Swimsuits and startups: 10 Silicon Beach Fest events you don't want to miss

by John Siegel
August 22, 2016

The third annual Silicon Beach Fest kicks off tonight and runs until August 26th, with Marina Del Rey serving as the epicenter for the weeklong event. Each day is packed with presentations, panels, discussions and mixers, featuring some of the most innovative companies and leaders in LA tech. If you haven't bought a ticket yet, LA Tech Happy Hour is offering a special discount. Use the code LAT20SBF for 20 percent off passes when you register.

Without further ado, here are 10 events you don't want to miss:

 

Silicon Beach Fest 2016 opening with the Office of LA Mayor Eric Garcetti 

When is it? August 22 at 5 p.m.

What is it? The week gets started Monday night at the Cross Campus DTLA with a kickoff event with the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti before the festivities shift to Marina Del Rey. A panel will discuss ways to increase connections among startups, investors and city officials and initiatives. The panel will be followed by a fireside chat with Comparably CEO Jason Nazar and an opportunity for attendees to get a little networking done after.

 

Women founders: mentors and funding

When is it? August 24 at 12 p.m.

What is it? A panel of women founders will discuss how they raised seed rounds and subsequent rounds of funding. The group will include Ariel Kaye of Parachute and Nanxi Liu of Enplug, among others.

 

Growth from LA to the world

When is it? August 24 at 1 p.m.

What is it? A panel of startup founders will discuss the explosive growth of the LA tech community over the past five years, focusing on expanding service areas from LA on a national and international level. The panel will include Merlin Kauffman of Soothe and Monica Deretich of TechStyle Fashion Group (formerly JustFab).

 

Play to LA's strengths - technology for entertainment and sports

When is it? August 24 at 4 p.m.

What is it? The panel, featuring representatives of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the LA Kings, among others, will focus on how startups can get noticed, attract funding and grow as a company. Kevin Anderson of Appetize and Bernie Cahill of ROAR will also be on the panel.

 

Crowdfunding your startup

When is it? August 25 at 10 a.m.

What is it? Kick-off Thursday morning with an informative panel on crowdfunding for startups, led by equity crowdfunding and tax professionals. The group will discuss a new legislation that allows equity crowdfunding, when startups should embark on a crowdfunding campaign and legal and marketing strategies.

 

From celebrities to YouTube stars: the power of influence in a digital world

When is it? August 25 at 10 a.m.

What is it? Join a panel of influencer marketing experts and content creation stars for a panel on the strengths of influencer marketing in the present, and how it will evolve moving forward. Topics will include how to find the right influencer to meet your campaign objectives and how to create authentic content.

 

Silicon Beach Fest - Thursday AT&T reception 

When is it? August 25 at 6 p.m.

What is it? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Stop by the Silicon Beach Fest reception for a little fun, and enjoy the networking opportunities (and a cocktail or two). AT&T will be hosting a reception for attendees at the Marina del Rey Hotel.

 

Brand storytelling in 360: leveraging the power of virtual reality to reach consumers

When is it? August 26 at 11 a.m.

What is it? As brands continue to discover the potential of virtual reality, it's becoming clear that the implementation of new marketing strategies to reach an increasingly choosy audience is where the real innovation is. This panel will include co-founders from VR Playhouse and Specular Theory.

 

Growth hacks for e-commerce

When is it? August 26 at 3 p.m.

What is it? The growth in the world of e-commerce has left a crowded field jockeying for position as more and more startups enter. Join a panel of e-commerce experts and CEO's for a discussion on what e-commerce businesses can do to stand out as the sector grows.

 

SBF Games

When is it? August 27 at 10 a.m.

What is it? Wind down a week of learning with a day filled with sports, drinks and people looking to have a little fun. Network by the water, enjoy the sun and remember there's a day to recover before Monday comes calling.

 

Follow Built In LA on Twitter @BuiltInLA for more cool events, and keep your eyes peeled for your favorite Built In LA personalities this week!

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