Join the IRC Chat room!: server: chat.freenode.net room:#/r/nyc
Keep in mind, when at the events, that you are in a public location and are responsible for your own safety. Look out for yourself and for your fellow Redditors. Nobody will be there to police behavior, so take it on yourself to keep a safe environment.
I called a fellow redditor whitey within 5 minutes of showing up. I don't think you could ask for a better evening.