For the last 15 years, “noneck” has explored the creative spaces and innovative technologies that link us together. His work has focused on entrepreneurial ideas that have changed the world. Currently, he is the co-founder and Executive Director of BetaNYC, the nation’s largest open government and civic technology meetup.

Noel Hidalgo has a storied past in changing the world. In 2013, he joined the board of StreetsPAC, a political action committed to improving the safety, mobility and livability of one of New York City’s greatest assets: its streets. He was a charter member of the the New York City Transparency Working Group (nycTWG), a group of NYC civic groups who advocate for greater transparency in city government. In 2012, nycTWG lobbied for the passing of NYC Local Law 11 of 2012, America’s premier municipal Open Data law. In 2009, he forged the NYC cycling community in to using #BikeNYC, a peer-to-peer tool to organize and communicate. In 2005, he co-founded one of the first Drupal User Groups, the NYC’s Drupal user group and hosted DrupalCamp.

He has journeyed around the world documenting communities that live on the Internet and documented the process of becoming a New York City Yellow Cab driver. In 2009, he traveled to Iraq to teach Government ministers about the power of open government. In 2008, he was awarded membership to Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. At 18, he was awarded the Boy Scouts of America’s Rank of Eagle Scout.

From 2009 till 2011, Noel served the New York State Senate as the Director of Technology Innovation where his team launched NYSenate.gov, one USA’s premier state legislative portal. His team organized the first unconference inside a State house, CapitolCamp. From June 2011 till October 2012, he worked at the World Economic Forum building internal technology and launched the Global Shapers Community Website. From November 2012 till December 2013, he worked for Code for America’s Brigade Program as NYC’s program manager.