We’re getting close to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026! In less than two months, more than 10,000 innovators, founders, investors, and industry leaders will gather in San Francisco. You can meet up with that community the week of TechCrunch Disrupt, which runs from October 13-15.
With our Disrupt Side Events program, you can bring people together anytime from October 10-16 for a custom event that gets promoted to Disrupt’s attendees. But time is running out — our deadline to apply for Side Events is September 4, so act now!
What are the benefits of a Side Event?
Hosting a Side Event puts you in control of how your community meets up, placing your brand front and center with the people who matter most. Whether you’re a VC looking to spark conversations, a company ready to showcase breakthrough innovation, or a community builder with something to say, this is your moment to:
- Engage directly with thousands of the sharpest minds in tech.
- Build authentic relationships with potential partners, investors, and collaborators.
- Own your narrative and showcase your expertise on your terms.
- Generate buzz that extends far beyond the event itself.
Approved Side Events are all promoted to Disrupt attendees and the rest of our audiences through the official Side Events calendar and marketing channels.
What Side Events can you host?
Anything that aligns with your vision is likely to be approved. Everything from industry roundtables and VC office hours to deep-dive workshops to intimate dinners and casual networking happy hours have succeeded at past Disrupt events.
The format is yours to design — we just ask that you bring the energy and make sure it’s open to both Disrupt attendees and the broader public. We recommend hosting events that take place in the evenings during Disrupt from October 13-15, as there’s less competition and more post-conference excitement to fuel meaningful conversations with undivided audiences.
How can I apply for a Side Event?
You can look at the application form here, but it’s helpful to have a few things locked in before starting the application process:
- Have a venue selected in the Bay Area — this is all about in-person experiences.
- Have a title, description, and venue prepared for the event.
- Double-check the Side Events Host Guide and the Side Event Host T&Cs.
If you have additional questions, we’re here to help! Just email our Side Events team and we’ll follow up to help.
We prioritize events that provide meaningful value to founders, investors, and the startup community, but aside from that, you know your community and ideal audience the best! There’s zero cost to apply and participate, so let’s hear your ideas.
Apply by September 4 to be a part of Disrupt
Apply now and tell us your vision, goals, and what you need logistically in your application, and we’ll handle the rest to give your team the support and exposure you need to make the most of the community and opportunity Disrupt brings to San Francisco and the Bay Area.
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