The setting was the guest room at an appropriately edgy-creative-posh nightclub in Chelsea. I had walked by the night before to get a feel for venue and it was very much the velvet-rope and limo crowd.

Our session began at noon. We were directed, speed dating style, to different stations to meet with the execs, who ranged in character from the hip young media maven to the old, wisecracking “I’ve worked at Madison Ave. since before you were born” seen-it-all type.

We got three minutes with each of the execs plus whatever time could be squeezed in during the break. I received a lot of positive feedback (everything from “huh. neat.” to “that’s fucking awesome. wow.”) and collected some cards, so hopefully a business opportunity will pop up.

But it wasn’t speed investing – there was no talk of funding and no formal way to follow up with an interested representative. It felt more like a dog and pony show with us as the entertainment – we give our talks, validate that the agency has their finger on “the pulse”, and wave goodbye.

Maybe I’m just being a little too cynical – NYC could be getting to me – and I do want to thank PSFK again for providing the opportunity. I owe you guys a dinner if something comes of this, and I’ll at least let you buy me a drink if it doesn’t ;)

BTW, if anyone’s in NYC tonight/tomorrow/saturday and wants to get together hit me up. (phil.leif at gmail dot com) I’m still edgy and creative enough to have a good time.

Thanks for the feedback mate. Looks like I owe you a beer.

Piers

Regarding Phillip’s comment–that kinda hurt…very disappointed to hear that Phillip felt like the Speed Exchange was a “dog and pony show.” It was not meant to be that at all…the purpose of the session was really so much bigger than showing that we (the agency) had our finger on the pulse and more about presenting an opportunity for Tastemakers like Phillip to have one on one access/meetings with our clients from Coke and P&G and other high level agency execs that could help take the ideas to the next level. I’m glad that Philip was able to collect cards. The session was all about building relationships, introducing new ideas and leveraging those relationships with hopes of gaining funding–depending on the pitch and the response. I am sending a list with contact info for all participants–Tastemakers, clients and agency members early next week. Hopefully, Phillip and all other participants will follow up.

I didn’t mean to be harsh – the session was a wonderful opportunity and I met some great people – my comments were just an off the cuff response to my experience at the session; the quick sendoff made the whole opportunity seem tenuous, and that uncertainty coupled with the stress of a last-minute flight pushed me a bit over the edge.

I was too hasty, and I apologize. Hazards of the blogosphere, I guess. I’m sorry for any hurt feelings and want to thank you and Piers again for the experience :)