Be the stage where innovation takes off

Host San Diego’s Startup Weekend

Startup Weekend San Diego

Date: October 3rd-5th, 2025

Startup Weekend San Diego is where developers, designers, marketers, and founders come together for 54 hours to build real companies.

Your venue can be the launchpad.

// The Why//

Why Partner With Us

Showcase Your Space

Boost Local Visibility

Empower Local Talent

Bonnie Michelman, MBA, MS, CPP, CHPA

Bonnie Michelman is a security industry leader with extensive experience across healthcare, corporate, and government sectors. As the Vice President & Chief Security Officer of Mass General Brigham, she oversees security for 15 hospitals and hundreds of healthcare sites. She served on the Homeland Security Advisory Council and has led organizations such as ASIS International, IAHSS, and ISMA. A sought-after speaker, consultant, and published author, Bonnie specializes in risk management, workplace violence prevention, and security leadership.

Lynn Dohm

Lynn Dohm is a champion for workforce development in cybersecurity, focusing on the human element of security. As the Executive Director of Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), she drives partnerships and initiatives that help bridge the talent gap in the industry. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Lynn has played a key role in national cybersecurity programs, workforce education, and advocacy efforts. Her work continues to shape the future of cybersecurity by fostering collaboration and inclusion.

Tia Hopkins


Tia Hopkins is a trailblazer in cybersecurity, currently serving as the Chief Cyber Resilience Officer & Field CTO at eSentire. With over 20 years in IT and security, she is also an educator, keynote speaker, and author. Recognized with numerous industry awards, Tia is a strong advocate for diversity in cybersecurity, founding Empow(H)er Cybersecurity to support women of color in the field. She holds multiple degrees and certifications, and her research focuses on bridging communication gaps between cybersecurity leaders and business executives.

Mindy M. Pretzman

US Secret Service (ret.), Secret Service Agency President to the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (Emeritus)
Mindy Pretzman brings 27 years of security experience, including a distinguished 21-year career as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service. She served on two Presidential Details, including leading security for the First Lady. Now, she shares her expertise in strategic security, leadership, and navigating high-stakes environments as a woman in the field.

Dr. Stephanie Carter

With over 30 years in security, Dr. Carter blends military experience with expertise in compliance and cloud security. Currently a Principal at Coalfire Systems and a cybersecurity educator, she holds multiple advanced degrees and plays a key role in shaping security best practices.

Min Kryannis

CEO & Co-Founder of AMYNA Systems Inc., Min is a veteran leader in enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and risk management. With over two decades of experience managing global security operations, she influences industry standards through strategic leadership and award-winning initiatives.

Niamh Vianney Muldoon

As BNY Mellon’s Global Cyber Innovation Lead and EMEA CISO, Niamh is a recognized thought leader and Guinness World Record Holder for Cybersecurity Awareness. Her expertise spans security enablement, transformation programs, and innovative risk management.

Karen Gispanski

Serving as the Senior Director of Enterprise Cyber Security, Privacy, and Information Officer at Millennium Healthcare, Karen brings over 25 years of cross-industry experience. She leads comprehensive security programs and is noted for her strategic approach to risk management and operational

Danielle Weddepohl

Executive Director of Safety and Emergency Management at Sheridan College, Danielle oversees multi-campus security operations and threat assessment. With a strong background in public safety and intelligence, she is dedicated to creating community-focused, responsive security solutions.

Stacey Champagne

Founder & CEO of Hacker in Heels, Stacey empowers women to ascend into leadership roles within cybersecurity. With a decade of hands-on experience building cybersecurity programs, she’s a respected expert in insider risk management and an influential advocate for women in tech.

Linda Florence, Ph.D., CPP

Dr. Linda Florence is the Founder of The Florence Group LLC and Director of Security & Business Continuity for Planned Parenthood in parts of CA. With 30+ years of experience managing security for Fortune 100 companies, she’s a published author and expert in workplace violence prevention and enterprise risk management.

Andrea Chedas

Head of Corporate Security at Wealthsimple, Andrea is an internationally recognized leader in crisis management. With over 20 years spanning law enforcement and the private sector, she excels in managing global security operations and strategic risk mitigation.


Constance Matthews Reynolds

Founder & CEO of ReynCon, Connie is a trailblazer in cybersecurity training and consulting. With nearly 20 years in the field, she’s dedicated to advancing cybersecurity education and workforce development, earning accolades for her leadership and innovative approach.


Angela White

A seasoned leader in electronic security, Angela has over 40 years of experience transforming companies and breaking glass ceilings. As President of the Electronic Security Association, she is passionate about inspiring others and balancing a dynamic career with a vibrant family life.


Aarti Gadhia

Principal Security Specialist at Microsoft, Aarti is a changemaker dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM and cybersecurity. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 20 Women in Cyber Security, she champions empowerment initiatives and thought leadership with a global perspective.

It’s more than just providing a space — it’s making your venue part of a milestone moment.

When you support Startup Weekend, you’re helping launch the companies that will remember your brand as part of their breakthrough story.

  • Logo and brand placement across all event marketing

  • On-stage recognition as Host Sponsor

  • Social media plugs before, during, and after the event

  • Speaking opportunity at the event

  • Direct engagement with 100+ innovators, creatives, and community leaders

// The How//

How It Works

We've made it easy:

  1. Provide the Venue – Your facility becomes the hub for 150 people (attendees, staff, mentors, judges).

  2. Meet the Needs – We’ll work with you to ensure the event runs smoothly (see requirements below).

  3. Get Recognized – Your venue will be promoted as the home of Startup Weekend San Diego 2025.

// The What//

Venue Requirements

  • OCCUPANCY

    • Space for up to 150 people (100 attendees + 50 staff/volunteers)

  • PRESENTATION SPACE

    • Seating for all attendees

    • A/V equipment (microphone, speakers, screen, power)

    • Wi-Fi access

  • BREAKOUT SPACE

    • 10+ rooms/areas for teams

    • Tables, chairs, power outlets, Wi-Fi

  • DINING SPACE

    • Convertible/common area for meals

    • Tables/chairs, outlets, food placement area

  • DATES & TIMES

    • Friday, Oct 3: Setup 3pm, Event 6pm–11:30pm

    • Saturday, Oct 4: Setup 8am, Event 9am–11:30pm

    • Sunday, Oct 5: Setup 8am, Event 9am–8pm (cleanup by 9pm)

Benefits at a Glance

By hosting Startup Weekend San Diego, your venue will:

  • Gain citywide visibility during Startup Week

  • Be recognized as a hub for innovation and community impact

  • Receive post-event reporting and attendee engagement data

  • Have the chance to provide offers/discounts to participants

  • Be the space remembered as where ideas turned into startups

Claim Your Role as Host

Be the place where innovation happens.
Host San Diego’s next generation of founders and position your venue at the center of our startup community.

Companies Built During A Startup Weekend

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