I spent my Thursday at The Long Play, where attendees made new connections and debated the future of work.
Henry Chandonnet/Business Insider
I schmoozed with CEOs, founders, and investors at Business Insider's The Long Play in New York.
Attendees heard from speakers ranging from Barry Diller to Ashley Graham — and spent a whole lot of time networking.
Some attendees tried pitching deals. Others debated the future of work.
The New York venue was bustling with executives, some of whom governed companies with thousands of employees.
I met my first one within seconds of walking in.
On Thursday, I attended Business Insider's The Long Play event at Perelman Performing Arts Center. (Full disclosure: Business Insider is my employer, and you're probably reading this on its website.) I entered the event with a mission: to chat, network, and maybe learn a thing or two about my own career.
Workplace debates and startup chatter filled the air at Business Insider's The Long Play.
Carl Timpone/BFA
Mingling among the crowd, I chatted with the founders of AI startups and communications chiefs. They debated remote work, asked about management styles, and discussed working together. "I've got to work on my elevator pitch," one CEO told me.
I sat down for lunch with some attendees to discuss a question: Is workplace loyalty dead? Most said no, or that it was more complicated. One brave soul, the content creator Colin Rocker, said yes.
"I still think it's dead," he told me after the lunch chat. "But, I will say, I got more context that it's not necessarily working across the org chart."
He added: "That hurts managers, too."
Fancy napkins!
Carl Timpone/BFA
Others at our table traded mentorship techniques and thoughts on leading an office. Nitzan Shapira said that, while working at Intel and Cisco, meetings were crucial. He has more flexibility while leading his AI startup, Harmony. "I'm kind of allergic to meetings," he said.
Munching on my plate of salmon, salad, and a caprese sandwich, I continued to chat with the crowd. Then came the dimming of the lights and the voice on the loudspeaker. The interviews were about to begin.
A who's who of the audience
Ashley Graham at Business Insider's The Long Play.
Carl Timpone/BFA
You can tell a lot about the crowd from when people raise their hand — and when they don't.
I learned, for example, that much of the crowd had played "Grand Theft Auto." What better way to blow off some steam after a career-building conference than with some virtual vice? The attendees didn't consider themselves avid gamers, though; only a few hands shot up when Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick asked.
There were also a handful of investors in the crowd. Supermodel Ashley Graham asked for a show of hands, and I spotted three. During one of the breaks between talks, I talked shop with yet another venture capitalist.
As for GLP-1s, the crowd was less eager. Senior correspondent Melia Robinson asked while interviewing Ro CEO Zach Reitano, and she got only a few raised hands. (I bet, if we swapped the public hand-raising for a blind survey, that number would go up.)
The crowd at Business Insider's The Long Play.
Carl Timpone/BFA
The attendees around me were rapt. My seatmate, who worked for an AI startup, took notes with pen and paper. I saw some others jotting down learnings in the Notes app on their phones.
WeWork CEO John Santora described upping the once-freewheeling company's dress code. When he got there, Santora spotted pajamas and shorts; he now spots some salespeople in sport coats.
It prompted me to look around and check out what the audience was wearing. There were lots of blazers, button-ups, and slacks. A handful went more casual with their denim jackets and colorful blouses.
Take-Two Interactive CEO and chairman Strauss Zelnick and Business Insider senior correspondent Sarah E. Needleman at The Long Play.
Carl Timpone/BFA
There were belly laughs, like when my talented colleague Sarah Needleman flubbed "how do you define success" with "how do you define sex" while interviewing Zelnick. He chuckled; the crowd joined in, and it bonded the audience.
And there were sobering moments, like when Noa Argamani described her drive to fund Israeli startups after spending 246 days in Hamas captivity.
The list goes on: There were chats with media mogul Barry Diller, banking entrepreneur Cristina Junqueira, and Nadia Carlsten, the CEO of the sneaker-company-turned-AI-infrastructure-provider Smartbird.
The bar at The Long Play.
Carl Timpone/BFA
The event was really about meeting other people, though, and being inspired. I endlessly looped around the room, talking to C-suiters at startups and public relations agents. You could always hear the hum of new connections coming from the back of the room.
It ended with glasses of wine and hors d'oeuvres. After biting into a surprisingly delicious slider — Graham talked about pairing her wine with Korean barbecue and lasagna, and it made me hungry! — I had officially reached my schmoozing limit.
Drinks are served!
Carl Timpone/BFA
I ended the day with a full heart and a handful of new phone numbers. If you gave me yours, expect a text soon with plans to get coffee.
Cooler nights call for a sleepwear refresh, and Amazon makes it easier to stock up. Save up to 65% on everything from cozy flannels and breathable bamboo pajamas to silky sets.
Women's pajama deals
Save on nightgowns, silky sets and other cozy pajamas for women.
A FOX reader favorite, this pajama set pairs a polished button-down top with stretchy shorts for a comfortable fit. Choose from nearly 40 colors and patterns, including hearts, stars and candy canes, to find a style that suits you.
This Fruit of the Loom set pairs a cozy waffle-knit V-neck top with flannel pants. The separate pieces can be mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe, with options that include red with buffalo check, navy with snowflakes or black with berry plaid.
Prep for the holidays and colder weather with these plaid pajamas from Victoria's Secret. The cotton-modal blend has a soft feel and provides added warmth for chilly nights. You can also shop the matching sleep dress in the same pattern, which is also on sale.
The polyester fabric in these long-sleeve pajamas has a soft feel, while the long sleeves and pants add coverage on cool winter nights. The material remains breathable for hot sleepers, and contrasting trim and buttons give the classic set a polished finish.
This modal long-sleeve pajama set looks expensive but costs just $18. The button-down V-neck top has a chest pocket and piping, while the drawstring waistband ties in a bow for a feminine finish.
Amazon has flannel pajamas for the whole family, so everyone can coordinate for Christmas morning. The listed price is for the women's button-down pajama top, but the product page also offers matching styles for men and children.
For sleepers who prefer less coverage, this nightgown offers a breezier alternative to traditional pajama sets. Its soft, lightweight fabric feels comfortable against the skin, and the selection includes solid colors, holiday patterns and playful animal prints.
Men's pajama deals
From bamboo sets to flannel picks, these PJs keep you comfortable all night.
Hot sleepers may appreciate this pajama set for when temperatures drop. The polyester feels cool on your skin but keeps you covered and warm. The pants have an elastic waistband and two deep pockets to keep essentials handy while lounging around.
Flannel pajamas fit the holiday mood, but their cozy warmth makes them useful well beyond December. This cotton-polyester pair has a soft, breathable feel that may appeal to sleepers who tend to overheat.
Bamboo is naturally moisture-wicking, lightweight and breathable, so it's a dream for hot sleepers. This set combines bamboo with polyester and spandex for a soft, cooling option.
This lightweight men’s pajama set pairs a soft polyester-spandex blend with a flexible fit. Contrasting colors and a raglan design give it a retro-inspired look, while pockets keep small essentials close at hand when you’re around the house.
Prepare your family for the unexpected with these emergency essentials. Whether you're facing an unexpected power outage, a fire, car troubles or simply need some basic first aid, these products can help you have peace of mind, so you're ready for anything. Some are designed to protect important documents, ensure your vital devices always stay charged, give you a guiding light in the dark or even jump start your car in the case of an emergency. While you might not need these items today, it's smart to always keep them on hand.
The Kelvin8 multitool has eight tools for emergency situations, including a power bank with a hand crank, seatbelt cutter, window breaker, flashlight, alarm, SOS signal and decibel siren. It fits comfortably in your hand and your car's glovebox. You can purchase one for $10 off or get two with this offer.
Keep a four-pack of emergency blankets in your car and at home. They help retain body heat during cold-weather emergencies and store easily in a trunk or closet thanks to their compact foil packaging. The tear-resistant Mylar can also be reused when kept in good condition.
Activate this personal safety alarm in seconds to sound a 130-decibel siren — about as loud as a jet taking off. Clip it to a keychain or slip it into a pocket for quick access. Choose a single alarm or take advantage of the buy three, get two free offer.
During unexpected power outages, a weather radio keeps you up to date on forecasts. It charges three different ways — USB, hand-crank or solar — so you always have a backup when needed. It also acts as a power bank that gets your phone up and running.
This survival kit comes with everything you need for minor emergencies, from a hatchet and hammer tool to a first aid kit and paracord gear. Carry it anywhere in a compact backpack that fits easily with your camping or hiking gear.
A kit like this makes it easy to keep your emergency supplies in one place. Designed for two people, it includes enough food, water, first-aid supplies and other essentials to last three days away from home.
This first aid kit has bandages, gloves and antiseptic wipes to help you treat burns, scrapes and cuts. Store the compact case in your glovebox or carry-on so you always have essential medical supplies within reach.
This handy straw filter gives you access to clean water anywhere. As you sip, the straw filters out bacteria, parasites, microplastics, dirt, sand and more. One straw is good for 1,000 gallons of drinking water.
Protect important documents with this fireproof bag, complete with two pockets and two waterproof zippers. The reflective strip helps you spot it in the dark.
Car emergency gear
Stay ready for roadside emergencies with a jump starter, tire inflator and seat belt cutter.
If you're trapped in your car after an accident, these seat belt cutters can help you escape. Use the sharp blade to cut through a belt and the metal tip to shatter window glass.
A dead car battery can ruin your day, so stay prepared with a jump starter. This model can start your car without another vehicle or jumper cables and includes a built-in air compressor for inflating tires. For more power, the Noco Boost jump starter works with trucks, boats and sedans in a compact design.
Need a quick way to pump up your tire after a flat? Keep this inflator in your car for roadside emergencies. It's simple enough to use one-handed, and the LED screen shows you the remaining battery and your tire's PSI.
Fix a flat quickly on your own with a tire patch kit. Use the included pliers to remove debris, clear the hole with the other tools and seal it with durable rubber strips.
Packed into a small bag, this 108-piece roadside kit offers all the necessities in one place — from jumper cables to reflective gear and a first aid kit. With it, you can stay safer when you're stuck on the side of the road.
Power outage essentials
Don’t get stuck in the dark — these tools keep your home lit during blackouts.
Save money and reduce waste with rechargeable batteries. This Duracell set includes a compact charger for AA and AAA batteries, along with four precharged AA batteries.
Stash these mini flashlights around the house for backup lighting during outages. They may be small, but they're powerful, with multiple zoom modes and both strobe and SOS options for emergencies.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 powers up to seven devices at once and weighs just 24 pounds, making it easy to move from room to room or take on the go. Better yet, it recharges in as little as an hour through the app.
An LED lantern, like this one, is great to have on hand for power outages. It produces 400 lumens (similar to a flashlight or headlamp), has three brightness modes and is designed not to crack, even if dropped.
Keep your devices charged with this power bank. It has four built-in cables — USB-A, USB-C, Micro-USB and one for charging the bank itself — so you don’t have to keep track of extra cords. You can also plug in three additional chargers to power up to six devices at once.
Now that crisp, cool weather is here, it's time to switch out cooling blankets and linens for warmer options. From flannel sheets to heavyweight down comforters tofuzzy throws, these swaps can help keep you comfortable during the colder months. Some picks are even up to 83% off, so you can update your home for less.
Replace cold sheets with a set of flannel ones from L.L.Bean for a warmer night's sleep. They come in eight plaid patterns that blend perfectly with holiday decor.
These Eddie Bauer sheets blend comfort and style with plaid and striped options. Crafted from 100% cotton flannel, they'll keep you toasty without leaving you sweating.
At 83% off, this soft microfiber sheet set is a simple and affordable bedding upgrade. Its breathable fabric helps hot sleepers stay cool overnight. These sheets also hold up to multiple washes and come in a host of colors, making it easy to match them to your fall bedding setup.
Wrap yourself in softness with Bedsure's fluffy comforter set, complete with two pillowcases. The ribbed look adds a stylish aesthetic, while the soft flannel texture holds in the heat while you sleep.
Top your bed or the back of your couch with UGG's Adalee throw for a faux fur blanket that's as soft as it looks. It's free from chemicals and toxins, making it hypoallergenic. More than 7,000 shoppers bought one last month, with one reviewer saying, "This blanket is incredibly soft, luxurious, and looks gorgeous on the bed. It's such high quality and would make an amazing gift for anyone who loves cozy home items. Highly recommend!"
Sleep Number's LuxWarmth comforter comes in three different warmth weights: light, medium and extra warmth. The 100% cotton fabric cover feels soft against the skin and helps with heat regulation, ensuring you stay warm without overheating.
Choose from midweight or lightweight options and get a duvet comforter that's worth the splurge. The anti-clumping fill offers the breathability of natural down with added warmth. There are also bamboo and silk fabrics if you prefer a softer feel.
The Woodland Retreat quilt set brings fall patterns into your space with a collection of pinesetcones and other forest plants. It turns your room into a rustic retreat, and is lightweight so you can layer it with other blankets.
Just because fall is here doesn't mean you want the heat buildup. This cooling mattress topper pulls heat away from your body, helping you sleep cooler. It also gives your bed 3 inches of extra padding, transforming firm mattresses into a plush bed.
Side sleepers get the support they need from Layla's BioCrystal pillow. Infused with 16 crystals that promote relaxation, this pillow works hard to keep you well-rested. Adjust the loft to get the ideal height for your needs. Now through Nov. 26, FOX readers can get an extra 20% off the sale price of both BioCrystal pillows with code FOXDEAL. That brings the Side Sleeper Pillow down to $119 and the Classic Pillow to $111.
Silk feels amazing any time of the year, so swap your cotton pillowcase for mulberry silk. The breathable fabric feels gentle on your hair and skin while helping reduce overnight frizz and friction. Silk also helps trap heat without the weight, so you stay warm on colder nights.
More than 70,000 shoppers bought these Beckham Hotel Collection pillows last month on Amazon, showcasing their popularity. The fluffy fill holds its shape even if you move frequently at night, and the cotton covers add a cooling element that helps prevent overheating — a helpful feature for those who sleep hot even in the winter.
Upgrade your bathroom for the fall with this towel set from Quince. Made from 100% Turkish cotton, it includes two extra-plush bath towels. They're soft, absorbent and available in a range of colors to match your space.
During the fall and winter, stop heat from leaking out drafty windows with a pair of blackout curtains. The back loops hide behind the curtain fabric for a cleaner look.
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