Time is running out to host a Side Event during TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. From October 10–16—including event dates between October 13–15 in San Francisco—organizers can apply now through September 4 to stage your own gathering around the conference. This is a chance to engage with founders, investors, and startup enthusiasts both during Disrupt week and beyond. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/24/apply-now-to-host-a-side-event-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2026/))
Why Side Events Matter
Side Events provide a platform to directly connect with the tech community on your terms. Whether you’re a venture capital firm seeking dialogues with emerging founders, a startup wanting to display innovations, or a community leader building meaningful engagements, these events amplify your presence. They offer brand visibility, meaningful networking, and narrative control during one of the year’s biggest startup gatherings. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/24/apply-now-to-host-a-side-event-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2026/))
What’s Allowed & What’s Expected
Flexibility is the name of the game. Past examples have included roundtables, VC office hours, workshops, intimate dinners, and evening happy hours. The main requirements: your event should be open to Disrupt attendees and the public, energized, and aligned with the spirit of innovation. Evening slots during October 13–15 are particularly encouraged—they often draw full rooms and engage audiences in the post-conference buzz. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/24/apply-now-to-host-a-side-event-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2026/))
How to Apply
Before submitting, secure a Bay Area venue. Prepare event title, description, date, location, and logistical needs upfront. Review the Side Events Host Guide and Host Terms & Conditions so you’re clear on expectations. The application is free, there’s no participation fee, just the vision and planning. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/24/apply-now-to-host-a-side-event-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2026/))
Deadline & Key Dates
- The last day to apply is September 4. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/24/apply-now-to-host-a-side-event-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2026/))
- Events can run from October 10–16, with Disrupt itself happening October 13–15 in San Francisco. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/24/apply-now-to-host-a-side-event-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2026/))
Approved side events receive promotion through the official Side Events calendar and Disrupt marketing channels—helping extend your reach far beyond attendees on the ground. Organizers are chosen based on the value they bring to founders, investors, and the broader startup ecosystem. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/24/apply-now-to-host-a-side-event-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2026/))
This opportunity is ideal if you’re ready to own a moment during Disrupt—curating experiences that matter, driving conversations, and getting in front of thousands without the overhead of staging your own standalone event.
What this means: TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is offering stakeholders across the ecosystem a chance to shape the event week through Side Events. This isn’t just about branding—it’s about facilitating community, mentorship, deal flow, and ideation beyond the main stage. If you’re gearing up for Disrupt, securing a Side Event could be the difference between attending a conference and shaping its narrative. Let’s watch who turns this into something memorable.
