Welcome to the 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo!
Join the California Transit Association in Monterey, California from October 28–30, 2026, for the 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo, presented by
Accenture.
Hosted in partnership with Monterey-Salinas Transit, this multi-day event will take place at the Portola Hotel & Spa and adjacent Monterey Conference Center, bringing together transit leaders, agency staff, and industry partners from across the state.
Attendees can expect content-rich general sessions and breakouts, an interactive Expo Hall, technical tours, and valuable networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and share best practices across California’s transit community. The conference offers a dynamic space to explore innovative solutions, engage with peers, and gain insights into the issues shaping the future of public transportation.
Register today, and join us in Monterey!
At a Glance
- Who: Agency leaders, transit professionals, operations staff, industry partners, and vendors
- What: In-person conference featuring general sessions, breakout sessions, an exhibit hall, and networking events
- When: October 28–30, 2026
- Where: Monterey, California
Timely Topics
Explore the latest trends and pressing issues impacting California transit agencies.
Meaningful Connections
Build relationships with peers, industry leaders, and business partners from across the state.
Innovative Solutions
Discover tools, products, and services designed to strengthen and support transit operations.
Program Details
Conference programming will feature educational sessions, keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and exhibits designed for transit professionals and stakeholders.
Photo Highlights
Browse highlights from CTA’s 2025 Fall Conference & Expo. To browse photos, click here.
61st Annual Fall Conference
Schedule-at-a-Glance
The schedule below is provided as a preliminary schedule-at-a-glance and is subject to change. Additional speakers, session details, and program updates will be added as they become available.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
| 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Jim Ditch Golf Tournament |
| 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
Executive Committee Meeting |
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
| 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
Exhibitor Move In |
| 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Maintenance Committee Meeting |
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
IT Committee Meeting |
| 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
Operations Committee Meeting |
| 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. |
IDEA Task Force Meeting |
| 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
Small Operators Awards Lunch
Sponsored by GMV |
| 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Opening General Session & Keynote Address |
| 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. |
Welcome Reception & Expo |
Thursday, October 29, 2026
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
General Session |
| 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
Coffee & Expo |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions I |
| 12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. |
Lunch & Expo |
| 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions II |
| 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Exhibitor Move Out |
| 3:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. |
Technical Tours |
| 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
Evening Event |
Friday, October 30, 2026
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
Concurrent Sessions III |
| 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. |
Coffee Break |
| 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions IV |
| 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. |
Closing Session |
| 12:45 p.m. |
Conference Adjourns |
2026 Keynote Speaker
Leon Panetta
U.S. Secretary of Defense (2011–2013), Director of the CIA (2009–2011), White House Chief of Staff, and Co-founder of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy
The California Transit Association is honored to welcome Leon Panetta as the keynote speaker for the 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo.
Leon Panetta has built a distinguished career at the highest levels of American government, marked by decades of leadership in public service, national security, and policymaking. A co-founder of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, he returned to the Institute in 2013 after serving as the 23rd U.S. Secretary of Defense.
From his early days as a U.S. Army officer to key roles in Congress, the White House, and the Central Intelligence Agency, Panetta has played a pivotal role in shaping domestic and international policy. Known for his bipartisan approach and commitment to public service, his work spans critical issues from budget reform and healthcare to national defense and global security, bringing a wealth of leadership experience and policy insight to this year’s conference.
A Special Conversation on Leadership & Public Service
Join us in Monterey for this special keynote conversation with a leader whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and the future of public policy.
Biography
Co-founder of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, Leon Panetta returned to the Institute on February 27, 2013, after serving as the 23rd Secretary of Defense.
A Monterey native and Santa Clara University School of Law graduate, Mr. Panetta began his long and distinguished public service career in 1964 as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and upon discharge went to work in Washington as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senate Minority Whip Tom Kuchel of California. In 1969, he was appointed director of the U.S. Office for Civil Rights, where he was responsible for enforcing equal education laws, and later he served as executive assistant to the mayor of New York City. He then returned to Monterey, where he practiced law until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1976.
Serving his Central Coast district in Congress for 16 years, Mr. Panetta was a key participant in agriculture, healthcare, marine and federal budget issues, and from 1989 to 1993, he chaired the House Budget Committee. He authored a wide range of legislation, including the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988, Medicare and Medicaid coverage for hospice care for the terminally ill, and numerous measures to protect the California coast, including creation of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
In 1993, Mr. Panetta left Congress to serve as director of the Office of Management and Budget for the incoming Clinton administration. There, he was instrumental in developing the policies that led to a balanced federal budget and eventual budget surpluses. In 1994, he accepted appointment as the President’s chief of staff, and immediately brought order and focus to White House operations and policy making.
Upon leaving the Clinton administration in 1997, Mr. Panetta joined with his wife Sylvia to establish and co-direct the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, based at California State University, Monterey Bay. Reflecting Mr. Panetta’s own ideals and personal example, the nonpartisan, not-for-profit study center seeks to attract thoughtful men and women to lives of public service and prepare them for the policy challenges of the future. In addition, Mr. Panetta developed programs for the Institute, such as its Leon Panetta Lecture Series, Congressional Internship Program and Leadership Seminar, that help to inform Americans about the critical issues facing our communities, states and nation in the 21st Century. Institute programs also aim to inspire a deeper engagement in the democratic process while simultaneously setting a public example of service and commitment.
Returning to public service in the Obama Administration as director of the CIA, he ran the operation that brought Osama bin Laden to justice, and, as Secretary of Defense, led the effort to develop a new defense strategy, helping bring two wars to an end, and opened up opportunities for everyone to serve in the military. Mr. Panetta chronicles his life in public service in his memoir Worthy Fights, which was published by Penguin Press in the fall of 2014.
Over the years, Mr. Panetta has served on numerous boards and commissions. He co-chaired California Forward, the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative and Governor Schwarzenegger’s Council on Base Support and Retention. In 2006, he served on the Iraq Study Group, a bipartisan national commission seeking a new course for the war in Iraq. In 2016, Mr. Panetta launched the CSIS Commission on Countering Violent Extremism, which he co-chairs with former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Mr. Panetta is the recipient of many awards and honors. His most recent awards include: the California Teachers Association’s “Friends of Education Award”; the Judicial Council of California’s “Stanley Mosk Defender of Justice Award”; “The Harry S. Truman Good Neighbor Award”; the Sons of Italy Foundation’s “National Education & Leadership Award”; the “Peter Benchley Ocean Award for Excellence in Policy”; and the Intelligence and National Security Alliance’s “William Oliver Baker Award”.
Join Us in Monterey
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s most accomplished leaders during the California Transit Association’s 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo.
Register Today
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I attend the California Transit Association’s 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo?
Join the 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo to hear directly from industry leaders, expand your professional network, and learn more about innovative approaches to today’s most pressing transit challenges. Guided by the conference theme of Connecting Us, the event ensures that transit professionals of all levels have a space to gather, network, and learn.
Who can attend the conference?
The 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo brings together public and private sector transportation professionals from throughout California and the country to engage in timely discussions aligned with the most pressing issues in transit.
The conference is open to both members and non-members and is designed for a broad audience, including:
- Transit and transportation professionals across all sectors, disciplines, and career stages
- Public- and private-sector leaders, consultants, and industry partners
- Individuals interested in learning more about the California Transit Association or considering membership
- Students and emerging professionals pursuing or exploring careers in transit, engineering, planning, policy, and related fields
Whether you are a seasoned leader, new to the industry, or exploring a future in transportation, the 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo offers education, networking, and collaboration opportunities for all attendees.
Where is the event being held?
The 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo is being held at:
The Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Convention Center
Two Portola Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940
How much is registration?
Registration rates are available on the California Transit Association’s Fall Conference website linked here .
What is included in my full conference registration fee?
Conference registration includes access to all conference programming and select networking events, providing a comprehensive professional development experience.
- Admission to the Welcome Reception
- Access to all Plenary Sessions
- Access to all Keynote Sessions
- Full access to the Expo Hall
- Admission to the Thursday Evening Offsite Reception
- Access to all Concurrent Sessions and meals (with the exception of the Small Operators Awards Program & Lunch)
What are the onsite registration hours?
- Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Who should I contact about sponsoring and exhibiting?
For more information on sponsoring:
Rob Finley, Business Development Director
rob@caltransit.org
For more information on exhibiting:
Erin Meyer, Events & Education Director
erin@caltransit.org
Refunds and Cancellations
All cancellations must be in writing and emailed to info@caltransit.org.
Submitted registration cancellation requests will be refunded minus a $35 administrative fee. Registration refund requests will be processed in 7–10 business days.
The cancellation deadline is Thursday, October 1. Refund requests received after this date will not be honored.
Registration no-shows will NOT be refunded, including individuals who attend the conference and later decide not to participate or request a refund.
Location & Venues
The 2026 California Transit Association’s 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo will be held at The Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center, located at:
Portola Hotel & Spa
Two Portola Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940
Monterey Conference Center
1 Portola Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940
All conference sessions, keynote presentations, and the Small Operators Awards will take place at the Portola Hotel & Spa and adjacent Monterey Convention Center, providing a centralized and seamless experience for attendees.
Host & Local Acknowledgment
The conference is presented by The California Transit Association, with special recognition of Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) as our host agency. Their conference leadership and support play an important role in planning and event logistics for visitors to Monterey and showcasing the region’s vibrant transit community.
Program & Conference Committee
The Program & Conference Committee is responsible for shaping a comprehensive, relevant, and educational experience for the 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo. The committee has finalized a program designed to address timely issues in five core areas:
- Community Outreach and Community Benefits
- Management & Leadership
- Maintenance
- Operations
- Policy, Innovation & Customer Experience
Meals & Networking Functions
The following meals and gatherings are included with conference registration:
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Welcome Reception & Expo | 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Coffee & Expo | 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Lunch & Expo | 12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Friday, October 30, 2026
- Coffee & Networking | 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Additional networking opportunities include:
- Thursday Evening Reception
- Small Operators Awards Luncheon – Ticket not included with conference registration
- Tickets for the Awards Luncheon are available via registration as an add-on
Expo Hall
The Expo Hall will serve as a central gathering place throughout the conference, offering opportunities to connect with industry partners, explore innovative technology, and engage with peers.
Technical Tours
Optional conference add-ons will be available and released in phases leading to the event. These include:
- Technical tours
- Professional development offerings
Attendees are encouraged to check the conference website regularly for updates and registration availability.
Volunteer Opportunities
A limited number of student volunteer roles and professional volunteer opportunities will be available through Monterey-Salinas Transit. Volunteer positions support various conference activities and provide a behind-the-scenes view of conference operations. For additional information on volunteering contact: erin@caltransit.org
Contact Information
For general conference questions, please contact: info@caltransit.org
Additional details and updates will continue to be added as the conference approaches. We look forward to welcoming you to Monterey for three days of learning and collaboration at the 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo.
Hotel
The conference will be held at the Portola Hotel & Spa, which is conveniently connected to the Monterey Conference Center.
The Association reserved a block of discounted rooms at the Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Marriott at a rate of $305 per night, plus tax. Reservations can be made via this link through Monday, October 5.
Nearby Airports
Monterey is accessible via several regional and international airports:
- Monterey Regional Airport (MRY): Located approximately 10 minutes from the conference venue. While it is the most convenient option, it is a smaller regional airport with limited airline service and fewer direct flight options.
- San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC): Located approximately 75 miles from Monterey, about 1.5–2 hours by car, and offers a wide range of domestic flights. It is the most commonly used airport for visitors.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Located approximately 110 miles from Monterey, about 2–2.5 hours by car. SFO provides extensive domestic and international flight options.
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): Located approximately 105 miles from Monterey, about 2–2.5 hours by car. OAK offers a convenient alternative with a variety of domestic routes.
Ground Transportation
Monterey is accessible from surrounding airports through several transportation options:
- Transit: Local bus service is provided by Monterey-Salinas Transit, offering routes throughout Monterey and surrounding communities.
- Shuttle Service: Shared airport shuttle service is available between SFO, SJC, and Monterey through providers such as Groome Transportation. Service operates daily; advance reservations are recommended.
- Rental Cars: Available at all major airports and recommended for flexibility, especially for exploring the Central Coast.
- Rideshare & Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services are widely available.
Driving to Monterey
Monterey is located on California’s Central Coast, approximately 10 minutes from Monterey Regional Airport, 1 hour from San Jose, 2 hours from San Francisco, 3 hours from Sacramento, and 5 hours from Los Angeles.
Parking
Parking is available within walking distance of the Monterey Conference Center and surrounding downtown area.
- Downtown Parking Structures: Two City of Monterey garages are located approximately one block from the Conference Center: Downtown East Garage, located at Washington & Tyler Streets, and Downtown West Garage, located at Franklin Street & Tyler Street. Both structures offer the first hour free, then $1.00 per 30 minutes or fraction thereof, with a daily maximum of $12.00. Maximum vehicle height is 6 feet 8 inches and rates reset at midnight.
- Hotel Parking: Valet and self-parking options are available at the Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay and nearby hotels. Rates vary by property and may include in/out privileges for overnight guests.
- Street Parking: Metered parking is available throughout downtown Monterey on a first-come, first-served basis. Time limits and rates vary by location.
- Additional Parking: Additional parking is available at nearby public lots and garages within a short walking distance of the venue. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking, particularly during peak conference hours.
Media Toolkit
Information coming soon...
Exhibitor Opportunities
Information coming soon...
Prospectus
Information coming soon...
Small Operators Awards
Overview
The Small Operators Awards are presented annually during the California Transit Association Fall Conference & Expo, recognizing excellence, leadership, and innovation among California’s small transit operators. This event brings together transit professionals from smaller service areas to celebrate achievements that make a meaningful impact on their communities.
The awards will be held on Wednesday, October 28 in conjunction with a lunch presentation (sponsored by GMV) and feature a keynote speaker, creating a dedicated space to honor outstanding contributions while fostering connection among peers across the industry.
Award Categories
The Small Operators Awards highlight individuals and agencies that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and service excellence across the transit industry. Award categories include:
- Transit Professional of the Year – Honors an individual who has demonstrated strong leadership and vision
- Transit Agency of the Year – Recognizes an agency program or service that reflects innovation, effective problem-solving, or a positive community impact
- Transit Innovation Award – Celebrates forward-thinking approaches and creative solutions in transit
- Distinguished Service Award – Acknowledges long-standing contributions and commitment to the industry
2025 Recipients
Transit Professional of the Year (formerly Transit Leadership Award)
2025 – Martin Erickson, Ventura County Transportation Commission
Transit Agency of the Year (formerly Transit Excellence Award)
2025 – Culver CityBus
Transit Innovation Award
2025 – Torrance Transit System
Distinguished Service Award
2025 – Geoff Straw, San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority
Registration & Tickets
The Small Operators Awards event is offered as a separate conference function. Tickets can be purchased for $100 as an add on to registration.