How to Host a Custom Side Event at the All-Stages 2025 Startup Event in Boston
Are you a startup founder, investor, or innovator looking to make meaningful connections at a major tech conference? If so, All-Stages 2025 in Boston could be the perfect opportunity for you. But what if attending the event isn’t quite enough? What if you want to stand out from the crowd, spark real conversations, and build your brand?
Simple: Host a custom side event at All-Stages 2025.
If you’ve ever been to a big conference, you know how overwhelming it can get. With so many booths, talks, and networking events, sometimes the best connections are made in smaller, more personal settings. Hosting your own event lets you be the one creating that space.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to pull off a successful side event during All-Stages 2025—and why it’s a smart move for your brand.
What Is All-Stages 2025?
Before diving into side events, let’s quickly talk about what All-Stages 2025 actually is.
Hosted by TechCrunch in Boston from September 4–6, 2025, All-Stages is a newer kind of startup event. It brings together a mix of early-stage entrepreneurs, seasoned founders, venture capitalists, and tech experts—all under one roof.
What makes it special? It’s designed to highlight startups at every phase, from fresh ideas to fully developed companies. So whether you’re just starting or scaling fast, it’s a great place to get inspired and make serious connections.
Why Host a Side Event?
You might be thinking, “Why host my own thing when I’m already attending the main event?”
Great question!
Hosting a side event offers a unique chance to:
- Connect on a deeper level: In a smaller setting, real conversations happen. You get to meet the right people in a more relaxed environment.
- Show what your brand stands for: Want to show off your mission, share product updates, or talk about important issues? A custom event’s the perfect stage.
- Set your business apart: With so many companies fighting for attention at big conferences, your side event helps you rise above the noise.
- Build long-term relationships: Whether it’s future partners, clients, or investors, events leave a lasting impression.
Think of it like hosting a party at your favorite coffee shop during a busy weekend. Instead of getting lost in the crowd, you become the host that everyone remembers.
What Kinds of Side Events Can You Host?
The sky really is the limit when it comes to side event ideas. Here are a few creative spins:
- Workshops: Teach a skill, share your knowledge, or drive hands-on learning around a certain topic.
- Fireside Chats: Invite industry leaders or investors for a laid-back talk followed by a Q&A.
- Networking Dinners or Happy Hours: Let people relax and talk shop over food and drinks.
- Product Demos: Give a small group of attendees a sneak peek of your latest innovation.
- Roundtable Discussions: Pick a theme and dive into meaningful conversations—no PowerPoints needed.
At All-Stages 2024, there were events like “Women in AI Brunches,” “Pitch, Please!” night, and startup happy hours. You can add your own flavor depending on your audience and goals.
How to Set Up Your Side Event
Now that you’re excited, here’s how to actually make it happen:
1. Plan Early
Good events take time. Pick your theme and format, then lock in your space and guest list. Boston gets busy during All-Stages, so venues can book up fast.
2. Apply Through TechCrunch
TechCrunch offers a form where you can submit your side event idea. They’re asking partners to help curate the broader experience for attendees, so they’re open to unique, value-packed ideas. If it’s a good fit, your event could even be included on the official All-Stages calendar.
3. Promote Your Event Smartly
Just because you build it doesn’t mean they’ll come. Share it with your network, post it on LinkedIn, and maybe even run an ad or two targeted toward All-Stages attendees. Don’t forget to include the event on platforms like Eventbrite and Meetup for extra visibility.
4. Deliver Value, Not Just Swag
People are attending your event because they expect something meaningful. That could be knowledge, connections, or a fun experience. Great snacks or free T-shirts are cool, but true value goes further.
5. Follow Up
Once your event is over, don’t let the momentum fade. Follow up with attendees, thank them for coming, and keep the conversation going. That’s where the real magic happens.
Who Should Host a Side Event?
Not sure if you should host one?
Here’s who could benefit:
- Startups looking to build buzz or launch a product
- Venture capitalists wanting to meet rising founders
- Accelerators hoping to connect with potential applicants
- Tech service providers that want to demo solutions in a more personal setting
- Thought leaders aiming to boost their credibility
Even if you’re not planning a formal event, teaming up with others for a co-hosted dinner or roundtable can be a great start.
Tips to Make Your Event Stand Out
Want your event to be the talk of All-Stages? Here are a few pro tips:
- Keep it intimate: Quality beats quantity every time. A smaller room with the right people leads to better connections.
- Offer extras: Maybe that’s a guided discussion guide, live music, or even personalized name tags—little touches add up.
- Stay on theme: Tie your event to your brand or industry niche. That way, you’ll attract the exact folks you want to connect with.
- Build a vibe: Bad lighting and awkward silence never help. Create a fun, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
How to Register Your Event
Interested? Head over to the official TechCrunch All-Stages 2025 website and fill out the Side Event Partner form. They’re accepting applications now, and space is first come, first served. So the earlier you get in, the better the placement and support.
TechCrunch does a great job of highlighting cool, off-the-mainstage happenings, so getting listed increases the odds that attendees will find and show up to your event.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to go beyond the busy exhibition halls and packed keynote rooms, hosting a custom side event at All-Stages 2025 in Boston could be your golden ticket. Whether you want to meet investors, grow your brand, or just create a memorable experience—this is your moment.
So start brainstorming. What kind of event would reflect your story best? Because come September, Boston will be buzzing with energy—and your side event could be where the real action happens.
Are you ready to be the host everyone talks about?
Let us know your ideas in the comments or share this with a fellow founder who might want to co-host. Let’s make All-Stages 2025 unforgettable.
Keywords used: All-Stages 2025, TechCrunch event Boston, host a startup event, custom side event, startup founders networking, startup marketing strategy, tech conference ideas, event marketing for startups.