By: Rockwell News Network
NEW YORK, NY — December 6, 2025 — This winter, a business event unlike any other is coming to Manhattan. However, don’t expect the typical suits, sales pitches, or corporate jargon that often dominates such gatherings.
On Saturday, December 6, a fresh and potentially impactful experience known as the 1% Event will take place at 8 W 38th Street, Floor 3, in the heart of New York City. Hosted by Dylan Smith, alongside the nonprofit Project Future First, this event aims to offer something different: a chance to engage with real people who have navigated the entrepreneurial journey, sharing their insights in a more approachable and informal setting.
Built for the Underdogs, Not the Elites
At the core of the 1% Event is the idea that success doesn’t always start with a clear roadmap. Many entrepreneurs didn’t have a perfect plan — they learned by doing. This event puts those individuals in the spotlight, allowing them to share their authentic, often hard-won experiences. Instead of featuring celebrity speakers or “gurus,” the event offers a platform for self-made business owners, content creators, and operators who have built their businesses without any filters. From navigating failure to scaling ideas into income, their stories are grounded in real-world experiences.
“There’s no pitch. No catch. No upsell,” says Dylan Smith, leading the New York edition. “This event is about giving attendees the kind of practical insight and support we wish we had when we were starting out.”
What to Expect on Event Day
Location: 8 W 38th Street, Floor 3, New York, NY 10018
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Doors Open: 11:00 AM
Networking + Red Carpet Interviews: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Main Event (Speakers + Panels): 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The morning will begin with an informal media hour, including red carpet interviews, content opportunities, and candid discussions. This is the time to network and start connecting with others.
From 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the event will feature fast-paced speaker segments and interactive panel discussions designed to maintain attention and stimulate conversation. The format encourages engagement, with a live DJ and a relaxed atmosphere that invites attendees to be themselves — formalwear is not necessary, and the typical small talk is encouraged to be kept to a minimum.
A Mission-Driven Movement
The 1% Event is more than just an event — it’s part of a much broader mission.
Founded by Kyle Gardner, Blake Shofner, and Dmytro Andryeyev, Project Future First is a nonprofit that strives to make entrepreneurial education accessible to underserved youth. Through school programs, hands-on workshops, and mentorship, the organization works to open doors to opportunities that might not have been available otherwise. Proceeds from this event will directly support these initiatives — providing the next generation with tools that could help create a lasting impact in their communities.
“Most of us were never taught how to build something for ourselves,” says Gardner. “This event exists to help change that narrative.”
The People This Event Is Built For
The 1% Event is specifically for those who have been figuring things out along the way — those with big ideas but few connections or those who’ve experienced setbacks. Whether you’re building a business after hours or navigating your first attempts at entrepreneurship, this event is tailored to provide you with actionable advice and perspectives.
It’s a space to meet others who are in similar positions, hear from individuals who have made progress, and walk away with clarity—not just inspiration. Attendees are expected to travel from across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and nearby areas to take part in this experience.
Tickets + Info
General Admission is now available, with pricing that remains accessible to students, young professionals, and those attending for the first time.
Vendor opportunities, brand partnerships, and sponsorship inquiries are also welcome.
Learn more and grab your tickets at: www.projectfuturefirst.com
