Host your own piece of Disrupt: Apply to run a Side Event at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

TechCrunch is opening its Disrupt 2026 conference to organizers who want to host independent side events during the gathering. The media company invites founders, investors, and conference attendees to pitch concepts ranging from networking mixers and after-hours panels to themed parties and morning workouts.

TechCrunch handles promotion to the thousands of attendees already at the conference, giving organizers built-in distribution for their events. The model lets sponsors and organizers amplify their brands without the overhead of producing a standalone gathering. Side events have become standard fixtures at major tech conferences, often generating more organic engagement than main-stage programming.

Disrupt remains one of the startup world's largest conferences, drawing founders, venture capitalists, and enterprise leaders. The 2026 edition represents TechCrunch's effort to distribute event production across its community while maintaining control over the broader conference experience. This approach reduces risk on individual programming while letting the platform capture revenue from organizers seeking audience access.

The application-based model suggests TechCrunch will likely prioritize events that appeal to its core audience. A founder-focused morning run hits differently than a generic happy hour. Quality control matters. The conference has historically attracted top-tier speakers and investor participation, so side events benefit from proximity to that pedigree.

For organizers, the appeal is straightforward. A pre-built audience of several thousand people eliminates the cold-start problem plaguing independent events. Networking mixers and panels hosted during Disrupt draw attendees simply because they're already on-site. Sponsorship packages and ticket sales from side events flow back to organizers.

The timing signals confidence in the 2026 edition's attendance figures and suggests TechCrunch expects solid turnout. By 2026, interest in AI, founder health, and emerging geographies will likely drive attendance. Side events focused