TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Opens Applications for Side Event Hosts
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is accepting applications for its Side Events program, allowing community members to host custom gatherings from October 10-16 in the Bay Area. Approved events will be promoted to the conference's attendees, and the deadline to apply is September 4. Hosts can organize roundtables, workshops, dinners, or networking happy hours.
The Side Events program extends Disrupt's reach beyond the three-day main conference, creating a week-long community presence across the Bay Area. Approved hosts receive promotion through the official calendar and marketing channels, with no application or participation fees. The program encourages evening gatherings during the main conference days, when attendees have finished sessions and are seeking networking opportunities.
Past events have included industry roundtables, VC office hours, workshops, dinners, and happy hours. All events must be in-person, Bay Area-based, and open to both conference attendees and the general public. Applicants should have a venue, title, and description prepared before starting the application process.
The Side Events program could significantly expand networking opportunities for startup founders and investors, potentially democratizing access to Disrupt's ecosystem beyond paid attendees. Community hosts may gain visibility and credibility by associating with a major tech conference, while smaller organizations could leverage this zero-cost channel to reach influential audiences. However, the program's impact depends on the quality and diversity of approved events, which could shape whether the broader Bay Area tech community benefits or only established players with existing venues and networks.