Is it 2020 already? Each year we hope to grow and improve not only ourselves but our businesses, whether it be through making new connections, learning new skills, or re-evaluating our business plans. There’s no better way to get started and keep the momentum going by attending business and industry events.
Here are our top picks for local San Diego startup events that you don’t want to miss this year.
#1 San Diego Startup Week 2020
You knew this one was going to be on the top of our list! We absolutely love this event (brought to you by yours truly, Startup San Diego) which brings together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, innovators, and other professionals to share knowledge and resources, and to celebrate our thriving startup community right here in San Diego.
Dates: May 26 – 30, 2020
#2 Convergence
Convergence is another Startup San Diego event that has been running annually for 5 years (and counting). It’s the perfect opportunity for job seekers to improve their interviewing skills, revamp their résumé, and chat directly to hiring managers and professionals to learn how to nail their dream job. It’s also a great event for new startups and entrepreneurs to network with other startups to share ideas and innovations, and to find a mentor who can help take their business to the next level.
This 3-day event includes everything from networking sessions, mentorship sessions, interviewing workshops, a career fair and even a startup crawl where you can visit local startups in the area. Check out the schedule for 2019 for a better idea of what to expect in 2020!
Dates: Fall, 2020 (to be announced)
#3 SOCAL TechCon
SOCAL TechCon gathers various innovators, industry executives, technology professionals, researchers and investors to bring you insightful keynotes, dynamic panel discussions and fireside chats. It’s a one-day event that will cover various technology topics including:
- Artificial intelligence
- Robotics
- 5G
- Digital health
- Future of mobility
There will be more than 60 different speakers and will even have a ‘Playground’ specifically to showcase leading startups.
Date: Jan 25, 2020
#4 March Mingle
If you are in the tech industry (or just love everything about tech) and love networking then don’t miss March Mingle 2020. Running since 2004, March Mingle brings together San Diego’s finest technologists for a night of socializing and comararderie. Learn about new innovations in tech from other startups, share your own ideas and experiences, and meet other like-minded people!
Date: Mar 2020 (to be announced)
#5 Connect Venture Summit
Connect Venture Summit is a great event for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and eco-system partners to get together, network, and share updates on their business and new industry ideas. More than 30 of San Diego’s most exciting companies will be in attendance with last year’s event attracting more than 700 attendees and 120 venture capitalists. If you’re looking for an investor or, on the flip side, if you’re looking to invest in a new company, this will be a great opportunity to do some research and make some important connections.
Date: Sep 23, 2020
#6 QuickPitch
Tech Coast Angels, the San Diego Venture Group and Cox Business come together to give early stage startups the opportunity to pitch their ideas and win a nice investment to put directly into their business. Last year the first place winner received a $60,000 investment, second place won $10,000 and third place won $5,000.
Sign up to the QuickPitch newsletter to be notified of application deadlines for QuickPitch 2020.
Date: TBA
#7 SD Angel Conference
The deadlines have already passed to apply for an angel investment (closed 12/18/2019) but whether you’re an angel investor, entrepreneur, community member or startup enthusiast, this is a great event to attend. Not only will the winners of the investments be announced, but there will be various workshops and coaching sessions for entrepreneurs.
Date: Mar 28, 2020
#8 San Diego Business Summit
If you want to learn from some of the top business leaders San Diego has to offer the don’t miss the San Diego Business Summit. It’s an all-day interactive event that brings together entrepreneurs, managers, business owners, and leaders for a day of workshops, exhibitors and networking. This year you’ll hear from Garry Ridge, the CEO of WD-40, at the opening session with some informative and exciting workshops to follow.
Date: Jan 23, 2020
#9 Cool Companies
The event is yet to be scheduled or announced, but it’s definitely one to keep on your radar. Last year the San Diego Venture Groups Cool Companies program attracted more than 250 applicants with the top 30 companies announced at a super fun event at the Belly Up. 2019’s winners included Aquacycl, GoShare, Sendlane and Vivid Genomics. If you want to meet the creators of the coolest companies in San Diego, or if you are part of one yourself, subscribe to the San Diego Venture Group‘s mailing list to be the first to know when applications open and the event is scheduled.
Date: TBA
#10 1st and 3rd Mondays
Finally, we couldn’t help but throw another Startup San Diego event in here for you guys. In fact, it’s multiple events and they happen every first and third Monday of each month. Our 1st Mondays events are dedicated to bringing together entrepreneurs, industry professional, and business owners for a night of networking, idea sharing, and just an all around good time.
Third Mondays are a little bit different. These events are designed for job seekers and students who want to stand out from the rest in this competitive climate. Attendees will hear from hiring managers and HR professionals, learn how to improve their résumés, and practice their interview skills in interactive workshops.
Dates:
- Every 1st Monday of each month
- Every 3rd Monday of each month
