Dispatches from AfroTech: Reunions in Houston, The Laura Hotel's elite cocktail
Goodwill is the monarch of this house. Men and women, unacquainted, enter, shake hands, exchange greetings, and depart friends. Cordiality exists among all who abide within (AfroTech).
If you’ve ever been to a large gathering, like a conference or a convention, you know that feeling of anxiety when someone yells your name out.
“Eddie Maisonet!”
After doing a turn and scan to determine the bellower of my name, the usual tradition ensues. Locking of the eyes, pointing at each other, inaudible noises like “YERRRR” are uttered and then some combination of a bro hug and dap finalizes the exchange.
Live updates are given. Shared ideas on what the next moves will be. Updates on contact information are edited. The reconnection is complete.
After two days of wading through absurd crowd sizes and long ass lines, that reminder that the communal experience can be the ultimate gift to why we attend events like AfroTech in the first place.
Dispatches from AfroTech: Location, relocation and good spirits
Some of you reading this might not know what AfroTech is. In short, per Google’s AI Overview:
AfroTech is an annual event that brings together Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts to share knowledge, network, and celebrate Black achievements in tech. The conference features a variety of sessions, including main stage sessions, "Ask Me Anythings", and mixers.
Since this conference has touched down where I reside — Houston — I made it a point of emphasis to hit some mixers, go network and reunite with old buddies. I’ll distill my takeaways into some key bullets:
The tech world does not simply reside in the Bay Area. This is probably obvious to those who live in the tech bubble, but I was so happy to see colleagues tell me they’re working in areas like Detroit, D.C., Toronto and Cincinnati. Something about working in tech (I did two years at Google, FYI) encourages instant collaboration and immediate action-taking. And finding like-minded individuals in your area has never been easier.
Big tech wants to bring folks back to the Bay Area (and other HQ enclaves). As much as folks discussed loving living in places not named Silicon Valley, Seattle or New York City, the powers that be are calling people back into the office. “I got three months to go back to HQ, or I’m out of a job,” said one close friend who relocated to work remotely to raise her kid near family. Considering the economic changes likely to come in the next four years, the fight for power from owners and the labor force will be a constant fight.
Techies love to drink. Spirit brands are ready to serve. It’s not a surprise to see spirit brands making their presence felt at conferences. Still, I was impressed at the energy given to provide premium experiences and attention to detail. “You’re talking about high-earning young professionals with years ahead of them before they decide to start a family,” said one brand ambassador I chatted with. “This is an investment in people still finding their palette and wanting to feel upscale when doing it.”
Techies love to drink and party. One time to JD and 7iron Golf for showing me a good time at the Jerk and Jollof club party. Martell Blue Swift flowed throughout the night as Vybz Kartel and Wizkid played on repeat for hours on end for about a thousand techsters. I am an old man and couldn’t hang past 1 a.m. Time to take my backside to the crib.
When in Houston: Drink at The Laura Hotel’s cocktail bar
I was invited to a networking mixer hosted by The Gathering Spot at The Laura Hotel. My lifelong friend Terry, who is from my hometown and is on TGS’s advisory board, met me there, and we promised to catch up over drinks.
“Its an open bar,” Terry said. “Drink up and be merry.”
“Say less,” I replied.
Remember what I said about long lines and large crowds? Yes, both were in abundance at this mixer. Therefore, waiting 20-30 minutes for a free drink did not interest me. Instead, I snuck over to the swanky lounge on the second floor and found easy access to a well-stocked bar with bartenders slinging drinks around with ease. That observation leads to trusting the makers of a good sip.
Me: “What’s the best cocktail on your menu?”
Bartender: “Easy. Order ‘Houston, we have a solution’. Thank me later.”
Me: “Say less, lets do it.”
The drink in question is a take on a Vieux Carre — take rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
The Laura Hotel edition takes those ingredients and elevates them to two selections: Whistlepig Piggyback 6-year rye and Pierre Ferrand 1840 cognac.
Given the environment and circumstances, this is the perfect cocktail. It’s potent, spicy and just enough sweet to stand up to the savory inside the drink. You can’t just knock this back. You sip this while catching up with old friends, showing off pictures of your kids and dreaming up what power moves you’re looking to make next.