By: Kaylyn E. Dowd

Learning and networking are best served on tap.

Last week I checked out NewCo. San Francisco, a two-day event that gives you behind-the-scenes access to top executives, entrepreneurs, investors and future influencers at their headquarters. After a couple of days of hustling around the bay area, I was left with some useful insight from the minds of San Francisco’s most powerful startups:

Matt Mahan, founder and CEO of Brigade, spoke about the concept of creating the perfect political-based forum. He said that the two biggest challenges when it comes to politics are the issues of educating the population and cynicism. His vision with Brigade is to be the solution to those challenges and to break down the preconceived notion that “my participation doesn’t matter” when it comes to communicating with elected officials. Six months from now, Mahan plans to launch the Brigade app on all forms of smart technology as well as on a regular desktop platform.

StumbleUpon founders Garret Camp and Geoff Smith shook the business world back in 2009 when they did the unthinkable – bought their company back from eBay after its acquisition in 2007. Since then, StumbleUpon has been a force to reckon with, making savvy investments like its recent acquisition of web video concierge 5By last year. Current CEO Mark Bartels spoke about creating the perfect user experience when it comes to original and creative content. He noted that though many people believe that content is key to reaching the user; the platform is the true key. Using Netflix as an example, he noted that you can control the audience by being a place where people can find great content. StumbleUpon hopes to achieve this sort of user reputation.

If you want to learn how to code or hear a thought-leader speak about technology, General Assembly is the place to go. General Assembly invited Rob Young, principal designer and founder of Young & Co, to speak at NewCo. He highlighted Dieter Ram’s “10 Principles of Design,” which says that good user experience must solve a problem, be as simple as possible and be delightful. He went on to say that a programmer should be curious, a good communicator and articulate with your ideas. Lastly, he said it is imperative that designers be empathetic to their users and get creative. You find out more about seminars featuring thought leaders like Rob Young by checking out General Assembly online.

Attending the NewCo. San Francisco festival was a rare learning opportunity. On top of meeting some of the start-up world’s most influential leaders, I developed an understanding of each company’s “process” that they tribute to their success. I learned the ins and outs of design, what it takes to create a need in the marketplace and the importance of credible content curation. These think leaders were not just excited about their products, but were excited about sharing their knowledge. You can find out about NewCo. Festivals near you by visiting their website online.

Who to Follow:

@PressKitchenSF
@PressKitcheners
@NewCoFest
@MatthewMahan
@JoinBrigade
@MarkBartels
@StumbleUpon
@GA_SF