Startup

10 important Startup Conferences & Events 2024 in the USA

America has long been a leader in business excellence and innovation that creates groundbreaking technologies. Of the world’s most successful companies with the largest capitalization, nine of the top ten are located here. The largest number of unicorn companies is also in the United States. That’s why such conferences and tech startup events happening in the United States are essential for all global startups, entrepreneurs, founders, and investors. Because they outline the directions in which the modern technology sector is moving and open up new perspectives.

Before attending a startup event, you must consider a few things.

First, whether this conference is actually the one you need. What do you hope to get out of it? Read the feedback from previous years' participants to help you decide.

Second, consider the cost: startup events can be expensive, so make sure the chosen event is worth your investment. Also, consider travel and accommodation costs. And if the startup event is not taking place during your vacation, you’ll need to ensure you can get away from the office without any problems.

Third, be prepared to talk about your startup. Prepare a presentation and a few talking points if you are asked questions about your business. You want to find potential partners and investors, right? 😉

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 participation in the conference is still working time, it is not a boring office job, it is a break from the daily routine. A change of location, environment, ideas, and people; plus a beautiful view, because such events often are held in large popular cities such as New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Austin, etc.

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.
At such conferences, they often look not only for partners and investors but also for talented employees. 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 2024 that will soon be held in the United States (in chronological order).

1. Startup Grind, April 23 – 24, Silicon Valley, CA

Over 7,000 founders and investors, joined by 200+ speakers, are gearing up for 100 sessions, workshops, and Q&A sessions. Plus, 300+ exhibiting startups are planned to participate. Get ready for an incredible event!

This event is the perfect mixture of amazing content and incredibly talented people, all in an unforgettable setting. And it all will be seasoned with custom-built networking tech to enhance every attendee’s experience. You’ll feel like you’re a part of a tight-knit community. This event is designed for startups and small businesses, offering practical insights, networking opportunities, and the latest trends in the startup world. Don’t miss out on this fantastic experience!

Look here for details.

2. UXDX USA 2024, May 15 – 17, New York and Online

Here, Product, UX, Design, and Dev pros gather to thrust into the cutting-edge practices and tools powering top-tier product teams. It’s going to be a wonderful opportunity to level up your skills and uncover game-changing strategies proven by leading companies. With a blend of virtual and in-person sessions, including talks, debates, panels, and interactive forums, this conference is your gateway to the future of product development.

See the details

3. TECHSPO Chicago 2024, May 22 – 23, Soldier Field Stadium in Chicago, Illinois

All that was called to shape the future of our tech-driven world is right there, at TECHSPO Chicago, – experts in development, branding, marketing, technology, design, innovation, and more.

Explore the latest advancements in Internet, Mobile, AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS Technology as exhibitors showcase their newest outputs to consumers, investors, media influencers, professionals, and tech enthusiasts.

This expo will bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, students, investors, marketers, executives, developers, designers, and thought leaders from around the world. Don't miss your chance to connect with others and discover the latest technology ways and creations at the TECHSPO Chicago Technology Expo!

Learn more

4. SAP Sapphire & ASUG Annual Conference Orlando, June 3–5, Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), Orlando, Florida

Join the SAP Sapphire event this June. You’ll witness experts, thought leaders, and peers who will gather there to share and explore groundbreaking innovations. Discover how these innovations can bring your visions to life.

Over three immersive days, you’ll be treated to:

Captivating keynotes, engaging demos, and insightful showcases
Opportunities to connect and interact with industry experts, valued partners, and fellow customers
Exclusive pre-conference user sessions at the ASUG Annual Conference
Exciting experiences on the show floor and at our celebration night
Ample networking opportunities to forge noteworthy connections and exchange ideas

For those unable to join in person, SAP Sapphire Virtual on June 4–5 brings the experience to you, no matter where you are! Immerse yourself in the virtual environment, featuring live moments and personalized on-demand content tailored to empower you to reshape your business and embrace the future.

Explore further

5. AI & Big Data Expo: North America, June 5 – 6, Santa Clara Convention Center, CA

Prepare for a ride you will never forget! A community of over 7,000 global participants. They include technology leaders, innovators, decision-makers, and industry experts. You'll meet chief technology officers (CTOs), chief data officers (CDOs), chief information officers (CIOs), heads of IoT, AI/ML enthusiasts, IT directors, chief data scientists, data analysts, software engineers, security professionals, developers, startups, OEMs, government officials, technology vendors, investors, venture capitalists, and more.

The AI & Big Data Expo will immerse you in the latest advances and state-of-the-art technologies With insights from over 250 speakers, including industry pioneers and thought leaders, you'll gain unparalleled knowledge and real-world insights. Delve deeply into a variety of engaging formats, including breakout sessions, expert panel discussions, and insightful fireside chats.

Key topics for 2024 include responsible AI, ethical AI, AI in cybersecurity, AI-driven personalization, data monetization, data quality management, enterprise adoption of AI, the augmented workforce, the emergence of AIOps, leveraging AI for digital transformation, building trust through explainable AI, and more.

Click for details

6. mlcon3, June 5 – 6

Since its inception in 2021, MLCON has been the gathering place for industry professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence. This unique hybrid conference unites an enthusiastic community of 13,000+ AI&ML developers.

As AI technology continues to rapidly evolve with refinements such as generative AI and large language models (LLMs), mlcon remains at the forefront. It serves as a hub for AI professionals and developers and helps them gain insights, share knowledge, and learn from industry leaders. Mlcon offers a wealth of knowledge on bringing generative AI into production, optimizing AI infrastructure, and staying ahead of the curve, from practical tips to proven strategies.

But more than a conference, mlcon is a community. It is a place where AI leaders come together to break down barriers and share their successes, failures, and lessons learned. Mlcon strives for collective progress and evolution in AI through collaboration and open dialogue.

An immersive learning experience tailored to real-world demands! Since 1998, TechMentor IT Pro Training Conference has been empowering IT Managers, Network Administrators, Systems Admins, Security Specialists, and CTOs with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.

This year’s key topics include Microsoft 365 Admin Center, Cyber Security, Microsoft Teams, Azure, Active Directory, PowerShell, and Cutting Edge AI. Their expert speakers will offer practical insights on deploying, managing, and supporting Microsoft and related products.

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Microsoft HQ and the Pacific Northwest while expanding your expertise. Whether you’re an IT professional or a tech enthusiast, this training is designed to keep you ahead in today’s rapidly growing technological landscape.

More info here

8. Chief Product Officer Summit, September 04, San Francisco Marriott Marquis, CA

This summit is an exclusive event for senior product executives from top-tier corporations and dynamic startups worldwide! It offers a deep dive into the latest innovative trends. The main focus here is AI and ML and their vigorous advancements. The topics cover everything from effective hiring strategies to team dynamics and nurturing a thriving, innovative work environment.

The summit offers you a fantastic opportunity to witness the growth of product-led strategies in response to the ever-changing technology landscape. Our industry experts will provide you with valuable insights to help you understand how to drive organizational success.

The Chief Product Officer Summit is not just any conference but a dynamic combination of innovative ideas, best practices, and forward-thinking, specifically designed for leaders in product development and innovation.

Get the scoop

9. SAASTR ANNUAL 2024: THE WORLD’S #1 SAAS GATHERING, September 10 – 12, SF BAY AREA

Join more than 13,000 Cloud and SaaS Founders, VCs, and Executives for the 10th SaaStr Annual: three immersive days packed with tactical insights, hundreds of interactive workshops, and thousands of networking opportunities – all designed to accelerate your growth journey with less pressure and more triumph.

The event features:

Over 100 tactical sessions with renowned founders, emerging voices, and rising stars in the industry.
More than 250 speakers from the world's leading SaaS companies.
Attendees can participate in over 2,000 networking meetings, AMAs, mentoring sessions, one-on-ones, and roundtable discussions.
Connect with more than 1,000 VCs through one-on-one matchmaking sessions.
Interact with 150+ top sponsors driving innovation in the Cloud sector.

You can expect practical advice and insights in the distinctive SaaStr style, tailored to help you scale your business from $0 to $100M ARR. Each session is carefully curated to get the most out of your learning experience.

Click for more

10. TechCrunch Disrupt, October 28 – 30, San Francisco

Disrupt is where innovation happens for startups. Providing unparalleled resources, connections, and expert wisdom to propel your venture forward, whether you're a budding visionary with a game-changing concept, an established startup seeking expansion, or an investor looking for the next big breakthrough.

The program is dynamic, with engaging discussions with industry pioneers, immersive workshops, and vibrant networking events designed to guide entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate leaders to their next milestone.

You can engage with over 10,000 tech leaders! Disrupt provides a platform for you to connect with fellow founders or investors, seek advice, or explore new opportunities. Our platform enables you to have in-person interactions with the right individuals to achieve your objectives.

Discover here

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! SmithySoft®