LA Tech Week brings together the biggest names in tech right here in Los Angeles. The event runs October 14-18, 2024, packing five full days with free sessions you won’t want to miss.
This guide shows you exactly what to expect at LA Tech Week 2024. You’ll find the best events to attend, top networking spots, and proven ways to make the most of your time there.
The event works perfectly for everyone in tech – from fintech founders to gaming developers, crypto experts to health tech innovators. Most attendees actually come from outside traditional tech and media, making it the perfect spot to build real connections across industries.
What Sets LA Tech Week 2024 Apart
LA Tech Week 2024 packs over 600 events across the city. The numbers tell the real story here – 396 VCs and 1,729 founders already signed up. LA’s tech scene keeps growing fast, with $2.50 billion in VC funding just last quarter – that’s 79% more than last year. The AI sector alone pulled in $1.80 billion.
New This Year
The event lineup focuses on what matters right now in tech:
- 170+ AI-focused sessions
- Dedicated tracks for AR/VR
- Creator economy meetups
- Media entertainment talks
- Tech Street Fair on Ocean Avenue with live demos
Big Names in the Mix
Silicon Beach pulls serious weight now. Netflix, Hulu, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta all show up ready to do business. Santa Monica leads the charge with 34% of LA’s tech jobs, bringing in $6.30 billion in yearly payroll.
Top companies based right here:
- Activision
- Hulu
- Cornerstone on Demand
- Snap Inc.
- Universal Music Group
The tech scene just got bigger – Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) opened their new HQ in Santa Monica. UCLA and USC keep feeding fresh talent into local companies.
LA Tech Week shows exactly why this city works for tech – you get the perfect mix of established players, hot startups, and serious VC money. The event proves LA stands toe-to-toe with any other tech hub out there.
Must-See Events at LA Tech Week
The best events at LA Tech Week 2024 pack real value for everyone in tech. Here’s exactly what you need to check out.
AI and Gaming Events
The Culver Cup leads the AI lineup – AWS and FBRC ai picked 8 finalists from 50 teams to show off their work with Luma AI’s Dream Machine and Playbook3D.
Google steps up too, running the Women In Gaming Lunch at their Playa Vista spot. Watch for the Gaming Innovators Event from J.P. Morgan, Cooley, and CAA.
VC and Investor Meetups
Your best chances to meet investors happen at these key spots:
- “Wine with AI Category Leaders” with OCV Partners, Hyperlink Ventures, Mucker Capital
- “Unlocking Capital with Angels & Advisors” for casual networking
- “Founders Night with VCs & Angels” put together by Entre, WeWork, Fidelity
Pitch Your Startup
Startup World Cup tops the pitch events – winners take home $1 million in investment cash. The competition runs across 100+ spots on six continents.
More pitch events worth your time:
- “PITCH & PANEL: Founders & Investors” from Entrepreneur Ventures and VCPE Groups
- “Building Bridges for Women of Color Investors” at USC Lloyd Greif Center
Investment Week 2024 wraps everything up with talks on AI, defense tech, VC money, and creator business. Metta World Peace leads the speaker lineup, joined by experts in security, products, and gaming.
These events show why LA matters more than ever in tech. You’ll meet the right people, see what’s next in innovation, and maybe lock down your next big deal.
Plan Your LA Tech Week Schedule
The right schedule makes all the difference at LA Tech Week 2024. Here’s the exact breakdown of where to go and what to catch.
Event Locations
Santa Monica stands out as the main hub, featuring the Technology Street Fair on Ocean Avenue. The action spreads across key spots:
- Venice: Google’s AI Salon plus entertainment and creativity sessions
- Beverly Hills: Top-tier networking events and investor dinners
- Culver City: Major conference talks and panels
- Marina Del Rey: USC ISI coworking spaces
- Playa Vista: Gaming and content creation hub
Daily schedules list exact times and places, helping you hit more events with less travel time between them.
Industry Tracks
Each track packs specific value based on your focus:
- AI and Technology: Catch the “Google AI Showcase: Unleash the Power of Gemini and Vertex AI”
- Gaming and Entertainment: Don’t miss “Women In Gaming Lunch at Google” and “The Future of Content Capture in a GenAI World”
- Investment and Entrepreneurship: Join “The Path to Profit: A Brunch Discussion on Investing in Film”
- Health and Wellness: Take part in the “Health & Wellness Hike” by Seaside Ventures
The event dashboard lets you sort everything by location, industry, and theme. Pick your perfect schedule using filters for dates, topics, audience type, and location. The tool makes sure you catch the right events for your goals.
Network Like a Pro at LA Tech Week
LA Tech Week hands you free access to the best minds in tech . Here’s exactly how to build real connections that last.
Before You Show Up
LinkedIn data proves it – having a target list boosts your chances of meaningful connections by 30%. Make these moves count:
- Pick Your Targets: Know exactly which clients, investors, or partners you want to meet. The right connections matter more than random handshakes.
- Do Your Homework: Jump on LinkedIn or the event app a month early. Meeting someone gets easier when you already know their story.
- Nail Your Pitch: Build a solid 30-second intro that shows your real value. Practice makes it sound natural when you need it most.
- Get Your Tools Ready: Set up your LinkedIn QR code and hit the event Slack channels. These tools save you time when connecting gets busy.
After You Connect
The best networking happens after you meet. Here’s what works:
- Strike Fast: Message new contacts within 24 hours. Add specific details from your chat – it shows you paid attention.
- Take Smart Notes: Write down key points and details about each person you meet. These notes become gold when you follow up later.
- Suggest Real Plans: Point out specific ways to work together or help each other out. Show them you mean business about building something real.
- Stay in Touch: Keep sharing useful industry news and event invites. Strong connections need regular attention to grow.
LA Tech Week 2024: The Bottom Line
LA Tech Week 2024 proves why Los Angeles leads America’s tech growth. The five-day event packs everything that matters – from AI competitions to real networking chances with industry leaders.
The numbers tell the story – 396 VCs and 1,729 founders choose LA Tech Week to make deals happen. This mix works because LA does tech differently than Silicon Valley, bringing entertainment and innovation together in ways that actually work.
Smart prep and focused networking make the difference between success and just showing up. The event schedule looks big, but picking your spots based on our location and track guides lets you hit the events that matter most to you. The best part – most sessions come free, putting you right next to the people who can help your business grow.
LA Tech Week 2024 shows exactly what Silicon Beach brings to the table. Big tech companies, hot startups, and serious VC money all come together here. The event works for everyone – seasoned pros and newcomers alike find real chances to learn and build connections that last.
