Registration is open for the 56th Annual Fall Conference & Expo, presented by Proterra.
By Stephanie Jordan
Managing Editor
Transit California
Through the hard work of its members, the California Transit Association has had, and continues to have, a profound influence on the public transit in California. Together we are dedicated to tackling tough issues head-on, strengthening public transit’s voice in the political arena, and providing forums, like the fall conference, to share best practices.
This year is particularly unique. The issues facing public transit in California today are unlike any other time in our history. It has been an emotional time since March of 2020 when Governor Newsom issued the Stay-at-Home order and public transit ridership plummeted overnight, as commuters worked from home, kids stopped traveling to school, stores and restaurants shuttered, and essential workers emerged. Even as lives were lost to COVID-19, public transit systems continued to provide service and kept communities moving to ensure that essential workers got to where they needed to go.
From those early days of COVID-19 to now, so much has transpired. The impact of the pandemic on public transit’s mission, practices, and the role it plays as an essential service brought with it significant change. With the lockdown lifted last month, a new chapter is beginning, but what changes and opportunities that arrived with the pandemic will be lasting? It is with this in mind that the theme for the 56th Annual Fall Conference & Expo, presented by Proterra, is Embracing Change. New Era. New Vision.
EDUCATION 
It is more vital than ever that California Transit Association members come together this fall to experience the excellent opportunities for learning, networking, provocative discussions, collaboration, and innovation. Session topics will address diversity and social change; regaining transit ridership and restoring confidence in the aftermath of the pandemic; mobility options and service reinvention; zero-emissions and air quality improvement; transit’s role in supporting our communities’ recovery; recruitment and retention; and much more.
The conference will have five educational tracks with 20 sessions taking place on Tuesday, November 2 and Wednesday November 3. These sessions provide the opportunity to learn from peers, industry experts and others. The intimate sessions, designed to have ample time for Q & A, have something for all attendees of diverse backgrounds, such as finance, maintenance, policy, operations, executive management, public relations and communications, and customer service.
More about the concurrent sessions and keynote presentations will be posted to the Association’s website in the coming weeks.
LOCATION
With the exception of a few special events, all conference meetings, general sessions, concurrent sessions, and the Expo will be held at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento. Our face-to-face gathering will be among the first to experience the $180 million renovation of the Convention Center in Sacramento with its expanded exhibit hall, new ballroom, additional meeting rooms, and a new outdoor plaza.
If conference participants require an overnight stay, conveniently located across the street from the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center stands the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel. Conference participants will receive a special room rate of $195 per night, plus tax, which will be honored for two days before and after the conference dates. Reservations must be made by Friday, October 8, although the group rate is subject to availability and may sell out. Book your room online, or call: (800) 325-3535 and mention California Transit Association.
The 56th Annual Fall Conference & Expo Agency Host is Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT). SacRT provides bus service to the greater Sacramento area. Be sure to learn more about SacRT by reading “On Board With... SacRT CEO/GM Henry Li” in this issue of Transit California.
BUSINESS MEMBERS AND SUPPLIERS
The gathering of the 56th Annual Fall Conference & Expo is a great opportunity to see customers and meet new ones. Consider taking advantage of sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities that give prominent visibility and generate top-of-mind brand awareness. For more information on available sponsorships view the Fall Conference Prospectus or contact Kim Rothschild, Senior Director, Business Development (916) 446-4656 x1492 or email her at kim@caltransit.org.
For exhibitor opportunities, view the Fall Conference Prospectus or contact Maria Barajas, Association Services Manager (916) 446-4656 x 31008 or email her at maria@caltransit.org. Often sited as a perfect-sized venue, the events in the Expo bring together suppliers and agency folks for informal networking, meal times, and lots of opportunities for conversation.
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
As before, this conference remains an exceptional value. A full conference attendee registration, which includes all general sessions, keynotes, your choice of sessions in five educational tracks, extended Expo times, and many meals is only $375 for members and $475 for non-members, when you register by September 21. After that date, registration prices increase to $475 for members and $575 for non-members. Single-day registrations are also available for both members and non-members.
Best Prices
Best Attendee Price
Save $100: Register by Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Best Hotel Price
Special overnight accommodation offer ends Friday, October 8, 2021
Best Booth Price
Save $150: Secure exhibit space by Monday, August 2, 2021
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REGISTRATION FEES
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By September 21
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After September 21
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Member
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$375
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$475
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Non-Member
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$475
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$575
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Single Day - Member
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$200
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$300
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Single Day - Non-Member
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$300
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$400
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HEALTH & SAFETY
The health and safety of conference attendees and partners remains the top priority. Please be assured the California Transit Association adheres to the latest safety protocols and practices and we have plans to implement, communicate, and effectively carry out these throughout our face-to-face meetings in compliance with the CDC and WHO recommendations. Throughout the conference there will be sanitizing stations and enhanced cleaning practices, among other measures.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
A key benefit to attending the conference is the opportunity to network with colleagues, peers, and transit businesses. With planned expo times, a bus display (located in the expo), two receptions, breakfasts and lunches throughout the days, there are ample ways to get connected with the California public transit industry.
Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this premier public transit event. Collaboration on ideas and sharing peer-to-peer is the hallmark of the California Transit Association conferences. Take advantage of early-bird rates and come prepared to talk about the challenges of these unique times, connect with members, and learn about the innovations and pilot programs being implemented by transit agencies around the state.
56th Annual Fall Conference & Expo
Agenda-At-A-Glance*
MONDAY, November 1
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1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
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Exhibitor Move-In
Bus Move-In by Appointment Only
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Tuesday, November 2
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6:30 am – 5:30 pm
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Registration Desk Open
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8:00 am – 10:00 am
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Exhibitor Move-In
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9:30 am – 10:45 am
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Welcome & Opening Keynote Presentation
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10:30 am
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Exhibitors Show Ready
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11:00 am – 12:15 pm
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Concurrent Sessions I
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12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
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Lunch & Expo
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2:15 pm – 3:30 pm
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Concurrent Sessions II
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3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
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Local Transit Tours
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3:30 pm
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Expo Open
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5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
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Welcome Reception & Expo
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Wednesday, November 3
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7:30 am – 5:00 pm
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Registration Desk Open
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7:45 am – 9:00 am
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Small Operators Program & Awards Breakfast
Requires separate registration to attend.
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8:00 am – 9:00 am
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Networking Breakfast & Bus Expo
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9:15 am – 10:30 am
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Keynote Presentation
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10:45 am – 12:15 pm
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Concurrent Sessions III
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12:15 pm – 2:45 pm
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Lunch, Expo & Prize Drawings
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3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
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Expo Exhibitor Teardown
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3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
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Concurrent Sessions IV
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5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
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Evening Reception
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Thursday, November 4
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7:30 am – 10:00 am
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Registration Desk Open
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8:00 am – 8:30 am
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Classic American Breakfast
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8:30 am – 9:45 am
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Keynote Presentation
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9:45 am – 10:00 am
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Closing Final Remarks & Grand Prize Drawing
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10:00 am
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Conference Adjourns
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* Preliminary agenda and subject to change.