TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 invites applications for community side events
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will take place October 13-15 in San Francisco, with side events running from October 10-16. Organizers must apply by September 4 at midnight PT to host approved gatherings. Approved events receive promotion to attendees and broader audiences.
The application window closes this Friday at midnight Pacific time, and organizers must secure a Bay Area venue before submitting. Approved events receive promotion through TechCrunch's official calendar and marketing channels, with no application or participation fee.
Past side events have ranged from industry roundtables and VC office hours to workshops, dinners, and happy hours. Organizers design their own format, though evening slots during the main conference days are recommended for less competition. Events must be open to both Disrupt attendees and the broader public.
This program could shape how startup communities network outside major conferences, potentially democratizing access to investors and partners. Smaller organizers may gain visibility they couldn't otherwise afford, while attendees benefit from more diverse gathering formats. However, the requirement for Bay Area venues may limit participation to local groups, possibly reinforcing the region's concentration of tech networking opportunities.