The overall theme of this year’s 2022 Propelify Innovation Festival in Hoboken was “Better together.” And, for Aaron Price, Propelify founder and TechUnited: New Jersey CEO, that innovation gives one a license to think differently and make an impact. Anyone who is an entrepreneur or an innovator, or if they are just ambitious, know that means collaborating in one way shape or form.
“There’s a ton of energy in the tech community, especially in New Jersey,” Price told ROI-NJ on Thursday during the festival in Hoboken.
Price himself brings a lot of energy and inspiration to the tech world. In the weeks leading up to the event, he promoted it by offering advice from experts — and he wrote a poem and a song. He reminded people many times that Propelify was where ideas take flight.
And, in the wet, rainy days leading up to the event, he worked tirelessly with his team to set up the tents and technology that would be used to power Propelify, which brought about 100 speakers and close to 70 exhibitors, startups and innovators together to strut their stuff and get their chance to shine and showcase their innovative products within the booths that were set up along on the waterfront in Maxwell Place Park.
On the panel
Rebecca Price, partner, Primary Ventures, and David Opper, vice chairman of CBRE, got to speak with me, Linda Lindner, on the “Return to the Modern Office” at Propelify. Together, we offered insights on not only how buildings and offices are being retrofitted to bring back employees, but what employees and employers are thinking (or not thinking) as they come up with strategies and structures to fit what each wants going forward.
“I think this is our moment coming out of the pandemic. We will be able to hold onto this energy, talent and enthusiasm, and I think you will see more startups and innovation coming out of New Jersey in the next five years than you did in the last 25 years,” Price said.
“Innovation is the opportunity to do better, to be better. To lead in your career and in business, you have to think like an entrepreneur and identify and leverage circumstances to propel ideas into actions.”
And there is no doubt that the Hoboken waterfront was filled with those looking for chances to do and be better. To identify opportunities, seek out capital and position themselves for success.
Founders, investors, startups and those who just wanted a chance to connect and get to know the opportunities that are available in the tech world were all in attendance.
Throughout the day Thursday, attendees were able to walk along the waterfront meeting people, startups, corporations and doers.
With two stages set up on opposite ends of the venue, there was plenty of opportunity for many to listen to various speakers who offered advice, information and tips on making an impact.
Talks on cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens, fintech and mortgage, back to office, finance, technology, venture capital, 5G, health care, sustainability, the TechUnited:BetterPlanet Challenge Finals and so much more filled the day, which culminated when the sun went down with a fireworks display on the water — empowering all who attended to build a better future for all.
