Full Breakdown
NewTree Social App Aims to Turn Phones into Real-World Event Guides
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Launch of NewTree Social in Tampa Bay
NewTree Social is an early-stage mobile app that helps users discover local community, fitness, and wellness events and meet people in person. Founded by 29-year-old Maddy O'Connor, the pilot launched in Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater, offering a feed where users can browse events, RSVP, and receive reminders. Hosts can add photos, videos, and reviews that influence event visibility.
Background & Context: Growing Desire for Phone-Free Experiences
Eventbrite’s 2026 Social Study of adults 18-35 in the U.S. and U.K. found 79 % plan to attend more events in 2026. Among Gen Z respondents, 46 % are limiting screen time and 74 % say in-person experiences now outweigh digital ones. Eventbrite also reported a 567 % rise in “phone-free” events worldwide from 2024-2025, with attendance up 121 %.
Key Figures & Groups
- Maddy O'Connor – Founder, former graphic designer.
- Eventbrite – Provided the study data.
- Apple – Assigns NewTree a 13 + age rating in the App Store.
Data & Statistics
- Phone-free events grew 567 % globally (2024-2025).
- Attendance at those events rose 121 % (same period).
- 79 % of surveyed adults intend to attend more events in 2026.
- 46 % of Gen Z limit screen time; 74 % prioritize in-person experiences.
- NewTree is pre-traction and pre-revenue, limited to Tampa Bay.
Official Statements & Responses
O'Connor says NewTree aims to make the shift from scrolling to attending feel natural, surfacing activities users already find interesting. She notes the platform functions more like a social network than a traditional events directory, with reviews shaping feed placement.
For safety, O'Connor personally reviews hosts during the MVP stage and the app includes reporting and blocking tools. A verified badge confirms a business’s identity but does not constitute endorsement; the company does not conduct background checks on attendees or organizers.
On data handling, NewTree collects name, email, date of birth, and location, stored in a Supabase database with access controls. When a user RSVPs to a free event, the host receives the attendee’s name, email, and location.
Apple lists NewTree with a 13 + rating, yet O'Connor states the service requires users to be at least 18, creating a rating discrepancy.
Why It Matters / Impact
If successful, NewTree could give users a concrete reason to set phones aside and engage offline, addressing concerns about screen addiction and social isolation that have grown since the pandemic. By blending social-media-style discovery with event attendance, the app seeks to turn existing smartphone habits into offline interaction.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The inconsistency between Apple’s 13 + rating and NewTree’s 18-plus policy remains unresolved. The platform also lacks background checks or identity verification for hosts and attendees, leaving safety assurances dependent on user diligence.
What’s Next
NewTree plans to expand beyond Tampa Bay to the broader Florida market and eventually the United States. Android support is slated for a future release, and the business model may add optional premium tools for businesses and hosts, though specific features are still undecided.
The app remains in a formative stage, and its ability to convert digital browsing into sustained offline participation will determine its influence on broader trends toward reduced screen time and increased community engagement.