Walking into Venture Atlanta for the first time can feel electric: crowded halls, packed sessions, and chance encounters that can change your career. With so much happening across the Southeast's largest venture capital conference, having a plan makes all the difference.
This guide walks you through what to pack, how to network, where to focus your time, and how to make the most of your Venture Atlanta experience. Whether you're pitching, investing, or attending one of the top startup conferences in the Southeast for the first time, you'll leave ready to hit the ground running.
Conference Packing List
Here's a complete packing list for a conference built around what we see founders and investors bring every year.
What to Wear
- Smart casual, business casual, or business professional outfits for both days (you can't go wrong with any of these, and we always see a mix; check out our Instagram for pictures from past years)
- A light layer, like a blazer, cardigan, or quarter zip, since room temperatures vary from session to session
- Comfortable shoes (you'll be on your feet a lot)
- An evening outfit if you're attending a dinner or reception on your schedule
Tech Essentials
- Your phone, with the Venture Atlanta app downloaded and logged in before you arrive
- A portable charger and charging cords
- A laptop or tablet if you plan to demo your product
- Earbuds for quick calls between sessions
Networking Materials
- Business cards, or a digital business card or LinkedIn QR code saved to your phone
- Your pitch deck or one-pager (digital and print
- A short list of the people you want to meet, plus your booked meeting times
- A notebook or notes app for quick takeaways and follow-up reminders
Day-of Comforts
- A reusable water bottle
- Mints or gum
- A lightweight bag or backpack that fits everything above
- Any medication you'll need during the day
- A compact umbrella (October weather in Atlanta gets rainy!)
What to Bring to a Conference Besides the Basics
Wondering what to bring to a conference that most first-timers forget? Bring a clear goal.
Know whether you're there to raise, hire, find customers, or scout deals, and practice a 30-second introduction that explains what you do and what you need.
It also helps to bring a simple follow-up system. Snap a photo of each business card or jot a note in the app right after every conversation so you remember who said what by the end of Day 2.
Traveling to Venture Atlanta?
If you're flying in, treat this as your work conference packing list and add the travel basics:
- A garment bag or wrinkle-release spray
- A second pair of shoes
- Toiletries for the length of your stay
Venture Atlanta is one of the biggest conferences in Atlanta, so book your room early through our hotel blocks and check the venue information for directions and parking before you go.
Tips for First-Time Conference Attendees
If you're new to Venture Atlanta, welcome! Attending your first venture capital conference can feel overwhelming, but it's also one of the best opportunities to grow your network, meet investors, and see some of the region's most promising startups.
Here are a few tips for attending a conference like Venture Atlanta, plus the conference networking tips our most connected attendees swear by:
1. Leverage the Venture Atlanta App
The Venture Atlanta app is used by the majority of our attendees, so if you're not using it, you're missing out on valuable networking.
You can add all sessions open to you directly into your schedule, keeping everything in one place. The app also makes it easy to message attendees, book meetings, and keep track of your networking follow-ups.
Pro Tip: Make sure to download and log in before you arrive so you can hit the ground running without any roadblocks. Starting 9/30, you can access the event platform app on a web browser or mobile. The web link and mobile link will be sent out to event registrants, and the mobile app will also be available through the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2. Do Your Homework
The attendee list is shared before the event with registered attendees, so figure out who you want to meet. Then use the app to reach out and book time with them in advance. Everyone is here to connect, so take advantage of that!
Pro Tip: Our most successful attendees start setting meetings before the conference even starts.
3. Look For Lanyard Buttons
This year, founders and investors can use special buttons on their lanyards to make it easier to find the right people! Seed stage, growth stage, early stage, angel investors, and even students will have identifiers.
4. Make a Game Plan
Check out the conference schedule and figure out which sessions you're eligible for and interested in. Once you know which sessions you want to attend and who you want to meet, map out where you need to be and when. Directories, signage, and our incredible volunteers will be available to guide you, but planning ahead helps you maximize every hour.
Pro Tip: Sign up for these sessions ASAP! Some sessions require separate sign-up, and spots fill up quickly. You can do so through the conference app (which you have access to once you register for the conference) starting 9/30! If you have any questions, contact us here.
5. Be Open
Knowing how to network at a conference starts with casting a wide net. Founders: don't only target investors. You'll meet corporate buyers, service providers, mentors, and even potential hires. Some of the most valuable connections come from unexpected conversations.
Good conference etiquette goes a long way here. Join a table at lunch, sit with people you don't know, and ask about their work before pitching yours. They may just be able to introduce you to the person you want to meet.
6. Follow Up Fast
The conversation doesn't end when the conference does. To appropriately follow up after a conference, send a short, personal message within 48 hours that references something specific you talked about and suggests a clear next step, like a call or a demo. The app makes it easy to message the people you met while the conversation is still fresh.
Don’t Miss the Mini Events
This year brings more breakout opportunities than EVER before. Beyond the main stage pitches, Venture Atlanta offers intimate, small-format sessions where the best and most valuable conversations happen. If you're not attending these, you're not getting the full conference experience!
Some of these events are open to all attendees, while others depend on your ticket type or require an invite, so check the schedule and ticket pricing to see what's open to you. This year's highlights include:
Tuesday, October 13
- Investor Pickleball Tournament: Network with fellow investors in a casual, competitive setting before the conference kicks off.
- Cox Cleantech Accelerator LIVE: Cox Cleantech Accelerator LIVE is back for Year 2, bringing together the startups building what's next in sustainability. Meet founders solving real challenges with commercial solutions, get an inside look at the future of sustainability, and connect with investors, business leaders, and industry partners.
- Presenting Companies Reception (for VA 2026 selected companies): Kick off the conference with an evening of connection and conversation with fellow visionary founders and tech pioneers over heavy appetizers and craft cocktails.
- Alumni Dinner (for Venture Atlanta alumni and sponsors): Kick off the conference with an evening of dining and networking at the beautiful Epicurean Hotel.
Wednesday, October 14
- Venture Atlanta x Founder Funder Jog: Start Day 1 of Venture Atlanta with a run through Piedmont Park alongside fellow founders and investors. This community jog is a relaxed way to connect, get moving, and start the day energized. All paces welcome!
- Investor & Entrepreneur Breakfast (for investors and entrepreneurs): Two SpaceX board members are joining this exciting panel to kick off programming! We're bringing you the best of investing and governance in space, defense, and frontier energy to discuss deep tech, the liquidity of the landscape, and building $1T companies.
- Growth Stage Track: Venture Atlanta and Scalebound present Off the Record, a full day of programming designed exclusively for growth-stage tech CEOs and led by six founders who have built and sold companies at scale. Request an invite here.
- Investor Dinner (for VA 2026 selected companies and investors): This is the most prized networking event of the conference! This year, we're hosting it at Atlanta's famous Politan Row at Colony Square, where you can sample food from some of the city's favorite restaurants.
Wednesday, October 14 and Thursday, October 15
- Executive Sessions (for founders): Take advantage of these intimate opportunities to learn from CEOs who have been there and done that. They won't just tell you about their success, but also how they failed, scaled, and pivoted.
Thursday, October 15
- Breakfast Panel, Ask Me Anything: How Investors Think: Kick off Day 2 with a breakfast panel where three of the Southeast's most active investors (an angel, a VC, and a family office investor) will answer your burning questions. This Q&A is open to all attendees and is the perfect way to start the final day of the conference.
- Deep Tech Track: Think Venture Atlanta is just for software? Think again! Venture Atlanta is expanding into deep tech with networking, panels, demos, and more. Come see the latest innovation and hear from the greatest minds in space tech, defense tech, frontier tech, robotics, drones, and quantum computing.
- ATDC Defense Tech Special Sessions: Hear from nine Georgia-based defense tech and dual-use startups, many already in pilot with the Department of War (DoW) or in-market with commercial customers. Expect a powerhouse panel featuring DoW program leaders and seasoned defense investors, plus a networking reception.
- Female Founders & Investors Dinner (for female founders & investors): Enjoy great company and conversation at The Wimbish House, a historic mansion in the heart of Midtown.
Pitching at Venture Atlanta
If you're one of the companies pitching on stage, congratulations!
Preparation is everything. Investors want to know that your brand is worth backing and YOU are worth backing as well.
Here are some pitch tips pulled directly from members of our board and investor judges.
1. Practice Your Pitch and Your Follow-Up
our pitch is definitely important, but it's just the first step. Whether you're participating in the judges' Q&A during Startup Showcase LIVE or meeting 1:1, be prepared to answer these questions from investors to start building your relationship with them.
2. Learn From Previous Success Stories
Our alumni have found significant success pitching at Venture Atlanta, including our most notable alumni like PrizePicks, Document Crunch, SalesLoft, and ParkMobile.
Their stories, lessons learned, and advice are invaluable to the creation of your own pitch! Check out our Instagram for a series of testimonials from past founders.
3. Have Your Materials Ready
Your pitch deck, one-pager, and business cards should be polished and easily shareable. The more effortless you make it for investors to learn about you, the more they'll lean in.
How Investors Can Make the Most of Venture Atlanta
If you're an investor attending the Venture Atlanta conference, there are a few ways you can maximize your time.
1. Do Your Research
Our company lineup page lists all of the companies selected to pitch at this year's conference. To make it easy to navigate, we've built the page so you can search by name, growth stage, industry, and location.
2. Watch the Pitches
These annual pitches are must-attend events, spotlighting the best up-and-coming startups from across the Southeast.
This year, 614 companies applied to pitch, and only 98 were selected. That means you truly get to see the best of the best in the region.
Pitches are only three minutes long, and all companies have been coached ahead of time on the most important info to share, making them easily digestible for you.
3. Attend the Mini Events
Attend the breakfasts, the dinners, the thought leadership sessions, and the networking opportunities. These smaller gatherings are where you could find your next partnership!
4. Network With Other Investors
The Venture Atlanta conference is a valuable opportunity to network with fellow investors. We host exclusive, investor-only events (like the Investor Pickleball Tournament and the Investor Dinner) designed for you to build relationships, exchange insights, and collaborate with other investors.
To make the most of these opportunities, check the event schedule and Venture Atlanta app ahead of time. You can see which investor-only sessions, panels, and networking mixers are planned, so you can strategically plan your day and never miss a key chance to connect with peers.
Complete Your Conference Packing List With a Ticket to Venture Atlanta
The Atlanta tech conference that sets the tone for the year is almost here. Whether you're a founder seeking capital, an investor scouting your next big deal, or a first-timer looking to make the right connections, Venture Atlanta is the place to be.
If you haven't registered yet, secure your spot at Venture Atlanta and compare ticket options today.
You can also explore the full event overview to see this year's speakers, tracks, and venue details. Don't miss your chance to be part of the event that shapes the future of innovation and investment in the Southeast!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should first-time attendees know about Venture Atlanta?
Do your homework in advance, download the app, and plan your schedule. Everyone is here to connect, so don't be shy about reaching out.
What should I pack for a two-day conference?
Pack two days of business casual outfits, comfortable shoes, a portable charger, business cards, and your pitch deck or one-pager. Add a light layer for cool session rooms, a water bottle, and an evening outfit if you're attending a dinner or reception.
What are the best networking opportunities during Venture Atlanta?
The best networking opportunities at VA are the mini events, investor/founder breakfasts, lunchtime, and the cocktail party, which are all standout moments to connect beyond the main stage. This year, we will have a closing lunch in the tent with BBQ, gelato, and lots of fun. This is a great time to meet folks outside of those in the sessions with you.
What should I bring to a conference besides business cards?
Bring a charged phone with the conference app ready, a portable charger, your pitch deck or one-pager, and a list of people you want to meet. A clear goal and a 30-second introduction are just as important as anything in your bag.
How do I use the Venture Atlanta app to book meetings?
Search the attendee list, send meeting requests, and add sessions to your schedule. The app is the easiest way to stay organized during the event.
What are the best networking opportunities during Venture Atlanta?
The best networking opportunities at Venture Atlanta are the mini events, investor and founder breakfasts, lunchtime, and the cocktail party. These are all standout moments to connect beyond the main stage.
How do I follow up after meeting someone at a conference?
Send a short, personal message within 48 hours that mentions something specific from your conversation and suggests a next step. The Venture Atlanta app makes it easy to message the people you met while the conversation is still fresh.
What should I wear to the Venture Atlanta conference?
Business casual works best. Think comfortable but polished, with shoes you can walk in for hours, layers for the venue, and something you feel confident in!
Where is the Venture Atlanta conference held?
Venture Atlanta is held at the Woodruff Arts Center and Atlanta Symphony Hall in Atlanta, Georgia. Venture Atlanta 2026 takes place October 14 and 15, with pre-conference events on October 13.
How early should I arrive each day?
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the first session on your schedule. That gives you time to check in, grab your badge, and settle in before the day's programming starts. See the schedule for start times.
What's the difference between the sessions and the mini events?
Sessions are the main programming, like keynotes, panels, and company pitches. Mini events are smaller, more intimate gatherings, like breakfasts, dinners, and breakouts, and some are limited by ticket type or require an invite.
What is the best way to prepare for pitching at Venture Atlanta?
Rehearse your pitch, anticipate investor questions, and have your materials ready. You should also learn from previous success stories and tailor your story to your audience. For more, see our startup pitch tips.
Is Venture Atlanta worth it for first-time founders?
Yes. Venture Atlanta puts first-time founders in the same room as hundreds of investors, fellow founders, and corporate leaders over just two days. Even without pitching, you can book meetings, learn from experienced CEOs, and build relationships that are hard to make anywhere else.
If I'm not pitching, why should I attend?
Many founders attend without pitching and still set up dozens of investor meetings. This was one of our favorite testimonials from a founder last year:
"Even though we weren't selected to pitch this year, just attending Venture Atlanta was invaluable. It led to new opportunities to chat with several key customers, and I'm thrilled to share that we even secured an investment. Thank you, Venture Atlanta team!"
Are all events open to everyone?
No. Some events are private, invite-only, or dependent on your ticket type. Check your app and printed schedule for access details.
Is the Investor Dinner open to all investors?
Yes. All registered investors and hosting sponsors are welcome, along with VA 2026 selected companies.
What's the event I shouldn't miss?
Don't skip the opening keynote with the CEO of Cosm, the fireside chat with Venture Atlanta alum Adam Wexler (founder of PrizePicks, which was acquired at a $4.15B valuation), or the brand-new Deep Tech Track.
How can I navigate Venture Atlanta?
Volunteers in easy-to-spot volunteer shirts will be throughout the venue to answer questions and help you find your way. Directories and signage will also point you to every session.
