2024 California Conference Attendee Info Hub

• Getting Here
• Tickets And Entry
• Lunch
• Schedule
• Safety And Accessibility
• Interactive Hall
• National Conference For Women (Virtual)

Getting Here

• Where is the Conference located?

  Santa Clara Convention Center
  5001 Great America Parkway
  Santa Clara, CA 95054

  Directions and travel tips

• What are the Conference hours?

  Convention Center doors open at 7:00 a.m. and the Interactive Hall opens at 8:00 a.m.

  Session I programming begins at 8:45 a.m.

  The Conference ends at 5:00 p.m.

  View the day’s schedule

• Where can I park?

  Parking options can be found on our Travel page.

• What is the best way to get to the Convention Center?

  We recommend taking light rail, taxi, Lyft or Uber.

  Take VTA light rail to the Great American Station.

  If you must drive, please carefully review the parking advice on our Travel page. You’ll find maps, prices and even an option to reserve discounted parking in advance!

  Please plan ahead to account for traffic, parking, and crowded public transit.

Tickets And Entry

• What is required for entry?

  Your printed, hard copy badge is required to enter the event. You will wear your badge all day and a lanyard will be provided on-site.

  Our registration team has already emailed your badge to you.

   

  If you do not receive your badge via email, log in to your registration account to download it.

   

  If someone else registered you and you do not receive the badge email, contact the person who registered you and they can resend it.

• What if I forget or lose my badge?

  In the event you lose or forget your badge, you may visit the Help Desk located in the Main Lobby.

  Avoid the Help Desk lines by printing your badge at home!

• What should I wear and bring?

  Many attendees opt for a business casual look. You will be walking a lot, so we suggest comfortable footwear!

  Don’t forget your:

  • Reusable water bottle (water coolers are available in the Interactive Hall)
  • Resume (to take advantage of the complimentary Resume Review service in the Interactive Hall).
• What if I need help with my registration?

  If you need assistance with your registration, please contact the primary registrant for your group, or reach out to [email protected].

Lunch

• What time is lunch?

  Lunch will take place in Hall BCD from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., during a scheduled intermission within the keynote session (which runs from 10:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m).

• Is there assigned seating for lunch?

  The keynote session, where lunch is served, is assigned seating. Your table assignment is located on your badge.

  Refer to the Keynote Seating Map in the program book to find your table location.

  (Seating in all breakout sessions is first-come, first-served.)

• Do you offer a vegan/ vegetarian/ gluten-free option?

  All attendees will receive a complimentary boxed lunch and filtered water.

  For menu specifics, including an ingredient list, visit the Conference Lunch page.

• What if I have special dietary needs and/or allergies not satisfied by the alternate lunch option?

  If the alternative lunch option does not meet your specific needs, you are welcome to bring your own food for the day.

Schedule

• What is the flow of the day?

  Browse the agenda or the digital program book for a snapshot of the day’s programming. 

  The day includes one keynote session (10:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.), three breakout sessions (at 8:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3:15 p.m.), lunch break (11:30 a.m.), end-of-day party (4:00 p.m.), and free time built in for networking, 1:1 career coaching, resume reviews, and to explore Interactive Hall offerings.

• When can I see the keynote speakers?

  The keynote session takes place from 10:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., with a 30-minute lunch break intermission starting at 11:30 a.m.

  Seating for the Keynote session is assigned. You can find your table number on your badge.

• When do the breakout sessions take place?

  Breakout sessions are offered in three time blocks throughout the day: 

  Session I Program Offerings (8:45 – 9:45 a.m.) include a choice between three Executive Insights sessions.

  Session II (1:45 – 2:45 p.m.) and Session III (3:15 – 4:15 p.m.) Program offerings include a choice between six sessions (workshops and panels).  

  Many sessions will be repeated so you don’t have to miss your favorite speakers and sessions. 

  Learn about session types and tracks here.

• Do I need to sign up for breakout sessions in advance?

  Advance sign-up is NOT required for breakout sessions; however seating is first-come, first-served. We encourage you to review the agenda in advance and plan out which sessions you want to attend.

• When do Resume Review and Career Coaching take place?

  Complimentary 1:1 Resume Review and Career Coaching will take place throughout the day — except during the Keynote program — in the Interactive Hall. Thanks to our sponsors Gilead and Cisco for sponsoring these career resources onsite!

  Please note that sign-up is required, and services are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up in person on Conference Day in the Interactive Hall.

Safety And Accessibility

• Is there wifi available in the Convention Center?

  Free wireless internet service is available throughout the building. Just open your browser and look for the “CalWomen” network, then use the password CACFW2024.

• Can I check my coat or luggage?

  Yes, a coat check will be available in the Main Lobby.

  The cost is $5 per item, payable via cash, credit, and Apple Pay.

• I am a nursing mother — where can I pump & store milk?

  There is a dedicated Nursing Mothers Room in Meeting Room 202.

  Expect power outlets, refrigeration, and the possibility of a crowd during peak break times.

• Do you have accommodations in place for the hearing impaired?

  The Keynote program will be closed-captioned.

• What if I need another accommodation?

  The Conference for Women wants to create an inclusive and accessible experience for all attendees. We request 30 days advance notice of any special accessibility needs. If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected].

• Are men’s restrooms available?

  Most restrooms have been converted to women’s, with the exception of the following men’s rooms:

  • Hall A – opposite hall entrance
  • Great America Lobby
  • Main Lobby
  • Upper Lobby
  • Back of Hall D during Keynote

Interactive Hall

• What can I expect from the Interactive Hall?

  We’re putting together a new and better-than-ever Hall for you to explore — fun photo opportunities, a learning stage sponsored by Google, free headshots, career development services, and more. Get more details on the Interactive Hall page.

• How do I sign up for career coaching or resume review?

  Sign-up in person in the Interactive Hall starting at 8:00 a.m.

  Spaces fill up quickly, so sign up early if this is a priority for you.

  Thanks to Gilead and Cisco for sponsoring these career resources onsite!

• What networking opportunities are there for attendees?

  Visit the Networking & Connections area, sponsored by Cisco and located in the Interactive Hall, to participate in Small Group Networking Meet-Ups throughout the day.

• How can I connect with the Conference and other attendees before and after the event?

  Connect with us on LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and tune into our podcast, Women Amplified. And keep an eye out for our monthly newsletter, The Conference in Your Inbox, packed with tips and inspiration from Conference speakers!

National Conference For Women (Virtual)

• Do I need to purchase a separate ticket for the March 14th virtual Conference?

  No, as a registered attendee of the in-person Conference on February 29th, you are already registered for the March 14th virtual event. Stay tuned to your registered email for more information.

  You can still purchase virtual-only National Conference tickets for friends and colleagues on our registration website. Learn more.