• by January 23, 2004

Maybe it was the bone-chilling cold and the open bar. The hip venue didn't hurt either.

But whatever it was that drove more than 500 New York-area interactive media professionals to 212's launch party last night, there was no denying a palpable and pervasive energy. A sense of relief too, that finally, there's a networking organization for digital media and marketing pros who are in the trenches every day. It was great to see clutches of young media folk hanging out, cross-pollinating with their peers. There were plenty of veterans there too.

212 is dedicated to creating social and professional networking opportunities for entry- and mid-level digital media folks. I'm looking forward to the group's next moves. It's promising panel discussions with media stars and career development events. All in all, more than 600 people registered on 212's Website.

"Last night's event was truly an outstanding and unbelievable accomplishment," said Ian Ross, Senior Director, Advertising Sales at Disney Online and a 212 board member. "Many [buyers and sellers] offered their future support via sponsorships, attendance and/or committee involvement." 212's board members include executives from CBS MarketWatch, Disney Online, Universal McCann and iVillage. Two board seats are open for junior media professionals.

Let's hope the warm and raucous energy at Plaid last night carries over in the coming months. We don't need to party like it's 1999, but some rational exuberance is long overdue.