How to run tech startup events in San Francisco

In this episode of Everything Outside Code, host William Imoh sits down with Victoria Melnikova, New Business Lead at Evil Martians. They dive deep into the real dynamics of Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy in Silicon Valley, discussing how to navigate event selection, earn trust among technical founders, and build long-term social capital. Key Topics Covered: The Laws of Silicon Valley: Why trust is the true currency of the tech ecosystem and how providing value forward builds authentic connections. Decoding Valley Culture: The role of loud marketing, Twitter presence, and high-intensity networking. Navigating SF Events: How to filter through event noise, leverage Luma's recommendation engine, and land speaking opportunities. Tactical Event Formats: Why breakfasts, client dinners, and niche activities often outperform traditional pitch nights and fireside chats. Event Logistics & Realities: Dealing with attendance attrition (20–30%), selecting the right venues, and measuring long-term GTM conversions. In-Person Connection: The advantages of face-to-face podcasting and physical presence in SF over fully remote outreach.