Make it your own Ugly Talk.
As an Ugly Talk Host, you're not just organizing an event. You're creating a space where truth cuts through the noise. You'll be the spark behind bold conversations, real relationships, and impactful experiences for the entrepreneurs in your city.
Why Become an Ugly Talk Independent Host
Grow Your Community
Hosting an Ugly Talk connects your network to ours. You'll gain exposure to a national subscriber base filled with founders, operators, and startup leaders eager to engage with new cities and new voices. This is one of the fastest ways to grow your own local community, drive awareness for your group or membership organization, and convert RSVPs into long-term members.
Elevate Your Brand
Whether you are a founder, community leader, or creative professional, Ugly Talk puts you in the spotlight. As the host, you gain stage time, co-branded promotion, and visibility that establishes you as a trusted voice in your local startup scene.
Build a High-Impact Network
You will be surrounded by ambitious, driven founders and decision-makers. Ugly Talk events are designed for honest conversations and real connection, so the people you meet are more likely to become collaborators, partners, or lifelong allies.
Create a New Revenue Stream
As a host, you have access to event sponsorship opportunities. Most hosts earn between $1,500 and $5,000 per Ugly Talk, depending on your ability to raise sponsorship. We support you with the materials, guidance, and outreach tools needed to confidently bring in brand partners. (Brand sponsors are optional.)
Do you have what it takes?
We're not looking for just anyone. Ugly Talk hosts are leaders who already have influence and heart. If this sounds like you, you're in the right place.
You are a community leader
You already lead an active group or have a strong network in a specific city, industry, or category. People look to you for direction, resources, and opportunities.
You are passionate about entrepreneurship
You care deeply about building, creating, and helping others grow. You are embedded in the world of innovation and energized by solving problems.
You believe in the power of sharing
You value lessons learned through failure. You believe that progress comes from transparency, unfiltered conversations, and learning from others who have walked the hard path.
You are a connector
You thrive on bringing people together. Building meaningful relationships, opening doors, and helping others find their people is something you naturally do.
If this feels like you, you're already halfway there.
What You Bring to the Table
As a host, you are a co-creator of the event experience. We bring the platform, playbook, and promotional muscle. You bring the local insight and leadership to make it resonate.
Choose an Insightful Topic
You have a deep understanding of your community and industry. We rely on you to surface a topic that speaks directly to the audience you serve. The best Ugly Talks come from real pain points -- issues founders wrestle with but rarely talk about. Your job is to turn those into a thought-provoking, relevant, and timely event theme.
Source and Invite Speakers
Every Ugly Talk features two to four generous, experienced panelists. These are usually founders, builders, or subject-matter experts who are willing to share their setbacks and the lessons they've learned the hard way. You'll help identify and invite the right people from your network who match the topic and bring real value to the conversation.
Fill the Room with the Right People
We will promote your event through the Ugly Talk subscriber list and digital network, but we prioritize your community first. You'll share the RSVP with your own audience, and we ask that you fill at least half of the room. We'll help fill the rest. This ensures your Ugly Talk is filled with the people who matter most to your mission.
Run and Moderate the Event
On the day of the event, you're the host. You'll check guests in, welcome the crowd, moderate the panel discussion, and close out the night. We'll provide you with a full agenda, run-of-show, and suggested talking points so you're fully prepared to lead. The entire event typically runs between two and three hours.
How We've Got Your Back
We don't just give you the idea — we give you the engine. Here's everything you get as a host:
Free Ugly Talk License
You'll get full access to the Ugly Talk brand, including marketing templates, design assets, and our proven event framework. Use our name, materials, and credibility to promote your events with confidence and professionalism.
Audience Amplification
We promote your Ugly Talk to our national subscriber base, focusing on people in your city and industry. This gives you immediate reach into a warm, relevant audience of founders, operators, and business leaders who are eager to attend.
Marketing and Event Planning Support
We take care of the entire pre-event and post-event playbook. That includes marketing graphics, social media promotion (tagging you and the speakers), agenda formatting, and follow-up materials. You don't need to design, write, or plan from scratch. It's all ready for you.
Speaker and Sponsor Support
We help you find and secure top-notch speakers and potential sponsors. Our team activates a wide network of founders and partner companies to ensure your event is filled with meaningful voices and funding support.
Media and Content Boost
Through our parent media company, Discover Grey, your event may receive additional amplification across Grey Journal platforms and other channels. From editorial coverage to podcast features, we help extend your reach and turn your event into long-form content that lives beyond the room.
Venue Assistance
If you need a place to host, we'll help you secure a venue sponsor. That means fewer out-of-pocket costs and access to beautiful spaces aligned with the Ugly Talk experience.
Ready to Host?
If you're ready to create a space where truth cuts through the noise, fill out the form below and we'll be in touch.