On the sunny shores of Santa Monica, the streets were primed for a fusion of business and pleasure as Silicon Beach welcomed tech enthusiasts to the Santa Monica Innovation Hub Technology Street Fair. Set to mark the commencement of LA Tech Week, a weeklong festival, the fair was scheduled for Monday, October 14, featuring an array of startup showcases, tech activations, and networking opportunities.
StartupStarter hosted the event, with a sponsorship slice coming from the city of Santa Monica, turning Ocean Avenue into an open-air hub for innovation. A notable closure of Ocean Avenue, from Santa Monica Boulevard to Broadway, including parts of Palisades Park, was planned to facilitate the congregation of the tech community, according to the City of Santa Monica. Free entry was extended to local student groups, with school robotics programs expected to shine among the participants.
The street fair didn't just cater to the business-minded. Attendees were treated to VR/AR games, a co-working lounge, and complementary culinary diversions with food trucks, live music, and even entertainers involved, presumably, a beer garden for those wishing to quench their thirst. Moreover, special discounts were available at local establishments throughout the week with an LA Tech Week Passport provided by Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.
Tickets for the fair were available for purchase, with the event running from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ocean Avenue's closure was scheduled from the evening of Sunday, October 13, until late Monday night, as detailed by the City of Santa Monica.
