California Workforce Association
Meeting of the Minds
in Monterey 2026
September 8–10, 2026
Monterey Marriott · Monterey, California
Conference begins in
2026 Sponsors
About the Conference
Meeting of the Minds is California's premier gathering for workforce development leaders: executive directors, board members, deputy directors, and senior leaders from across the state's Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs). This is not a passive conference. It's built around peer exchange and collaborative learning, with sessions led by practitioners designed for leaders who are closest to the work.
If you lead a workforce system in California, or support those who do, this is the professional gathering of the year. Join your colleagues in Monterey for three days of strategic dialogue, honest conversation, and the kind of connection that only happens when the right people are in the room.
Registration
Save $100 — register by August 7, 2026
Best Rate
Early Bird
Through August 7
$949
Full conference access
Pre-Registration
After August 7
$1,049
Full conference access
On-Site
At the conference
$1,149
Full conference access
CWA Members receive an additional $100 off full conference registration. Member discount does not apply to single-day registration.
One-day registration is also available — visit the registration page for details and pricing.
Join hundreds of workforce development leaders
Photo © Monterey Marriott
Conference Hotel
Monterey Marriott
A discounted group room block is available at the Monterey Marriott. Book early — conference room blocks fill quickly.
Book Your Room
Submit a Workshop Proposal
Meeting of the Minds sessions are led by practitioners, for practitioners. If you have expertise, insights, or a story worth sharing with California's workforce development leaders, we want to hear from you. Each workshop session is 60 minutes.
Submission Deadline
July 3, 2026 · 11:59 PM
Acceptance Notification
July 10, 2026
Sponsorship & Exhibiting
Reach California's Workforce Leaders
CWA's 2026 conferences attract over 1,200 participants combined — executive directors, board members, program decision-makers, and workforce partners from across the state.
Packages range from $3,000 (Exhibitor) to $15,000 (Platinum), with add-on opportunities including sponsored events, tote bags, and more. Multi-conference discounts are available.