Boston and Berkeley are playing host to some of the tech world’s hottest get-togethers—and it’s not only the big conference sessions generating buzz. Side Events are quickly becoming the hottest ticket themselves, providing startups, investors, and thought leaders with a more intimate, dynamic means of connecting and innovating.
Side Events: A Smart Strategy for Connection and Growth
TechCrunch is bringing Side Events center stage, providing innovators with the opportunity to break away from the official conference schedule. Whether through a networking reception, panel, or talent showcase, these events are created to foster true interaction in the local tech community. The appeal is evident: Side Events provide hosts with the opportunity to establish their brand, initiate dialogue, and establish connections in an informal, impactful environment.
Boston’s TechCrunch All Stage 2025: A Week of Innovation
In Boston, TechCrunch All Stage 2025 is coming together as a tech festival unlike any other.
festival unlike any other.festival.AcceptDismiss As a week-long festival starting from July 13 through July 19, the events are open to anyone who wishes to host—no fees or applications necessary. The hosts have complete control, designing and funding their events, but in exchange, they receive an enormous visibility boost.
TechCrunch reports that accepted Side Events will be promoted on TechCrunch.com and the All Stage 2025 website, plus to attendees via emails, posts, and the event agenda. That’s visibility to 1,500 conference attendees and the wider Boston tech community, all at no promotional cost.
The application deadline is June 10, and approvals are rolling in—so the earlier you create your event, the sooner you can begin generating buzz. TechCrunch also offers a comprehensive guide to assist hosts in organizing effective, memorable events.
Berkeley’s AI Week: A Hub for Cutting-Edge Conversations
On the West Coast, Berkeley is abuzz with AI energy as TechCrunch Sessions: AI Week convenes over 1,000 AI experts and researchers. The emphasis is on in-person Side Events that leverage the city’s robust tech scene. Be it a cocktail reception, industry meetup, or demo night, these events are an excellent opportunity to meet the individuals changing the face of artificial intelligence.
To help hosts, TechCrunch provides an exclusive ticket discount and strong promotional support. Events are posted on the AI Week site, in the mobile app and agenda, and attendee emails and articles. Hosts organize all logistics and expenses, but promotional visibility is high.
For activities on June 5, only evening time slots are available to minimize overlap with the general conference programming. Paid sponsor events have promotion extras with guaranteed exposure, but hosting a Side Event is free for those who want to maintain it as organic and grassroots.
Why Side Events Matter: More Than Just a Social Hour
These are not mere social hangouts. Side Events are working as powerful brand-building and community-exchange tools. As TechCrunch describes, they provide a tactical means of making connections and expanding visibility in highly competitive spaces, particularly in specialized domains such as AI. The format is catalyzing tech conferences to become more diverse, localized events centered on genuine interaction.
Disrupt 2025: Big Names, Bold Ideas
Of course, the key events remain punchy. TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 boasts a stellar lineup of speakers and entrepreneurs, such as Adam Bain (former COO of Twitter and co-founder of 01 Advisors), Rajat Bhageria (CEO of Chef Robotics), and Astro Teller (Captain of Moonshots at X, Alphabet’s moonshot factory).
Some other prominent voices are Marlon Nichols at MaC Venture Capital and Gabby Cazeau at Harlem Capital, who are both leading the conversation on equity, access, and disruptive investing. The lineup indicates a larger industry trend toward inclusive leadership and next-gen solutions.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Tech Gatherings
With Side Events now a key part of major tech conferences, the landscape is evolving. These smaller, targeted experiences are opening doors for new voices, fresh ideas, and meaningful partnerships. Whether you’re launching a startup, scouting talent, or exploring new technologies, Side Events are quickly becoming the go-to avenue for making things happen.
From Boston’s frenetic All Stage Week to Berkeley’s AI-centered meetups, one thing’s certain: the future of technology isn’t only being talked about in conference rooms—it’s being created in Side Events throughout the city.
