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TechCrunch Disrupt is one of the most anticipated technology conferences of the year. This September 8-12, TechCrunch will be bringing Disrupt back to San Francisco to reveal an all new slate of outstanding startups, influential speakers, guests, and more to the stage. The TechCrunch Disrupt conference is a beast of many moving parts, all of which you can find in the video and details below.

The Hackathon kicks everything off, followed by our main event which starts every morning with panels of special speakers and guests, one-on-one chats featuring TechCrunch writers and editors, special guest speakers and judges, leading venture capitalists, and fascinating entrepreneurs addressing the most important topics facing today’s tech landscape. In the afternoons, the Startup Battlefield presentations begin, with the final presentations held on the last day of Disrupt. Please note: we will publish our agenda featuring panels, speakers, special guests, and judges as we get closer to the event.

  • HACKATHON. We kick the excitement off with our incredibly popular Hackathon. The Hackathon is held before the main event and brings together hackers and developers from all over the world, where they join teams to hack a product within a 24 hour time slot. During the Hackathon, energy drinks are flowing, photographers are capturing, TechCrunch writers are furiously scribbling interview notes, Nerf gun attacks are happening, and much, much more. Once the Hackathon is over, every team gets a chance to present their hack to a panel of expert judges and audience members. The winners get to present their product on the Disrupt stage. Hackers make anything from useful services, to hilarious products. You might just end up as big as these guys. For more info on our Hackathon, check out the one we just held in NY.
  • STARTUP BATTLEFIELDStartup Battlefield is the very heart of TechCrunch Disrupt. Some 30 companies, chosen from hundreds of applicants, launch their products on the Disrupt stage before a live and online audience, all in front of a panel of expert judges. After demos, pitches and tough rounds of questions, TechCrunch’s editors, working with the VCs, seasoned entrepreneurs, and product experts, select six companies for a final, drama-filled round on the third and final day of Disrupt. Only one Battlefield contender takes home a $50,000 check and the coveted Disrupt Cup. Why should you apply? This is a must read. Applications will be open until Friday, July 13th, 2012 at 11:59pm PT. APPLY NOW for the 2012 Startup Battlefield Competition in San Francisco.
  • STARTUP ALLEY. Startup Alley is jam packed with early stage companies showing their talent and technology to audience members. Browsing through Startup Alley introduces a range of exciting companies to the marketplace, many who are launching at Disrupt for the first time. Around 50 new companies demo on Monday and a whole new set of 50 companies demo on Tuesday. As you can see, a total of around 100 companies launch at Startup Alley every year.
    Startup Alley companies also get the chance to present on the Disrupt stage in front of our esteemed judges. On Monday and Tuesday, the audience votes for their “Audience Choice Winner”.  Each day, the audience favorite receives the last spot to compete on stage as part of that day’s Battlefield contestants. If chosen, that company will be eligible to compete in the Battlefield Finals for the $50,000 grand prize and coveted Disrupt Cup. Startups wanting to participate in Startup Alley must be less than 2 years old, with less than $2 million in funding. For more information on Startup Alley and to buy tickets, click here.
  • SPONSORS. Sponsors also get a shot to be a part of Disrupt. Interested sponsors may purchase an Exhibitor Sponsor Table. When purchased, you will get a table space for the full 3 days of the conference, opening at registration and concluding at the end of the conference. Exhibit space includes: table linens, power, ethernet Internet connection, and table-top sign. Exhibitors may bring additional or replacement booth/graphics pre-approved by TechCrunch. This package also includes exhibitor-level branding on TechCrunch’s Disrupt event site and in our printed program guide given out to press and all audience members. This will include logo, link to our event site on TechCrunch.com and a 25-word product description. A press list is also available. For Sponsorship information and all inquiries, please email us at sponsors@beta.techcrunch.com. If interested, tickets are on sale now here.

TechCrunch Disrupt is one event not to miss. For all general questions, please contact us at schedule@beta.techcrunch.com.

If you would like to apply to Startup Battlefield, please APPLY NOW.

For more information on this past May’s TechCrunch Disrupt NYC event, be sure to go here. For a look back on last year’s Disrupt in SF, go here. And please keep your eye out all summer for special announcements, the full agenda, and ticket giveaways.

Hope to see you all there!

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW.