TechCrunch Disrupt is one of the most anticipated technology conferences of the year. This April 27th – April 28th we will host the Hackathon and April 29th – May 1st, TechCrunch will be bringing Disrupt back to New York to reveal an all new slate of outstanding startups, influential speakers, guests, and more to the stage. For a quick overview, check out the video below. You can purchase tickets here.
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. The show begins with our ever-popular Hackathon. It’s 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.
- STARTUP BATTLEFIELD. Startup 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.
- 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 $2.5 million in funding. Purchase tickets here and send any questions you have to startupalley@beta.techcrunch.com.
- HARDWARE ALLEY. Are you a hardware startup? Looking for exposure, contacts, and sales? Want to show off something amazing? Sign up for Hardware Alley, a collection of eclectic hardware manufacturers that takes over Startup Alley on the last day of Disrupt. It’s a great opportunity to get the word out about your crowdfunded project or mass-market device. Hardware Alley is where hundreds of amazing start-ups have launched and it’s one of the most popular sessions at Disrupt. Purchase tickets here and email John Biggs with any questions at john@beta.techcrunch.com.
- 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.
TechCrunch Disrupt is one event not to miss. For all general questions, please contact us at schedule@beta.techcrunch.com.
Hope to see you all there!