TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Side Events schedule: NMI, Backblaze, PeakXV Partners, Augment, and more to host

Side events for TechCrunch Disrupt now span a full week, providing more opportunities to network than ever before.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is expanding its reach beyond the main conference with a comprehensive schedule of side events. These events, running from October 11th to October 15th, will take place across San Francisco, complementing the core conference held at Moscone West from October 13th to 15th. A variety of companies and organizations, including NMI, Backblaze, PeakXV Partners, Augment, Mintz, and many others, are hosting these gatherings. The side events feature a broad spectrum of activities such as panels, workshops, networking receptions, parties, and startup showcases. Specific events target various communities, including SaaS leaders, AI founders and investors, founders and operators in private markets, and those interested in worktech, robotics, and agentic AI. Other events cater to specific demographic groups or interests, like international startup communities, South Asian founders and investors, and content creators. The schedule is dynamic, with new events being added weekly.

The proliferation of side events surrounding major tech conferences signals a strategic shift towards community building and targeted networking beyond the main stage. Companies and VCs are leveraging these smaller, more focused gatherings to engage directly with founders and investors, fostering deeper connections and brand visibility in niche areas like embedded payments, AI security, and hardtech.

This trend indicates a recognition that true value creation and deal-making often occur in more intimate settings, away from the large-scale expo floor. For attendees, it means a more curated and potentially more productive experience, allowing for deeper dives into specific technologies and industries, and expanding the potential for serendipitous connections that can drive future innovation and investment.