Pepcom’s night in T(ech)scany

Posted October 16, 2006 at 04:36 PM by Mickey Katz

Section: Audio, Accessories, Home Audio, Portable Audio, Communications, Computers, Gadgets / Other, Gaming, Imaging, Peripherals, Web, Web 2.0, Websites, Features, Trade Shows, Portable Video

Molto Bene! The best way to describe yesterday’s Pepcom event at the Manhattan Studio Center on west 34th street in NYC. With a wonderful sample of Italian food, Italian wine, and all the new toys and gadgets from around the tech world; today’s event filled my belly all the while filling my bag with business cards and press releases.

It took a matter of seconds from walking into the 7th floor banquet room until I encountered my first 3 tables and magnificent bar built entirely from ice. Knowing me…I had to check it out, five minutes later my tongue was still stuck on the bar (embarrassing but delicious).

It didn’t surprise me that many companies such as Belkin and Brookstone were showing off their new MP3 speakers; both wireless, indoor, and outdoor. We had your usual companies; Semantic, Nokia, Nikon—as well as some newcomers such as Twango, a multimedia sharing company who made their company public today and Peerflix a dvd trading website where individuals can post what movies they want and what they are willing to trade for them.

Another newcomer, a San Jose, California based company called Cellfire is single handily doing away with coupons you might get in the mail. I had the opportunity so speak with Brent Dusting, CEO of Cellfire and he told me that this new and FREE - might I add - service allows you to simply get your coupons texted to you via their online website. At Cellfire you can text the service to your phone and get coupons for free movie rentals to Hollywood Video, Bath and Body Works, and in the near future Papa Johns Pizza.

I know that I look forward to these events and Pepcom does a great job showing their appreciation by giving a nice gift to those who show up early. At the Texas BBQ event those early-birds received an autographed Bobby Flay BBQ cookbook. Tonight…a beautiful bottle of Dalle Terre Di Leonardo extra virgin olive oil from Tuscany.

Tonight’s event was a definite success. Ask any Italian and they will stress the importance of pairing great food with great wine…ask any techie and they will stress the importance pairing any great new product with…well ask me and I’ll say food. From NY to Tuscany and back in just a short couple hours I am exhausted, buona notte to all.