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Our Top Picks: San Francisco #TechWeek

7 min read •

Blog, AI & Tech, Events

Explore the top events at SF #TechWeek, from exclusive networking opportunities to insightful panel discussions, designed to help founders, investors, and tech professionals connect and grow.

By Rachael Zahn

Sep 11, 2024

Rachael Zahn

DJ entertainment at tech team launch party

San Francisco #TechWeek is a highlight of the year for tech professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs looking to gain a competitive edge. With countless opportunities to network, learn, and get hands-on with the latest in technology, it can be overwhelming to choose the right events. That’s why we’ve curated our top picks from this year’s packed schedule to help you navigate the week and make the most out of your time in the city.

**Keep in mind that event schedules are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official websites for the latest updates.

1. AI Breakthrough: Finding Product-Market Fit – by a16z, HSBC

When? Monday, 10/07, 3 PM – 4 PM

Where? San Francisco, CA

Why? Hosted by a16z and HSBC, this session will explore how AI startups can discover the sweet spot for product-market fit. Whether you’re building an AI solution or investing in one, this event is essential for learning about the path from product development to commercialization.

AI Breakthrough: Finding Product-Market Fit - by a16z, HSBC

2. Artificially Un-Intelligent: A Tech Comedy Show – Presented by Avenue Z and Just Go Grind

When? Monday, 10/07, 7 PM – 9 PM

Where? San Francisco, CA

Why? Presented by Avenue Z and Just Go Grind, this event combines tech humor with real-world insights, offering a refreshing and entertaining break from the more serious side of SF #TechWeek. Join us for a night of laughter and lightheartedness in the heart of the tech world.

Artificially Un-Intelligent: A Tech Comedy Show - Presented by Avenue Z and Just Go Grind

3. SF #TechWeek Kickoff – by a16z

When? Monday, 10/07

Where? San Francisco, CA

Why? This invite-only event, hosted by one of the leading venture capital firms, a16z, officially kicks off SF #TechWeek. It’s an exclusive opportunity to connect with key industry players and get a preview of the week ahead.

SF #TechWeek Kickoff - by a16z

4. OpenAI Tech Week Reception – by OpenAI

When? Thursday, 10/08, 5 PM – 7 PM

Where? San Francisco, CA

Why? Connect with AI professionals at OpenAI’s exclusive reception. Be sure to have your OpenAI Org ID ready to attend this invitation-only event.

OpenAI Tech Week Reception - by OpenAI

5. Founders Cold Plunge – by Atlas

When? Monday, 10/07, 7 AM – 9 AM

Where? San Francisco, CA

Why? Atlas brings a unique twist to SF #TechWeek with this chilly plunge. Connect with fellow founders as you share insights, ideas, and maybe even a shiver. This casual yet invigorating event is perfect for those who thrive on community and bold new experiences.

Founders Cold Plunge - by Atlas

6. A16Z Games Speedrun Demo Day– by a16z

When? Tuesday, 10/08, 9 AM

Where? San Francisco, CA

Why? This exclusive event features pitches from the latest SPEEDRUN cohort (SR003) and is designed to connect game developers and founders with top VCs, investors, publishers, and senior executives in the gaming industry. The morning will begin with the cohort’s pitches, followed by opportunities to network with key players in the industry. Demos from the most exciting startups in the gaming world will be available throughout the event. This is a must-attend for anyone interested in the future of gaming and investment opportunities in the space.

A16Z Games Speedrun Demo Day- by a16z

7. Cyber60 Report Launch– by AWS Startups, Lightspeed Venture Partners

When? Tuesday, 10/08, 4 PM – 7 PM

Where? San Francisco, CA

Why? Hosted by AWS Startups during SF #TechWeek, this invite-only event will unveil the highly anticipated Cyber60 Report by Lightspeed Venture Partners. The afternoon will feature an engaging fireside chat with cybersecurity experts who will explore the key insights and trends revealed in the report. Whether you’re a startup founder, cybersecurity professional, or tech enthusiast, this is an unparalleled opportunity to stay ahead of cybersecurity innovation and network with leading VCs, investors, and tech leaders. Due to limited space, registration is subject to approval, so don’t miss the chance to secure your spot.

Cyber60 Report Launch - by AWS Startups, Lightspeed Venture Partners

8. Lumos House – by Andrew Yeung

When? Monday, 10/07, 7 AM – 8 PM

Where? San Francisco, CA

Why? Lumos House is an exclusive, invite-only event series curated for tech founders, investors, and operators. After successful events in Austin, Miami, and New York City, Lumos House is making its debut in San Francisco as part of #TechWeek. This three-day series will feature curated dinners, intimate fireside chats, and vibrant parties—all designed to foster meaningful connections between top tech professionals. With over 10,000+ applicants and 1,000+ attendees at previous events, this is the place to be if you want to engage with the leaders shaping the tech landscape.

Lumos House - by Andrew Yeung

9.Virtual Immersive Music Experience Demo – by BLCK UNICRN

When? Monday, 10/07, 11 AM – Tuesday, 10/08, 3 AM

Where? Virtual

Why? Dive into a world of suspense, mystery, and interactive fun with BLCK UNICRN, the operating system for the immersive creator economy. This virtual experience will begin with a mixer where you’ll learn more about BLCK UNICRN, followed by an immersive 40-minute demo that promises to captivate. Using both your primary device (laptop, TV, tablet, or computer) for the main experience and your smartphone for interactive elements, you’ll uncover clues and solve mysteries in real-time, making it a unique and engaging adventure.

Please note, this event contains elements of suspense and horror to heighten the experience.

Virtual Immersive Music Experience Demo - by BLCK UNICRN

10. Unleashing the Potential of Every Startup – by Atlassian

When? Thursday, 10/10, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Where? Financial District, San Francisco (Exact location revealed upon registration)

Why? Join an evening of networking with founders, investors, and subject matter experts (SMEs) from Atlassian during SF #TechWeek. Philip Braddock, Head of Atlassian for Startups, will lead a panel discussion with leaders from startups at various stages of growth. Panelists include MC Johansen (Sr. Director of Engineering Operations at Docker), Abyakta Lenka (Solutions Architect at Snowflake), and Parag Jhaveri (Founder & CEO at VoiceCare). Learn how these companies leverage Atlassian tools to drive success and deliver value to their customers. Enjoy an evening of insightful conversations, bites, and drinks, all while connecting with key players in the startup ecosystem.

Unleashing the Potential of Every Startup - by Atlassian

11. Marketing Exec Roundtable: Insights and Strategies for Engaging SaaS Buyers – by LinkedIn

When? Wednesday, 10/09, 3:30 PM – 6:30 EST

Where? SoMa, San Francisco, California 

Why? As part of a16Z’s #TechWeek, this exclusive event unveils LinkedIn’s latest research on the evolution of B2B buying groups, exploring the key stakeholders, influencers, and decision-makers within SaaS buyer organizations. With valuable insights and strategic recommendations, this event is designed to help marketing executives enhance demand generation and accelerate the B2B buyer’s journey. Speakers include Rachel Steinberg and Canberk Beker, Hockeystack’s Head of Growth and LinkedIn Top Voice. Following the presentation, engage in a thought-provoking roundtable discussion with industry peers, and wrap up the evening with drinks and networking.

Marketing Exec Roundtable: Insights and Strategies for Engaging SaaS Buyers - by LinkedIn

12. Secret Tech Party – by Andrew Yeung

When? Wednesday, 10/09, 7 PM – 10 PM

Where? San Francisco, California

Why? Andrew Yeung is throwing an exclusive secret tech party during SF #TechWeek, and it’s set to be one of the week’s most talked-about events. The party is rumored to take place at a massive refurbished ancient church in the heart of San Francisco. This invite-only gathering is a prime opportunity for founders, investors, and tech professionals to network in an unforgettable setting. General Admission tickets are free for approved guests, and VIP tickets, limited to just 25, include private lunch with Andrew Yeung, access to the VIP area with an open bar, and entry to Lumos House’s opening night on October 10.

Secret Tech Party - by Andrew Yeung

Start Building Your Own Agenda

Don’t miss out on all that LA #TechWeek has to offer. See the full calendar and start planning your week by clicking here.

Want to Meet Avenue Z?

Interested in connecting with Avenue Z during LA #TechWeek? Contact us at events@avenuez.com to schedule a meeting.

By Rachael Zahn

Sep 11, 2024

Rachael Zahn is Chief Brand Officer at Avenue Z with expertise in all things marketing, public relations, events, brand strategy, and thought leadership content.

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Understand Avenue Z’s conviction

Influence matters when it helps a brand become understood, trusted, and chosen.

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Explain the opportunity through a mechanism:

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Select the part that matters. This is a reasoning framework, not a fixed sequence for every journey.

For reputation questions, the objective may be stakeholder confidence, clarity during change, or a coordinated response. For growth questions, connect audience relevance to acquisition, conversion, and retention. For AI discovery, connect the questions being researched to the information and sources used to evaluate the brand.

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