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Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center

Two Portola Plaza

1 show hosted · 1 upcoming

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California Transit Association Fall Conference & Expo 2026 in Monterey, CA
General

California Transit Association Fall Conference & Expo 2026

Oct
28

The California Transit Association Fall Conference & Expo is the state's premier annual gathering for the public transportation community. The 2026 edition marks the 61st Annual Fall Conference & Expo, held in Monterey, California. Presented by Accenture and hosted in partnership with Monterey-Salinas Transit, the multi-day event brings together transit leaders, agency staff, and industry partners from across California and beyond. 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. Programming is organized around five core areas: Community Outreach and Community Benefits; Management & Leadership; Maintenance; Operations; and Policy, Innovation & Customer Experience. The conference is open to both members and non-members, welcoming transit and transportation professionals across all sectors and career stages, public- and private-sector leaders, consultants, industry partners, and students exploring careers in transit, engineering, planning, and policy. Guided by the 2026 theme **Connecting Us**, it offers a dynamic space to explore innovative solutions, engage with peers, and gain insights into the issues shaping the future of public transportation.

Monterey, CA
October 28, 2026
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About this venue

All conference sessions, keynote presentations, and the Small Operators Awards take place at the Portola Hotel & Spa (Two Portola Plaza) and the adjacent Monterey Conference Center (1 Portola Plaza), which are directly connected to provide a centralized, seamless experience for attendees. The Expo Hall serves as a central gathering place throughout the conference for connecting with industry partners, exploring technology, and networking. Student poster displays are featured on easels within the Expo Hall during the Welcome Reception.

Parking

Several parking options are available near the venue in downtown Monterey:

  • Downtown Parking Structures: Two City of Monterey garages sit approximately one block from the Conference Center — the Downtown East Garage (Washington & Tyler Streets) and Downtown West Garage (Franklin & Tyler Streets). Both offer the first hour free, then $1.00 per 30 minutes, with a $12.00 daily maximum. Maximum vehicle height is 6 feet 8 inches; rates reset at midnight.
  • Hotel Parking: Valet and self-parking are available at the Portola Hotel & Spa and nearby hotels; rates vary 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, with varying time limits and rates.
  • Additional Parking: Nearby public lots and garages within short walking distance offer more capacity. Arriving early is encouraged during peak conference hours.

Getting there

Nearest airports:

  • Monterey Regional Airport (MRY): ~10 minutes from the venue; most convenient but a smaller regional airport with limited service.
  • San Jose Mineta International (SJC): ~75 miles / 1.5–2 hours by car; the most commonly used airport with wide domestic service.
  • San Francisco International (SFO): ~110 miles / 2–2.5 hours by car; extensive domestic and international flights.
  • Oakland International (OAK): ~105 miles / 2–2.5 hours by car.

Ground transportation:

  • Transit: Local bus service by Monterey-Salinas Transit runs throughout Monterey and surrounding communities.
  • Shuttle: Shared airport shuttles operate daily between SFO, SJC, and Monterey via providers such as Groome Transportation; advance reservations recommended.
  • Rental Cars: Available at all major airports and recommended for Central Coast flexibility.
  • Rideshare & Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and local taxis are widely available.

By car, Monterey is roughly 1 hour from San Jose, 2 hours from San Francisco, 3 hours from Sacramento, and 5 hours from Los Angeles.

Nearby hotels

The conference is headquartered at the Portola Hotel & Spa, which is connected to the Monterey Conference Center. The Association reserved a block of discounted rooms at the Portola Hotel & Spa and the Monterey Marriott at a rate of $305 per night, plus tax. Reservations can be made via the official conference housing link through Monday, October 5. Additional downtown Monterey hotels are located within walking distance of the venue.

Location

Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center, Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CADirections