Bernardo concedes that the downturn had an impact in Silicon Alley, and that some of the parties aren't what they were earlier. A few days later, a huge party sponsored by Yazam, a venture-capital firm, offered no food. And for the first time Bernardo can recall, the Thursday-night section of a recent report, usually the one most filled with parties, was empty of free affairs. He recently hired an assistant. And some companies, such as PSINet Inc., which provides Internet access, are offering him free services in exchange for the exposure he brings.
People realize how important parties are for business.
It could actually work. Upon meeting him for the first time, many New Yorkers are dazzled as though in the presence of star. That's what happened to Dennis Lee, who was serving as gatekeeper for a party to celebrate the renovation of offices at Iconixx, an interactive Internet agency that went out of its way to get the event posted on Bernardo's List not long ago. When Bernardo announced himself, Lee looked down to his own guest list a moment. Then Bernardo repeated his name.