FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about Hawaii Tech Week — from what it is and who attends, to how to get involved as a host, sponsor, or creator.
Is HTW a conference?
No. Inspired by the "tech week" format in Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, HTW is a week of 50+ individual events. Events are hosted across Honolulu by local and global leaders and companies connected to Hawaii's tech ecosystem. While most events are 1–3 hours, there have been multiple summits and conferences held during the week.
What type of events take place during the week?
There are a diverse amount of event types with a common theme of high energy and impact—building relationships, leveling up, and creating new opportunities. Past event types include panels, mixers, fireside chats, workshops, coffee meetups, product launches, demo days, volunteer days, branded and experiential events, and activities from city walks to surfing.
Who attends HTW?
HTW has a local and global network of tech talent from founders and investors to engineers, industry executives, and leading students and creators. Attendees come from both Hawaii's local tech ecosystem and visitors from the mainland US and internationally. See our 2025 Report for more info.
I've signed up for HTW updates. What happens next?
Once you register for updates, we'll send you updates on key announcements and the calendar release date. Once the calendar of events is released, you can sign up for the individual events you want to attend. You do not have access to individual events until you sign up for them specifically.
Who organizes HTW and events during the week?
Individual events are hosted by companies, founders, investors, engineers, executives, and other partners across our ecosystem. HTW organizes a few of the major events during the week. HTW was originally seeded by Aloha Equity with support from partners across the tech ecosystem.
How does my company host an event during the week?
The Event Host Guide is available year-round. If you're interested in hosting, sign up for updates and follow us on social media where we share the application window dates. Once the event submission window is open, you can submit your event for review.
What's the difference between an event host and an HTW sponsor?
Event Hosts put on individual events during the week and are responsible for their planning, costs, and execution. Event hosts are often the sponsors of their individual events, and bring in other sponsors to support those events.
HTW Sponsors support the overall operations, marketing, and execution of the week. Their funding powers HTW to the benefit of the entire ecosystem including event hosts. In addition to supporting the overall week, sponsors often are Event Hosts themselves. HTW provides special branding, marketing, and unique access to sponsors.
Do you have speaker applications for HTW?
HTW doesn't have a traditional speaker application like legacy conferences since events are hosted by individual organizations. The best way to secure a speaker spot is to host an amazing event, or reach out to an existing event host and partner with them.
I'm flying in for the week. Where should I stay?
We recommend staying in Waikiki or Ala Moana for easy access to HTW events, which are concentrated in the Honolulu area. We'll release any partnerships with hotels and travel providers as they're confirmed.
Event Hosts
When does the event submission window open?
The event submission window typically opens in Q2 (April–May) and closes in late July. Follow us on social and sign up for updates — we announce the window when it opens.
Is there a cost to host an event during HTW?
No. HTW doesn't charge event hosts a fee. Hosts are responsible for their own event costs — venue, catering, production, etc. Hosting is a way to tap into HTW's network and amplify your event with our marketing reach.
What makes a strong event submission?
Events that clearly connect to the tech ecosystem — whether through content, audience, or theme — tend to get approved. We look for events that are high-quality, well-organized, and open to the broader community. See the Event Host Guide for details.
Can I host a private or invite-only event?
Yes, though most HTW events are open to the broader community. If your event is invite-only, let us know in your submission — we can still list it on the calendar with appropriate access notes.
Can I sell tickets to my event?
Yes. Event hosts set their own pricing. Free events tend to get higher attendance, but ticketed events are fully supported.
Sponsors
How do I become an HTW sponsor?
Reach out to aloha@hawaiitechweek.com to start the conversation. Sponsorship commitments are typically finalized by June 30 each year. See the Sponsors page for an overview of what sponsorship includes.
What's the difference between sponsoring HTW and hosting an event?
Sponsoring HTW means supporting the overall week — marketing, operations, and anchor events. Sponsors get branding across HTW channels and elevated visibility throughout the week. Hosting an event is separate — event hosts run their own event and cover their own costs. Many sponsors also host events.
When is the deadline to commit as a sponsor?
June 30 is the cut-off for sponsor commitments each year.
Creators
How do I become an HTW content creator?
Reach out to aloha@hawaiitechweek.com. We select a small, curated group of creators each year. See the Creators page for more.
What does HTW provide to creators?
Creators get access to HTW events for coverage, introductions to event hosts and speakers, and amplification of their content across HTW channels.
Do creators get paid?
HTW doesn't pay creators directly. The value exchange is access, introductions, and amplification — plus being part of HTW's official creator cohort for the year.
Volunteers
Does HTW have a volunteer program?
Not formally. We occasionally have opportunities for hands-on help during anchor events and the week itself. If you're interested, reach out at aloha@hawaiitechweek.com and we'll keep you in mind.