Partners
  • Lewis Gersh, Metamorphic Venture
  • Michael Brown, Virgin Group
  • Jay Levy, Zelkova Ventures
  • Jerry Spiegel, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz PC
  • Matt Harris, Village Ventures
  • Yao-Hui Huang, Hatchery
  • David Blumenstein, Hatchery
  • Tim Gordon, Ernst & Young

Venue: Roger Smith Hotel, 501 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10017 (map)

10:30 - 19:00 - Free time for meetings or for Web 2.0 Expo visit

Evening activities:

Digital Wednesdays19:00 - 22:00 - Digital Mission @ Digital Wednesdays

Digital Mission is proud to be collaborating once again with Digital Wednesdays, New York’s weekly networker for the online advertising space. Chocca-block with the creme de la creme of New York's digital community, this shindig is a great opportunity to meet and talk shop with digital pop stars over a few drinks at one of New York's hottest venues.

Venue: Tanuki Tavern @ The Gansevoort Hotel (not the roof) 18 9th Ave (entrance on Hudson St, btw 13th and Gansevoort st) map

18:00 - Opera Tweetup

All Web 2.0 Expo NY attendees are invited to attend Opera's Tweetup with CTO Hakon Wium Lie on November 18, 2009 at 6 pm. The mixer will be held at 'Disiac Lounge at 402 W. 54th Street- just a short cab-ride from the Jacob Javits Center. Enjoy free drinks and great Opera giveaways! RSVP

Venue: Disiac Lounge, 402 W. 54th Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues, New York, NY 10019 (map)

19:00 - 22:00 - Various Web 2.0 Expo Birds of a Feather (BoF) sessions at the Westin Hotel, Times Square

19:00 - 22:00 - Wine 2.0 in New York @ Webster Hall (125 E. 11th Street, New York, NY)

The 2nd Annual Wine 2.0 New York at Webster Hall, Wine 2.0™ is the innovator in social networking and events in the wine industry - with a focus on the next generation wine consumer. This is a ticketed event - Digital Mission companies, please missionatchinwag [dot] com (get in touch) if you'd like a ticket ASAP.

18:00 - 20:00 - Drinks4Startups

Drinks4Startups is mixer for web starters at Gallery Bar on the Lower East Side, hosted by Web2NewYork, Web2Fem and other New York web communities. Our current drink sponsor is Dyn Inc. Just look for a Dyn Inc. rep and grab a drink voucher! RSVP

Venue: Gallery Bar, 120 Orchard Street, New York, NY (map)

19:00 - 23:00 - Various networking events organised to run alongside Web 2.0 Expo - more TBA as they are confirmed

Thursday, 19th November

Daytime activities:

09:00 - 17:00 - Web 2.0 Expo, New York

10:00 - 11:30 - Visit NYU:poly Incubator @ 160 Varick Street

Grabbing a taxi or the subway and heading down to NYU:poly's incubator space at 160 Varick Street in SoHo. Recently featured in the New York Times, the space is home to a growing band of start-ups across a range of sectors including digital, fashion, ecommerce, financial services and more. This is a chance to meet some of the companies at the forefront of New York's startup scene and check out the space.

Venue: NYU:poly, 160 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013

12:30 - 14:30 - Digital Mission group lunch @ The Roger Smith

The chance to mingle amongst the group and with selected US guests as well as reflecting on the week, over good food and drink. Open to mission companies and invitees only.

Venue: Roger Smith Hotel, 501 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10017 (map)

14:30 - 19:00 - Free time for meetings

Evening activities:

18:00 - 22:00 - Next New Networks | Barely Live Party

Next New Networks | Barely Live PartyThe conference is over, but the party has just begun! Next New Networks invites you to see some of the people behind this year's biggest online video hits perform live on stage at the Canal Room at the Barely Live Party. AutoTune the News from the Gregory Brothers. DJ Mike Relm. Obama Girl performing Crush on Obama with Leah Kauffman. Music comedian Mark Douglas. Robo.To kiosk on-site.

Tickets available at barelylive.eventbrite.com for $10 (Digital Mission companies, there's one for you already). Special gift if you show your Web 2.0 Expo New York badge. Come on out! #barelylive

Venue: Canal Room, 285 West Broadway at Houston Street, New York, NY (map)

19:00 - 21:00 - OpenMusicMedia meetup

The OpenMusic Media Meet is a group that gets together pleasantly irregularly to discuss, explore and shape the future of digital music and media. The group is open to anyone. No vested interests, no closed doors and no agendas other than to bring like-minded individuals together. All you need to bring is an open mind, open ears and a passion for the topics discussed. RSVP through Facebook.

Venue: ReBar (2nd Fl - VIP room), 147 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (map)

Friday, 20th November

09:00 - 15:30 - Free time for meetings or some sight seeing!
15:15
- Group transfer from the hotel to New York JFK Airport
19:45 - Group flight departs on Virgin Atlantic flight VS 46

17:00 - 19:00 - ThinkSocial Awards

For those still in New York, please join The Paley Center for Media and Cochair Sponsors Facebook, Meebo, Pepsico & Loreen Arbus Foundation for a cocktail reception as we honor the inaugural ThinkSocial Award recipients and celebrate the culmination of the Paley Center's IC Meeting.

RSVP: http://event.pingg.com/ThinkSocialAwards

Venue: 25 West 52 Street, New York NY 10019 (map)

Saturday, 21st November

07:50 - Group flight arrives at London Heathrow
For those staying on for the weekend there is an event called NYC Startup Weekend to check out if you have time.

Digital Mission Sponsors

Digital Missions are made possible through the generous support of UK Trade & Investment and our sponsors, Winston & Strawn.

UK Trade & InvestmentWinston & Strawn logo