Every year, hopeful founders shell out thousands of dollars to attend flashy tech conferences, convinced that these events will change their startup’s trajectory. They’re promised networking, investor access, and media coverage. But here’s the brutal truth: these conferences are rigged against you. They’re not designed to help startups succeed. They’re designed to extract money from desperate founders while offering little in return. How Conferences Exploit Startups Let’s break down the real winners and losers at tech events: Winners: Event organizers, big sponsors, PR agencies, and investors who enjoy free exposure. Losers: Bootstrapped startups hoping for a miracle but getting ignored. Sound harsh? Let’s look at the facts. The Pay-to-Play Scheme Tech conferences operate like a high-stakes casino: Better booth placement? Pay more. Want investor introductions? Buy a VIP pass. Want media coverage? Hire a PR firm on t...