TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Opens Applications for Side Events

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is giving founders, communities and organizers an opportunity to create their own events alongside the main conference in San Francisco.

The official Disrupt conference will take place at Moscone West from October 13–15, but the wider Disrupt experience will extend across the city throughout the week of October 10–16. Organizers can now apply to host official Disrupt Side Events, ranging from networking meetups and pitch nights to workshops, parties and morning activities.

The program is designed for people who have a strong event concept and a suitable location but want help reaching the thousands of founders, investors and technology professionals expected in the Bay Area.

Turn your event idea into a Disrupt Side Event

Hosting a Side Event gives organizers the freedom to create an event around their own community, interests or goals.

That could mean a founder networking session, an after-hours panel, a themed party, a breakfast meetup or even a morning run. The format is largely up to the host.

There is no cost to apply, and organizers don’t need to purchase a licensing package to submit an idea. Applications are reviewed based on the event concepts and their potential to contribute to the Disrupt community.

However, hosts are responsible for running their own events. This includes arranging the venue, managing the budget and registrations, handling logistics and carrying out some promotional activities.

TechCrunch will help give approved Side Events additional exposure through its Side Events page, event agenda, app, attendee emails and website coverage.

Hosts will also receive a discount promo code for Disrupt passes that they can share with their own networks.

Applications close September 4

Side Events can take place at any point during the October 10–16 week.

Organizers interested in participating need to submit their applications by September 4. TechCrunch has also provided a detailed guide explaining how the Side Event program works for potential hosts.

The program offers an opportunity to bring a specific community together while benefiting from the attention surrounding one of the technology industry’s major gatherings.

What happened at Disrupt in 2025?

Last year’s Side Event lineup showed just how many different formats organizers can use.

The 2025 schedule included VIP penthouse mixers involving major cloud companies, founder pitch nights, community meetups, running clubs and late-night discussions about AI.

With dozens of events taking place across different locations, organizers were able to create experiences for the more than 10,000 founders, investors and community members attending Disrupt and related activities in the Bay Area.

For companies, startup communities and individuals with an interesting idea, the Side Event program can provide a way to build visibility around Disrupt without necessarily purchasing an exhibition table or sponsorship package.

Other ways to participate

Organizers looking for a larger presence at Disrupt can also explore other opportunities.

Companies can purchase an Expo Hall exhibit table to showcase their products directly to attendees. Sponsorship packages are another option for organizations looking for additional exposure and benefits during the event.

For those interested specifically in hosting a Side Event, the application deadline is September 4.

TechCrunch is encouraging potential hosts to submit their ideas before the deadline. Questions about the Side Event program can also be sent to side.events@techcrunch.com.

And for people who haven’t yet purchased a Disrupt 2026 ticket, there is currently another limited-time offer. Attendees can save up to $400 on their ticket, but the special discount ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on Friday, August 7.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will bring the technology community together in San Francisco from October 13–15, with Side Events extending the experience across the city throughout the surrounding week.

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