What to Know Before You Go
It’s almost showtime! We will soon be together for the California Transit Association’s 59th Annual Fall Conference & Expo, hosted by Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, taking place November 20-22 at the San Jose Convention Center.
We’ve built a powerful program filled with solution-driven dialogue, exciting speakers, top-notch networking, and an immersive Expo. Here’s important information you need to know as an attendee of our conference.
Download Our Conference App + App User Guide
The Conference App is your primary resource for all things conference related! We encourage you to download the App using the QR codes below. See the attached App User Guide for helpful tips on maximizing your app experience.
Apple App
Google Play App
- Scan the QR code.
- Download California Transit Association app.
- Enter the email address used to register for the conference.
- Update your Contact Card.
App User Guide
Registration
Registration is located at the Upper Concourse of the San Jose Convention Center.
Registration Hours:
- Wednesday, November 20, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, November 21, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, November 22, 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Keynotes
This year's conference program features illuminating keynotes, content-rich tracks, and opportunities to learn from thought leaders as we cover today’s most pressing transit issues. View our complete agenda, and don’t miss our compelling General Sessions and keynote presentations:
- Wednesday, November 20, 4:30 p.m. – It all kicks off with an opening keynote conversation with Olympic Gold Medalist, Summer Sanders, sponsored by UberTransit. As we head towards LA28, hear from Sanders on what it means to overcome challenges and adversity, how teamwork can lead to success and what athletes - and fans - are looking for from an Olympic host.
- Thursday, November 21, 9:00 a.m. – Jarrett Walker, PhD, a world-renowned transit-network consultant and author of the influential Human Transit book and Human Transit blog will deliver our morning keynote presentation.
- Friday, November 22, 8:30 a.m. – Join us in honoring industry-leading individuals and agencies at the Small Operators Program and Awards Breakfast. Separate registration required.
The Expo
Be sure to take advantage of our show-stopping Expo! There are limitless opportunities to learn about the latest products and services while expressing your appreciation to our exhibitors for their support of public transit in California.
Expo Hours:
- Wednesday, November 20
- 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. – Welcome Reception and Expo
- Thursday, November 21
- 10:30 am - 11:30 am – Coffee and Expo
- 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm – Lunch and Expo
- 3:45 pm - 5:45 pm – Dessert and Expo
Digital Passport Game – $1,500 in Prizes! It’s as simple as Visit, Scan & Score Points!
- Visit an Exhibitor or Sponsor Booth
- Scan the booth’s unique QR code with your app
- Automatically be awarded points in the Digital Expo Passport Game! Sponsor booths are worth 200 points and Exhibitor booths are worth 100 points.
- Accumulate 5,200+ points to be entered to win a $500 American Express Gift Card
- Accumulate 6,600+ points to be entered to win a $1,000 American Express Gift Card
- Drawing will be held after the Expo Hall closes and you will be notified via email. Need not be present to win.
Receptions
Welcome Reception & Expo
Join us for the Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening in the Expo Hall from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Enjoy small bites, drinks, chatting with colleagues and exploring our amazing Expo Hall. The reception will highlight efforts from member agencies and the work they’re accomplishing in diversity, equity and inclusion.
Thursday Night Reception at The Tech Interactive Museum
The networking continues Thursday night where we'll mix and mingle at The Tech Interactive (201 S Market St, San Jose) over a live jazz band, drinks and hors d'oeuvres. From 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Tech Tours
This year, we are pleased to present two Tech Tours. Preregistration is required. Space limited to 60 participants per tour. Those interested can register at the VTA Host Agency table, located near the registration desk in the Upper Concourse. More details will be provided upon registration.
CALTRAIN TOUR
November 21 | 3:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Join the Caltrain and VTA teams for a round-trip, revenue-service ride on one of the new American-built Stadler electric trains from the historic San Jose Diridon station to Mountain View. Onboard, you will hear about how this $2.44 billion project came together, how it is benefiting customers and corridor communities alike, and see one of the important Caltrain-VTA connection points.
MILPITAS TRANSIT CENTER
November 21 | 3:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
The Milpitas Transit Center is a central hub in the City of Milpitas' Transit Area Specific Plan, serving as a key gateway to Silicon Valley via the BART system. This strategic location provides essential connections to both local and regional transportation networks, linking Silicon Valley’s high-tech hubs and job centers in northwestern Santa Clara County. As part of this tour, you will explore how multi-agency partnerships with the City of Milpitas, BART, Caltrain, San Jose and the California High-Speed Rail Authority are driving transit-oriented development and fleet modernization.
Transportation
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is pleased to be your host. VTA is offering complimentary transit passes that will allow for unlimited rides on VTA Bus and Light Rail from November 19 through November 23. You can redeem this 5-Day Pass through the Token Transit app linked below. Please note that you can redeem (download) the pass anytime but you can only activate the pass beginning 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19.
Token Transit App
Wear Your Name Badge At All Times
Conference participants must wear their name badges at all times during the conference. Participants not wearing a badge will be required to put on their badge. If you misplace your badge, the registration desk can assist in printing a copy. The first reprint is free and additional reprints are $25.
Share Your Experience
While you're enjoying the conference, be sure to share the experience via the Association’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram channels using the hashtag #CalTransit59. We look forward to engaging with you!