TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is opening a final window for organizers who want to host a Side Event during the conference week. Applications close tonight at midnight PT, leaving less than 24 hours to join the program.
Scheduled for October 10-16 in San Francisco, the Side Events format gives brands and communities a chance to create their own moments around one of the year's most influential tech gatherings. Organizers can plan meetups, happy hours, panels, or workshops designed to spark meaningful exchange.
Extra visibility for approved hosts
Selected events are positioned to reach the broader Disrupt audience, including founders, investors, partners, and innovators. Approved hosts may also benefit from placement across the official event ecosystem, including the agenda, app, attendee communications, and TechCrunch's editorial and social channels.
Another incentive is a 25% ticket discount that hosts can share with their network, helping expand attendance and community engagement. TechCrunch notes that every application is reviewed by its events team, and approval is required before an event becomes part of the official Side Events lineup.
Organizers are responsible for their own logistics and costs, making the opportunity best suited for teams ready to shape a tailored experience around the conference. For those who want to be part of the wider Disrupt atmosphere without hosting, ticket options remain available as well.
As the deadline approaches, the final call is clear: those aiming to stand out during Disrupt week should act now. In the future, this kind of community-led event model may become an even stronger bridge between major conferences and the ecosystems they inspire.
