Inside the Room: What the NIGHT MOVES x BrewMoi Party Tells Us About Tech Culture in 2023

At 829 Studios, we’re firm believers that the most revealing insights about culture, communications, and innovation don’t always come from headlines, they come from the room. Last week, SBS Comms proved just that.

Their NIGHT MOVES x BrewMoi event brought together journalists, investors, founders, and comms leaders for what’s now being dubbed the party of the summer. It wasn’t just a celebration. It was a microcosm of how the tech, media, and communications worlds intersect today. And thanks to an anonymous BrewMoi survey (plus a few overheard moments worth noting), we got a peek behind the curtain of what’s shaping sentiment in the industry right now.

Here’s what we learned, and what it tells us about where culture is headed next.

Culture Meets Commentary: The Big Takeaways

Skepticism is the new signal.

From AR to AI, the industry is cautious. Only 27% of attendees believe Apple’s Vision Pro will catalyze the AR boom, and just 52% are using ChatGPT in their day-to-day. The metaverse and NFTs topped the list of “most overhyped” technologies.

Interstellar > Internet?

Surprisingly, 41% believe Elon Musk will build a human colony on Mars in our lifetime. That means there is more confidence in off-planet exploration than in the long-term future of TikTok, which only 9% think will be banned in 2023.

Tech optimism lives on selectively.

While new platforms and buzzy tools draw healthy skepticism, there’s strong belief in the rise of autonomous vehicles: 68% believe self-driving cars will be the norm within a decade.

Media still matters.

Axios is launching a Monday Q&A series with high-profile names. CNBC remains selective, favoring Series C companies unless traction is undeniable. And across the board, attendees stressed the importance of aligning PR teams after one top journalist expressed frustration with receiving multiple pitches from different agencies on the same client.

What Happens When You Put a Bunch of Comms Pros in a Club?

This was more than a media party. It was a cultural litmus test, and a reminder that even in a digital world, physical presence matters. Here’s what made the night memorable:

• Media events in NYC are (mostly) on pause. One reporter noted they rarely attend parties anymore—except this one.
• Emerging art x tech is gaining momentum. Expect more fusion between Generative AI and the art world at events like Art Basel, according to insiders.
• Real-world logistics still rule the day. A lost-sticker incident turned into a scavenger hunt that required building access, CCTV footage, and digging through trash. It was recovered just in time.
• Brand behavior shows up everywhere. From frat boys posing as interns to curbside altercations, the human side of reputation management was on full display.

Why This Matters

NIGHT MOVES wasn’t just about a good time. It was a snapshot of how our industry communicates, builds relationships, and navigates the blurred lines between culture and commerce. As we guide our clients through rapid transformation—whether launching a product, earning media, or shaping a brand—events like this remind us that people and context matter just as much as platforms and headlines.

Want to stay ahead of culture, not just react to it? Let’s talk.