Partiful threw its own party, complete with free cigs, a Tamagotchi necklace, and a bong packed with Smarties

Step into the world of Partiful, where hosting a party is just part of the brand's essence. Recently, the popular events app made a splash during New York Tech Week with a lively celebration that captured the spirit of connection among Gen Z. Shreya Murthy, the CEO of Partiful, addressed a packed venue, explaining the motivation behind the gathering. The event marked a significant milestone for the startup, which has recently begun monetizing its platform through ticketing. With the introduction of paid tickets, Partiful has started generating revenue by applying service fees to each ticket sale. For instance, a $50 ticket might incur a $7 fee, translating to about a 14% service charge. Before the festivities kicked off, Murthy participated in a fireside chat alongside Olivia Moore, a partner at Andreessen Horowitz, discussing Partiful's growth and its new ticketing venture. As a testament to its rising prominence, NYTW has mandated that all events listed on its calendar utilize Partiful for ticketing, further establishing its role in the tech community. The atmosphere of the party was reminiscent of a cozy house gathering rather than a typical Tech Week event, offering attendees a chance to unwind and connect. Ella Edwards from Partiful shared insights on the importance of fostering relationships within the tech space, emphasizing that genuine interactions are what attendees crave. Among the highlights of the evening were playful activities, including a contest to guess the number of Smarties stuffed in a bong. The venue buzzed with excitement, featuring an open bar, Partiful-branded merchandise, and even a live screening of the NBA finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. This gathering was part of a broader trend where social tech companies are embracing house parties to cultivate community ties. Notably, Substack hosted a similar event following its own summit, indicating a growing desire for informal networking opportunities in the tech landscape. Join us as we continue to explore the vibrant social scenes shaping the intersections of technology, media, and finance.