TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, the premier technology event, is scheduled to take place from October 13 to 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. Alongside the main conference, a robust Side Event program will be held across the city, featuring panels, workshops, networking mixers, and social gatherings. These Side Events are independently organized by various companies and communities, offering attendees additional opportunities to connect with founders, investors, and tech leaders before and during Disrupt week.

Among the notable Side Events are those hosted by key partners such as NMI, Backblaze, PeakXV Partners, and Augment. For example, NMI will lead a mixer on October 12 focused on SaaS leaders scaling embedded payments, while Backblaze will host an Afterburn mixer on October 14 for relaxed networking without formal programming. PeakXV and Augment, among others, will hold cocktail and social mixers dedicated to private markets, startup ecosystems, and emerging tech, providing informal spaces for meaningful conversations and deal-making.

The Side Event calendar includes a diverse range of activities scheduled from October 11 through October 15, including tech demos, startup pitch nights, AI and security-focused discussions, and exclusive founder and investor mixers. These events cater to different interests such as AI, robotics, SaaS, venture capital, and emerging markets like Korean startups. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP directly with hosts, as entry is separate from the main Disrupt pass and events may have capacity or age restrictions.

For startups and founders looking to maximize their presence at Disrupt, the deadline to book exhibit tables in the Expo Hall is September 18. Exhibiting offers direct access to an audience of over 10,000 attendees, including VCs and potential partners, with opportunities for demos, lead generation, and networking. Tickets to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 also remain on sale with early-bird discounts available until September 25, ensuring broad access to the dynamic programs and the Startup Battlefield 200 competition.