The Cyber Scene in Los Angeles ~ by JoAnna Minneci

Rocktails ~ March 20, 2001
You know, I'd always heard that the Rocktails events were more about Meat Market than Meet & Greet. This was my first Rocktails, and I have to tell you, the rumors aren't true! I had a lovely time at the Tuesday night gathering at Barfly, and met lots of friendly, intelligent and straightforward people. One of the first people I met was Jeffrey Cheen (executive vice president, Time4Team.com http://www.Time4Team.com). He politely opened a space for me at the bar so that I could order a drink. We chatted for a few minutes, and before I moved on, he gave me a lead to someone who would be an excellent contact for me! I also had the pleasure of meeting Brett Cohen who is the General Manager of Rocktails (http://www.rocktails.com). He said that the group consists mostly of middle managers who want the opportunity to network in a relaxed setting. Well, it was a relaxed vibe, but I certainly didn't "relax" (or drink!) enough to think I could dance. Well, it was a "school night", and I had a client meeting early the next morning, so I cut out of there at about 9pm.

Layoff Lounge ~ March 21, 2001

There are a LOT of people out of work these days, as evidenced by the crowd at the Westwood Brewing Company. People were crammed in shoulder-to-shoulder, and there weren't nearly enough seats. Rohit Shukla of LARTA (http://www.larta.org) spoke at this, the 2nd Layoff Lounge event. (http://www.layofflounge.com) Rohit wore his traditional black on black, and from the gist of his speech, he WAS in mourning. His opening statements included "De omnibus dubitandum" (doubt everything). He left the crowd with a few significant points: The internet is about lowering costs. It allows smaller companies to compete with the big guys. Be very wary about wireless. When he said that Finland is an anomaly, to be taken with a grain of salt, Keren Taylor (manager of West coast sales, CareerBuilder http://www.careerbuilder.com) called him on it, admonishing him about being so pessimistic, saying "Ignore Finland at your own risk!"

Shortly afterwards, the recruiters in attendance took the stage, and each gave a short introduction and mentioned a few jobs they were filling. The candidates were as attentive listening to the recruiters as they did Rohit. In the other room, Kelly Perdue needed a bullhorn and a bell as he monitored the Venture Capital room, shouting "ONE MINUTE!" over the chatter of the crowd. A couple of people were disappointed that they couldn't talk with the folks with the money unless they were pre-approved by Kelly and Jeremy Gocke... "How did the guy with the cussing teddy bear get approved?" ...but perhaps those who didn't get an interview won't be too discouraged and wi ll come again another time.

AIM - Dinner & a Deal ~ March 28, 2001

The group that met at i Cugini in Santa Monica strained to hear the unamplified voices of the panel, which included Tony Greenberg, CEO of Ramprate (http://www.ramprate.com), Michael Terpin, CEO of Internet Wire (http://www.internetwire.com)and Lisa Crane, Principal of Media Ventures Advisors (http://www.mediaventureadvisors.com). After the panel's presentation, the wine flowed and the schmoozing began. Servers with trays of appetizers circulated around the room, and hungry networkers noshed a bit before the dinner was served. What a fun dinner! I sat at a table with a group with lively conversation... but what struck me as odd was that there were t wo couples at my table! I couldn't justify spending $75 per person for a Dinner and a Deal, and then sit with someone from my own company! I don't know about the other tables, but not much dealing went down where I sat. I wish there had been a bit more mingling, but once you were seated, you were pretty much stuck. Also, about 75 percent of the crowd left before dessert. Not exactly a crisis... but dessert would have been an opportunity to switch tables and meet more people. Near the end of the evening, I had the pleasure of talking with Alexis Bonnell and Ben Isaacson of AIM (http://www.interactivehq.org). Ben seemed quite pleased with the turnout and caliber of attendees. Brad Nye (founder, VIC http://www.TheVic.org) also spared a moment to say hello. (It really did take me a moment to recognize him!) When the evening wrapped up, I gathered my things, retrieved my car from the valet, and began my trek to Laguna Niguel....