10 Important startup conferences & events in 2026 in the USA

The United States remains the global center of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven growth. Nine of the world’s ten largest companies by market capitalization are based in the U.S., which also hosts the world’s largest concentration of unicorn companies, making it the most dynamic startup ecosystem in the world.

As a result, startup conferences and tech events in the USA play a critical role in shaping global technology trends. These events bring together startup founders, investors, product leaders, and technology partners to exchange knowledge, raise capital, validate ideas, and scale businesses.

In this guide, we’ve curated the most important startup conferences and tech events in the United States for 2026, focusing on events that deliver real value through networking, learning, and business opportunities.

The pros and cons of attending startup events 

Some obvious advantages include:

• Startup conferences and events can be a great opportunity to network, learn, and adopt useful practices. 
• You will have the opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs and learn about new technologies and business models. You may also find new business partners.
• Meeting successful entrepreneurs and learning about their success stories can inspire and motivate you to develop your business.
• Startup events are usually not boring, but interesting, and fun. This is a great way to reward your best employees. 
• Although attending a conference is still considered working time, it offers a welcome break from the daily routine through a change of location, environment, ideas, and people — often combined with inspiring city settings in major hubs such as New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, or Austin.

There are also some cons: 

• Startup events are typically not cheap. Individual tickets to such events are usually expensive. Besides, you should add the cost of a hotel, flight, car rental, food, etc. to the total cost. 
• Loss of productivity. Conferences usually last 2 to 4 days, but you’ll have to think about how many days you’ll be away from work. Add in travel distance, time, and travel exhaustion (especially in different time zones). So often, for example, a three-day conference can easily become a week-long absence from work. 
• A large amount of information presented at conferences can distract your attention from the main goals and objectives of your business.
• These conferences also attract recruiters searching for talented professionals, not just partners and investors. Therefore, if you send your best specialist to a conference, you risk losing them, because they will get a more attractive offer.  
• The bitter truth is that most startups fail. So attending a bunch of events and conferences for startups doesn’t guarantee your success.

After weighing the pros and cons, make up your mind! In the meantime, we will offer you 10 interesting startup conferences and events in 2026 that will soon be held in the United States (in chronological order).  

TECHSPO 2026

TECHSPO is a global technology expo series where business, technology, and innovation intersect. In 2026, TECHSPO continues its multi-city format across the United States, bringing together startups, technology companies, digital agencies, and enterprise solution providers.

Unlike single-location conferences, TECHSPO events are hosted in key U.S. tech and business hubs, allowing founders and teams to choose locations that best match their industry focus, market, and growth stage.

Where and when TECHSPO takes place in the USA

In 2026, TECHSPO events are expected to take place across multiple major U.S. cities, following their established annual schedule. Typical locations include:

• Los Angeles, CA – early spring
• San Francisco / Silicon Valley, CA – late spring or early summer
• Chicago, IL – spring
• Boston, MA – spring
• Atlanta, GA – early summer
• Houston, TX – spring
• Phoenix, AZ – summer
• Philadelphia, PA – fall

Each event usually runs for two full days, combining an exhibition floor with networking opportunities, product demos, and educational sessions.

Core industries represented at TECHSPO

TECHSPO is designed as a broad yet focused technology expo, covering the most commercially relevant areas of modern tech. Across U.S. locations, the following industries are consistently represented:

• SaaS (Software as a Service)
• Web & Mobile Application Development
• Internet Platforms & Digital Products
• AdTech (Advertising Technology)
• MarTech (Marketing Technology)E-commerce Technology
• Data-driven and AI-enabled business solutionsUX, Product Design, and Digital Experience Platforms

This makes TECHSPO particularly valuable for B2B and B2C tech startups, digital product companies, and software development teams.

Why TECHSPO is valuable for startups and founders

TECHSPO differs from traditional tech conferences by focusing heavily on real products and solutions, not just talks and panels. Attendees can expect:

• Direct access to technology vendors and solution providers
• Opportunities to validate ideas and products through live feedback
• Networking with founders, marketers, developers, and decision-makers
• Exposure to emerging tools in SaaS, digital marketing, and product development

For early-stage startups, TECHSPO is a practical environment to explore tools and partnerships. For more mature teams, it’s a place to discover scalable solutions and new market opportunities.

Details: https://techspo.co/events

B2B Online Chicago: 2026 

B2B Online Chicago is one of the leading U.S. conferences focused on B2B eCommerce, digital transformation, and omnichannel strategy. The event brings together senior leaders from manufacturing, distribution, and technology-driven B2B companies to share practical insights on growing online revenue.

Unlike broad tech expos, B2B Online Chicago is highly specialized and designed for decision-makers responsible for digital commerce, customer experience, and enterprise technology.

Where and when B2B Online Chicago takes place

B2B Online Chicago is traditionally held in Chicago, Illinois, one of the major U.S. hubs for manufacturing, logistics, and enterprise commerce.

• Chicago, IL – 4-6 May, 2026
• Duration: 2–3 days, including keynote sessions, breakout tracks, workshops, and networking

The central U.S. location makes the event easily accessible for both coastal and Midwest-based companies.

Core industries represented at B2B Online Chicago

The conference focuses on industries and solutions shaping modern B2B commerce, including:

• B2B eCommerce platforms and marketplaces
• Enterprise SaaS and digital commerce solutions
• Omnichannel and digital sales strategy
• Customer Experience (CX) and personalization
• MarTech and revenue operationsAI, data, and automation in B2B

This makes B2B Online Chicago especially relevant for startups and scale-ups selling into enterprise, manufacturing, and distribution markets.

Why B2B Online Chicago is valuable for startups and founders

B2B Online Chicago stands out for its practical, execution-focused content. Attendees benefit from:

• Real-world case studies from large B2B organizations
• Direct insights into enterprise buying behavior and digital transformation
• Networking with senior decision-makers and potential clients
• Exposure to enterprise-ready tools and platforms

For startups building B2B SaaS, digital commerce platforms, or enterprise software, this event offers a clear view of real customer needs and market expectations.

Details: https://b2bmarketing.wbresearch.com 

Startup Grind Global Conference 2026 

Startup Grind Global Conference is one of the most well-known startup events focused on founders, early-stage teams, and the global startup ecosystem. Organized by Startup Grind, the conference brings together entrepreneurs, investors, operators, and ecosystem leaders from around the world.

Unlike large-scale tech expos, Startup Grind places a strong emphasis on founder stories, practical insights, and community-driven networking, making it especially valuable for startups at the idea, MVP, and early growth stages.

Where and when Startup Grind takes place

Startup Grind Global Conference is traditionally hosted in Silicon Valley, California, the heart of the global startup ecosystem.

• Silicon Valley, CA – 27-29 April 2026
• Duration: 2 days, including keynotes, fireside chats, panels, and networking sessions

The location attracts a high concentration of founders, venture capitalists, and startup operators.

Core industries represented at Startup Grind

Startup Grind is industry-agnostic, with strong representation across:

• SaaS and software startups
• AI and emerging technologies
• FinTech, HealthTech, and enterprise solutions
• Consumer and B2B digital products
• Developer tools and platforms

This diversity makes the conference relevant for startups across multiple verticals.

Why Startup Grind is valuable for startups and founders

Startup Grind stands out for its authentic, experience-driven content. Attendees benefit from:

• First-hand insights from successful founders and investors
• Practical lessons on fundraising, scaling, and team building
• High-quality networking with startup peers and mentors
• Access to the global Startup Grind community

For founders looking to learn from real startup journeys and build meaningful connections, Startup Grind offers strong long-term value.

Details: https://www.startupgrind.tech 

UXDX USA 2026

UXDX USA 2026 is a leading conference focused on product development, user experience (UX), design, and engineering alignment. The event brings together product managers, UX designers, developers, and tech leaders to explore modern approaches that accelerate product impact and improve team collaboration.

Unlike general tech expos, UXDX emphasizes cross-functional product practices, making the event valuable for startups and product teams that want to build better products faster.

Where and when UXDX USA takes place

UXDX USA 2026 takes place in New York City, New York, with both in-person and online attendance options.

• New York City, NY – 11-13 May, 2026
• Duration: 3 days of talks, workshops, and interactive sessions
• Format: Hybrid (in-person + online)

The hybrid format allows startups and product teams from across the U.S. and globally to participate, regardless of location.

Core focus areas at UXDX USA

UXDX USA centers on core topics shaping modern product development workflows, including:

• Product strategy and delivery
• User Experience (UX) and customer research
• Design systems and UI innovation
• Engineering collaboration and DevOps practices
• Cross-functional team alignment

This focus makes UXDX USA particularly relevant for startups that prioritize product quality, user insight, and iterative development.

Why UXDX USA is valuable for startups and founders

UXDX USA stands out for its emphasis on practical, team-oriented learning. Attendees benefit from:

• Actionable frameworks to improve product delivery efficiency
• Insights on building customer-centered products
• Networking with product leaders and practitioners
• Real case studies from established and emerging companies

For startups aiming to scale their product teams or refine their product processes, UXDX USA offers direct, experience-based guidance.

Details: https://uxdx.com/usa/2026/ 

SaaStr Annual 2026

SaaStr Annual 2026 is one of the world’s largest SaaS and cloud software conferences, designed for founders, executives, investors, and revenue leaders focused on scaling B2B SaaS businesses. It brings together thousands of cloud, AI, and SaaS professionals to share tactical insights, growth strategies, and industry best practices.

Where and when SaaStr Annual takes place

• May 12–14, 2026
• San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA (San Mateo County Events Center) 

This three-day in-person event features a mix of sessions, workshops, and extensive networking opportunities for SaaS founders and teams looking to grow revenue, scale products, and connect with peers and investors.

Core industries and focus areas

SaaStr Annual is centered around the growth and scaling of SaaS, cloud, and AI-enabled B2B software businesses. Key topics typically include:

• SaaS growth and scaling strategies
• ARR expansion and customer acquisition
• Revenue operations and product strategy
• AI integration in cloud and enterprise software
• Leadership and organizational scaling

This focus makes the event especially valuable for startups and scale-ups building business software, subscription platforms, and enterprise tools.

Why SaaStr Annual is valuable for startups and founders

SaaStr Annual stands out for its community-driven content and high-impact networking. Attendees benefit from:

• Tactical sessions with founders and executives from top SaaS companies
• Workshops and deep dives on scaling revenue and operationsInvestor access and curated networking with VCs and growth leaders
• Real-world case studies and “playbook”-style presentations

For SaaS startups aiming to accelerate ARR growth and refine go-to-market strategies, SaaStr Annual offers both strategic insight and a powerful networking environment.

Details: https://www.saastrannual.com/buy-tickets-2026 

Black Hat USA 2026

Black Hat USA is one of the world’s leading cybersecurity conferences, focused on advanced security research, enterprise security solutions, and emerging threats. The event brings together security professionals, engineers, researchers, and technology leaders from across the globe.

Unlike general tech conferences, Black Hat is highly technical and practice-driven, making it especially valuable for startups and companies building security-critical and enterprise-grade products.

Where and when Black Hat USA takes place

• August 1–6, 2026
• Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

The event spans six days, starting with in-depth technical trainings, followed by the main conference featuring briefings, demos, and networking sessions.

Core industries represented at Black Hat USA

Black Hat USA focuses on technologies and industries where security is mission-critical, including:

• Cybersecurity and information security
• Cloud and enterprise security
• AI security and threat detection
• Infrastructure, DevSecOps, and application security
• Privacy, compliance, and risk management

This makes the conference particularly relevant for deep-tech startups, security vendors, and enterprise software companies.

Why Black Hat USA is valuable for startups and founders

Black Hat USA stands out for its deep technical expertise and industry credibility. Attendees benefit from:

• Exposure to cutting-edge security research and tools
• Direct feedback from experienced security professionals
• Networking with enterprise buyers and security decision-makers
• Insights into real-world security challenges faced by large organizations

For startups building cybersecurity, AI-driven security, or enterprise infrastructure products, Black Hat USA offers unmatched industry relevance and validation.

Details: https://blackhat.com/upcoming.html#usa 

Quantum World Congress 2026

Quantum World Congress (QWC) 2026 is a premier global event uniting the world’s quantum ecosystem — from research and deep science to technology commercialization and investment. The congress brings together scientists, founders, industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to explore breakthroughs across quantum computing, sensing, communications, networking, and adjacent deep-tech domains.

Where and when Quantum World Congress takes place

• September 22–24, 2026
• The Hotel at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
• Anchored in one of the strongest quantum innovation hubs in the world, the event spans three days of keynotes, collaboration sessions, startup showcases, and cross-sector networking.

Core focus areas at Quantum World Congress

Quantum World Congress covers the full quantum technology stack and ecosystem, including:

• Quantum computing research and commercialization
• Quantum sensing, networking, and communications
• Materials science and quantum-ready hardware
• Quantum workforce development and strategy
• Policy, investment, and industry partnership initiatives

This makes QWC particularly relevant for startups and scale-ups working on quantum software, hardware platforms, quantum-enhanced algorithms, and emerging deep tech products.

Why Quantum World Congress is valuable for startups and founders

Quantum World Congress stands out for its global ecosystem reach and research-to-impact focus. Attendees can expect:

• Insights from leading quantum researchers and commercial strategists
• Networking with industry partners, investors, and government stakeholders
• Exposure to cutting-edge quantum technologies and commercialization pathways
• Opportunities to position early-stage quantum products for real-world deployment

For startups building quantum-adjacent platforms, AI/ML power-assisted solutions, or enterprise-ready quantum tooling, QWC offers an unmatched environment for strategic connections and ecosystem visibility. 

Details: https://www.quantumworldcongress.com/2026 

Dreamforce 2026

Dreamforce 2026 is the flagship annual conference of Salesforce, one of the world’s largest and most influential technology events for business leaders, developers, partners, and innovators. The event showcases the latest Salesforce innovations, enterprise software strategies, and digital transformation insights for CRM, AI, sales, marketing, and customer success. 

Dreamforce is known for its mix of keynote speeches, breakout sessions, hands-on product deep dives, large expo floors, and extensive networking opportunities — all designed to help teams scale their businesses and adopt cutting-edge enterprise technologies.

Where and when Dreamforce takes place

• September 15–17, 2026
• Moscone Center, San Francisco, California, USA
• Also available as a digital broadcast via Salesforce+ for remote participation.

Dreamforce spans three full days of sessions, workshops, keynotes, hands-on training, and community events, drawing tens of thousands of attendees from around the world.

Core focus areas at Dreamforce

Dreamforce covers a wide range of enterprise technology topics, including:

• CRM and customer success strategy
• AI and automation in enterprise workflows
• Data platform and analytics
• Salesforce product strategy and product launches
• Developer tools, low-code platforms, and integration technologiesIndustry vertical sessions (e.g., healthcare, retail, financial services)

This makes the conference valuable for startups building enterprise software, AI-driven solutions, integrations on Salesforce platforms, and analytics tools

Why Dreamforce is valuable for startups and founders

Dreamforce stands out because of its scale and strategic depth. Attendees benefit from:

• Inspiration from high-profile keynotes and visionary speakers
• Hands-on sessions and product deep dives on Salesforce platforms
• Networking with global enterprise customers, partners, and developers
• Opportunities to understand large-scale enterprise requirements and ecosystem trends

For startups that target enterprise customers or build on Salesforce technologies, Dreamforce offers exposure to real business use cases, partner channels, and deep industry insights.

Details: https://www.salesforce.com/form/dreamforce/df26-save-the-date/

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is one of the most recognizable startup conferences in the global tech ecosystem. The event is designed for founders, early-stage teams, investors, and operators who want to stay close to where new companies are launched, funded, and scaled. Disrupt is especially known for bringing together startups and venture capital in a highly concentrated, fast-paced environment, where ideas are tested publicly and connections are made quickly.

Where and when TechCrunch Disrupt takes place

• October 13–15, 2026
• Moscone Center, San Francisco, California, USA 

The conference runs for three full days and takes place in the heart of San Francisco, one of the world’s most influential startup and investment hubs.

Core focus areas at TechCrunch Disrupt

TechCrunch Disrupt covers a wide range of startup-related topics, with a strong emphasis on:

• Early-stage and growth startups
• Fundraising and venture capital
• Product launches and validation
• Startup scaling and go-to-market strategy
• Emerging technologies such as AI, SaaS, and developer tools

The agenda combines keynote talks, panel discussions, live startup pitches, and informal networking across the venue.

Why TechCrunch Disrupt is valuable for startups and founders

What makes Disrupt stand out is its startup-first mindset. The event creates space for:

• Direct interaction between founders and investors
• Public exposure for new products and ideas
• Learning from real startup journeys, not just polished success stories
• Building visibility within the broader tech and media ecosystem

For startups preparing to raise funding, launch a product, or expand their network in the U.S. market, TechCrunch Disrupt offers high signal and strong ecosystem access in a short amount of time.

Details: https://techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2026/

TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026

TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 is a focused, founder-first event designed for early-stage and growth-stage startup leaders who want practical guidance on building and scaling companies. Organized by TechCrunch, the summit brings together founders, venture capitalists, operators, and industry experts for a highly concentrated day of tactical learning and meaningful networking.

Unlike large multi-day tech expos, Founder Summit emphasizes execution over exposure, with sessions centered on real-world startup challenges such as fundraising, go-to-market strategy, team building, legal and financial fundamentals, and leadership.

Where and when TechCrunch Founder Summit takes place

Boston, Massachusetts, USA 2026 (exact date to be confirmed by the organizers)

The event is traditionally held as a one-day, in-person gathering, allowing founders to gain high-value insights without the time commitment of longer conferences.

Core focus areas at TechCrunch Founder Summit

TechCrunch Founder Summit is built around the most critical topics for startup founders, including:

• Early-stage and growth-stage fundraising
• Go-to-market and customer acquisition strategies
• Building and scaling startup teams
• Financial planning, legal structure, and compliance
• Founder leadership and operational decision-making

This makes the event particularly relevant for founders navigating the transition from idea or MVP to scalable business.

Why TechCrunch Founder Summit is valuable for startups and founders

TechCrunch Founder Summit stands out for its depth and relevance to real founder needs. Attendees benefit from:

• Practical, “how-to” sessions led by experienced founders and investors
• Direct access to venture capitalists and startup mentors
• High-signal networking with peers facing similar growth challenges
• A focused format that prioritizes learning and meaningful connections over scale

For founders looking for actionable insights, investor exposure, and a clear understanding of what it takes to scale a startup, TechCrunch Founder Summit offers strong value in a compact, founder-centric format.

Details: https://techcrunch.com/events/techcrunch-founder-summit-2026/

Conclusions

Startup conferences and tech startup events can be a worthwhile investment of your time and money. Each event offers unique opportunities for learning, networking, and growth: from cutting-edge discussions in AI and big data marketing to in-depth explorations of SaaS and brand identity management.

These gatherings are not just about knowledge exchange; they also aim to foster connections and contacts, recruit qualified talent, and develop a community of forward-thinking individuals. Whether you’re a startup founder, tech enthusiast, seasoned executive, or investor, conferences, and events play a vital role in staying "in the loop" in the digital world and understanding the latest trends, and innovations.

If you need development or support for your startup, we’re ready to help. Please feel free to reach out to us!