Tech entrepreneur Maddy O’Connor, a 29‑year‑old graphic designer, has launched NewTree Social, an early‑stage app designed to help Tampa Bay residents find local activities and meet new people. The app’s feed lets users browse events in Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater, RSVP, and receive reminders – all from their phones.
Why an app for phone‑free experiences?
Eventbrite’s 2026 Social Study, which surveyed adults 18‑35 in the U.S. and U.K., found that 79% plan to attend more events this year. Among Gen Z respondents, 46% say they are limiting screen time and 74% say in‑person experiences matter more than digital ones. Eventbrite also reported a 567% global rise in “phone‑free” events between 2024 and 2025, with attendance up 121%.
O’Connor says the data reflects a growing desire for real‑world connection. “Instead of an app that keeps you scrolling, we want a tool that helps you close the app for a good reason,” she told CyberGuy.
How NewTree works
Users open the app, view a feed of nearby community, fitness and wellness events, and can RSVP with a single tap. Hosts can add photos, videos and reviews; higher‑rated events may receive greater visibility in the feed. During the pilot phase, O’Connor personally reviews and approves each host before events go live.
The platform also includes safety features: users can report or block others, and business profiles receive a verified badge after NewTree confirms their identity. However, the app does not conduct background checks on attendees or organizers, so users are advised to research unfamiliar events independently.
Local impact and future plans
NewTree is currently pre‑traction and pre‑revenue, focusing on proving the concept in the Tampa Bay market before expanding throughout Florida and eventually nationwide. The goal is to give newcomers and longtime residents alike an easy way to discover activities that match their interests, making the first step toward social interaction less awkward.
While the app’s success will depend on whether users actually attend the events they discover, early signs suggest a appetite for phone‑free, community‑focused experiences. As more people seek to balance digital life with real‑world connection, NewTree could become a useful tool for families and individuals looking to strengthen local ties.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
