TechCrunch has introduced a discounted ticket option for individuals affected by recent workforce reductions, offering an Expo+ Pass to its upcoming Disrupt 2026 conference for $75.
What Happened
The special pricing is available to the first 100 qualifying people who have been laid off, or until the conference doors open on October 13 at 8 a.m. PT. Once all 100 passes are claimed, the offer expires. The event will be held at San Francisco’s Moscone West from October 13 to October 15. The Expo+ Pass grants access to the Expo Hall, where attendees can explore 300+ exhibiting startups and connect with founders and tech leaders. It also includes entry to breakout sessions, side events during "Disrupt Week" (October 10-16), and access to AI-powered matchmaking features via the TechCrunch Events app for 1:1 meetings.
Why It Matters
This initiative provides an affordable entry point for tech professionals navigating the job market, allowing them to bypass traditional job boards and engage directly with the startup ecosystem. For the industry, it reflects an effort to maintain community engagement and networking opportunities even amid broader economic pressures. The pass is specifically designed to facilitate career transitions by enabling attendees to meet potential employers and discover new career paths in a high-density environment of over 10,000 attendees, including investors and operators.
The Bottom Line
Laid-off tech workers can secure one of 100 available $75 Expo+ Passes for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 until October 13. The pass excludes access to industry stages and roundtable sessions but includes Expo Hall entry, breakout sessions, and networking tools.