FAQ

KOOM Stage is an open-stage conference where people from all backgrounds come together to share ideas, practical experience, and lessons learned.

The program is built around LETS: Local Exchange Trading System. Rather than simply watching from the audience, participants are encouraged to contribute their perspectives, join the conversation, and make connections that can lead to meaningful next steps.

KOOM Stage takes place on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time at Terminal 5 in New York City.

Yes. KOOM Stage is open to everyone. You do not need to be a founder, work at a startup, hold a specific job title, belong to a company, or have a particular level of experience to participate. Curiosity and a willingness to learn, exchange ideas, and connect with others are all you need.

Attendance is subject to registration and venue capacity. Anyone can propose a session they would like to lead or attend. Speaker applications are reviewed separately, and submitting a proposal does not guarantee a speaking slot.

KOOM Stage brings together people from a wide range of industries and communities, including F&B, AI & Tech, K-pop, K-beauty, and many other creative and business fields. Founders, investors, buyers, partners, professionals, creators, and curious people from outside the startup world can connect with people in New York they might not ordinarily meet, exchange practical insights, and explore potential collaboration.

To explore KOOM Week 2026 and its full lineup of programs, including KOOM Stage, visit the official KOOM Week website.

To learn more about United Korean Founders (UKF), the organization behind KOOM, visit the UKF website. You can also follow KOOM on Instagram for news, announcements, highlights, and behind-the-scenes updates.

The program is built around six core tracks.

• AI & Tech
• Consumer & Brand
• Fundraising & VC
• Founder Stories
• US Market & Global Expansion
• Career & Leadership

Sessions are presented as talks or panel discussions, and each one runs for about 50 minutes.

The program is expected to include 42 sessions in total: six blocks across each of the six core tracks. Sessions run concurrently in the main hall and six smaller rooms.

KOOM Stage is shaped by both participant interest and organizer curation. You can propose a topic based on your own experience or suggest someone you would like to hear from. The KOOM Stage team then curates the program with an emphasis on relevant, practical, and engaging conversations.

Head to the propose page. Choose “Lead a session” if you would like to share your own experience on stage, or “Request a session” to suggest a topic or a speaker you would like to hear from.

Speaker applications close on September 27, 2026.

Selected speakers will be announced on a rolling basis as they are confirmed. The final timetable will be published on October 1, 2026.

No. The KOOM Stage team reviews and curates every application based on the proposed topic, its relevance to the program, participant interest, and the overall balance of the sessions.