Each year the California Chapter organizes a statewide conference allowing members to receive educational opportunities and to network. These popular conferences attract planning professionals from all over California, the United States and throughout the world.
2024 Conference
Held at the Riverside Convention Center from September 27–October 1, the 2024 APA California Conference was the largest in Chapter history at the time, attracting 2,034 total attendees—a 30% increase from 2023. The Inland Empire provided a vibrant backdrop for a theme that explored past, present, and future planning practices under the banner “Cultivating Our Future.”
The conference featured renowned speakers and thought leaders, including Cheech Marin during the Opening Plenary and Olivia Sandusky of NBC Palm Springs during the Closing Plenary, who addressed pressing issues around the Salton Sea. The Diversity Plenary brought together leaders from APA National and the California Racial Equity Commission to discuss equitable planning practices. Other highlights included the Awards Program, Sponsor and Networking Receptions, and an engaging Student Day Mixer.
Past Conference locations include:
- 2023 Fresno
- 2022 Anaheim
- 2019 Santa Barbara
- 2018 San Diego
- 2017 Sacramento
- 2016 Pasadena
- 2015 Oakland
- 2014 Anaheim
- 2013 Visalia
- 2012 Rancho Mirage