10 ways to get the most out of Cal Cities’ annual conference
Online registration closes Sept. 15
By Cal Cities Education Staff
The 2026 Annual Conference and Expo is almost here! To help ensure you get the most out of your time in Anaheim, we’ve compiled a few tips for first-timers and conference veterans alike.
1. Review the conference schedule and plan your must-see stops
There isn’t a dull moment at Cal Cities’ annual conference! If you’re attending with a group, divide up the educational sessions to maximize the conference’s benefits. Remember to bring a stack of business cards! You never know who you might meet.
If this is your first time attending the conference — or if you need a refresher — join Cal Cities staff for an attendee orientation at 12:45 p.m. on Sept. 23 before the official conference kick-off.
To view the conference details in advance, check out the online program. Review session materials before the conference so that you’re ready to engage with speakers. Materials are uploaded as they come in, so check back often for updates.
2. Know when and where to pick up your badge — and wear it!
The annual conference officially starts at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, but registration opens at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Our advice? Come early and beat the crowds! Registration is in the Anaheim Convention Center North Plaza on the ground floor. It’s also the best place to get answers to any questions you may have on-site.
Always wear your badge during the conference! If you don’t have your badge, security may not let you enter the convention center or other conference events.
3. Download the New Cal Cities App!
The Cal Cities app, new as of May 2026, provides full access to the conference in the palm of your hand. You can view the full program, create your own personal schedule, and more. Make sure to delete the old version from your phone and download the new one from the App Store or Google Play by searching “League of California Cities” or “Cal Cities.”
Don't forget to allow push notifications to stay up to date on important announcements throughout the conference!
4. Plan your route to the convention center
Please review the Anaheim Convention Center parking map before you arrive. If you are driving to the convention center, the closest parking lot to the conference is Car Park 1 via Katella Ave. Car Park 4 will also be available, along with an overflow lot if necessary. Self-parking and valet are available at most hotels. Rates vary by location and are subject to change without notice.
Rideshare and taxi pick-up and drop-off locations are available on Convention Way, off Harbor Blvd. Shuttle service will operate daily between the DoubleTree and the Anaheim Convention Center. Shuttles will arrive every 20 minutes, with the first hotel pickup at 8:00 a.m. each day. Review the conference app for additional details.
5. Connect with peers at your department meeting or regional event
The annual conference is a chance to wrap up old business and prepare for the year ahead. During department meetings, city officials in similar professions gather to discuss pressing issues, hear timely legislative updates, and brainstorm solutions for their work on unified department goals. Check the conference schedule for exact times and locations of all department meetings.
Want to deepen your regional connections? Many regional divisions meet during the annual conference to share and reflect on issues impacting their region. For information about division events, review the conference schedule or contact your regional public affairs manager.
6. Find exhibitors and Cal Cities Partners in the expo
Don't forget about the second half of the conference — the expo floor! With over 300 exhibitors, this year’s expo floor will be brimming with opportunities to discover city-focused services and organizations for a wide range of mundane and unusual city challenges.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the winners of this year’s Helen Putnam Awards for Excellence. The annual program honors and promotes the outstanding work of member cities throughout the state that have made unique contributions to community residents and businesses, which have resulted in lower costs or more effective delivery of services.
You will also find the Cal Cities Pavilion in our expo hall. Stop by to learn how to get involved!
7. Strike Up Some Fun at the CitiPAC fundraiser
Strike up some fun(ds) and bowl the night away at the annual CitiPAC fundraiser. Festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept 23, at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Downtown Disney. Everyone is welcome; we hope you will consider making a donation.
8. Make sure your city is ready for the General Assembly
Each year, members can propose new Cal Cities legislative policies through the annual resolution process. Cal Cities received one general resolution by the July 25 deadline, which seeks to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters.
The General Assembly will convene on Friday, Sept. 25 at 8:30 a.m. Voting delegates should check in at the voting delegate desk before the General Assembly to get their voting card.
9. Review the Cal Cities event and meeting policies
Cal Cities is committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all participants and staff at Cal Cities events and meetings. Help us maintain a safe and respectful environment for all attendees by taking a few minutes to review the event and meeting policies.
10. Pack the essentials
The annual conference includes a lot of walking, and conference room temperatures may vary. Pack comfortable shoes, chargers for devices, and a jacket, as conference rooms may be cold to some.
Reminder! Online registration closes Sept. 15.
Full conference registration for city officials is $725 and includes access to general and concurrent sessions, the expo hall, CitiPAC and diversity caucus receptions, as well as grab-and-go breakfast on Thursday and Friday and lunch on Thursday.
Cal Cities strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Event Registration Specialist Megan Dunn. Every effort will be made to honor requests submitted. Please note, Cal Cities does not have control over specific room assignments or how rooms are set up. All hotel need requests should go directly to your hotel.
Scammers may contact you claiming to sell attendee lists or be the housing bureau/service for the conference. Cal Cities does not sell attendee lists or use a housing service. Only trust emails from @calcities.org or the official hotel you book with.