RALEIGH – The wolves howl as you enter the posh North Carolina State University Dorothy and Roy Park Alumni Center, and once inside Monday night hundreds of people turning out for the latest Triangle Startup Social had many reasons to let loose a few howls themselves.

For example, Andy Roth of startup NeuroPlus. He and Isabel Marrero., the firm’s intern, were sharing with all who would listen the big news: First deliveries of the company’s headsets.

Roth was exhausted but exuberant as he talked about delivering more than 600 – the first made for clients. After raising funds through a Kickstarter campaign, NeuroPlus is heading toward potential success.

“NeuroPlus utilizes innovative neurofeedback technology to help you practice focus and concentration,” Andy’s website notes. “You’ll wear a wireless headset that measures your brainwaves while playing a training game that challenges you to focus. For example, you might need to concentrate really hard to race a dragon or fly a hoverbike.”

Andy Roth, left, and Isabel Marrero from NeuroPlus were all smiles

Well over 200 people turned out for the Social, which was put on by jobs platform Big Top and WRAL TechWire. And many of those went upstairs to see the Next Generation Television demo put on by WRAL TV, NBC Universal, the National Association of Broadcasters and other industry partners.

Laran Singh, left, and Rajesh Kanamarlapudi at the Startup Social

Laran Singh and Rajesh Kanamarlapudi took time out to discuss the new tech with The Skinny and gave it a thumbs up.

Lacey Hendrix, left, and Laura Wyker have a fireside chat

A roaring flame courtesy of natural gas certainly added warmth to the venue. Lacey Hendrix of Beard and Lady, left, and Laura Wyker of Wyker Design, chose that spot — not too close, though – for their conversation.

Sam Weaver and Meg Grant talk “Homework Homie”

But there was much more to see and to talk about than Next Gen TV. For example …

Best dressed of the evening had to be San Weaver in his brilliant red suit. He and Meg Grant were talking about “Homework Homie” and their hopes to fare well in the NCSU startup event Lulu eGames.

Can we assume he isn’t a Duke student? He laughed.

Note the NCSU bow tie.

Malav Patel, left, and Cristan Vivanlo talk with a photographer at the Startup Social

But for the most part the Social was a time to mix, trade business cards or emails or Facebook info.

David Cardarelli, or DC, of NCSU’s Garage, right, talks with Erin Lashnits.

Among the proudest at the event had to be David Cardarelli, who runs NCSU’s Garage for startups. “I’m DC,” he says by way of introduction. And then he talks about NCSU’s Entrepreneurship Initiative.

From left: Kevin Siefert, Nathan Levin and Aaron Thaddeus are all smiles.

Then there are those who attend to spread the word about what they do, such as photographer Kevin Siefert.

Or a true startup to tout – Nathan Levin notes with a chuckle his potential venture’s name on the ID tag was really something that just came to mind as he registered to attend.

Mark Easley, right, shares a moment with his son Mark Jr. at the Social

A reunion, of sorts, too, was on display.

Veteran Triangle investor and crowdfunding advocate Mark Easley was on hand along with his son, Mark Easley. Jr., who works for Texas Instruments.

Did you know TI has a presence of some 30 sales people in the Triangle?

Molly Demarest, left, of Big Top talks shop with Dorothy Bedor of Trade Show Manager.

Then there were multiple business introductions.

Dorothy Bedor, president of Trade Show Manager, was introduced by The Skinny to Molly Demarest, who runs Big Top. They had much to discuss.

Inside NCSU alumni center

As for the venue itself, a view from the balcony captures the ballroom appeal. Impressive.

Startup Social will return in March. Hope to see you there.