Know Before You Go
It's almost time for the premier conference for California school communicators, and we can't wait to welcome you in beautiful San Diego!
Below are important details to help you prepare for the conference.
View the full agenda here for additional session details, learning tracks, and speaker information.
The conference will be held at the San Diego Gaslamp Westin. CalSPRA has a room block dedicated to attendees. Your conference registration confirmation email includes the link to book a room at the CalSPRA rate, which is also below.
- Westin Gaslamp San Diego
- CalSPRA Room Block – Book your room at the CalSPRA rate: https://book.passkey.com/go/CalSPRA2025. Hotel rooms tend to fill up quickly, so book soon!
- Hotel Parking – Valet only. Current rates are $60.00 per car for overnight parking *subject to change*
- Food - The hotel does not offer room service. However, several eating options are within walking distance for meals not included in your registration.
2. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown (Overflow)
- CalSPRA Room Block– Book your room at the CalSPRA rate: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/calspra2025annualconvention/
- Hotel Parking – Self-parking: Not available ; Valet parking: $65.00
3. Courtyard San Diego Downtown - Last Day to Book : Monday, February 03, 2025 Book your group rate for CALSPRA
4. Hilton Gaslamp San Diego - Last Day to Book : Monday, February 03, 2025 https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/calspra-2025-annual-conference/
Not able to find a room at any of the hotels above? Here is an overflow list - we will reach out in this order with priority given to conference registrants. It would also be good to book a refundable back-up room located near the Westin Gaslamp at 910 Broadway Cir, San Diego, CA 92101.
There's still time to register for California’s leading conference for school communicators! Registration closes on February 21. Conference registration includes a ticket to the awards gala on Friday evening, and additional tickets for guests can be purchased. Join over 400 public education PR professionals at the 2025 CalSPRA conference, "Reaching Horizons, Supporting COMMunity." This year's theme highlights our relentless pursuit of excellence as we strive to achieve the seemingly impossible, overcome obstacles, and celebrate our victories. Participate in professional learning opportunities designed to build your tactical and leadership skills, and be inspired by a keynote speaker who will motivate and energize you. Connect with vendors who can support your daily workloads and network with fellow professionals who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of public education PR. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your skills, gain valuable insights, and strengthen your professional community.
We will kick off on Wednesday, March 5th, in the afternoon with our pre-conference session from 2:00-4:00 p.m. for first-time attendees in the Del Mar room. This session is at capacity! However, we will start a waiting list if you are interested in attending. Please email Karen Smith at karen@Calspra.org.
Award gala tickets are for guests who wish to attend the gala without registering for the full conference. Conference registration includes a ticket to the gala. Registration closes on February 21.
Dress up in your best cocktail attire and join us at the CalSPRA Awards Gala, where we'll come together to honor and celebrate our members' exceptional achievements and creativity. It’s a night to recognize excellence and inspire continued success in school public relations and communications!
Registration for the 5K is open until February 13, 2025! Whether you’re a runner, walker, or enthusiastic cheerleader, the 5K is for everyone! The cost is just $30 and includes a t-shirt and a medal - perfect keepsakes to commemorate your participation.
A big thank you to our sponsor, Target River, who's sponsorship helps keep the registration cost low for our members! Be sure to say hi to them at their booth during the conference.
Be part of CalSPRA’s first-ever golf event! Register now to secure your spot - details will be sent directly to registrants once the size of the event is determined. Registration closes on February 21.
CalSPRA offers a variety of on-site volunteer opportunities at the conference. From helping with check-in to taking photos and videos, and supporting conference logistics, there is something for everyone. Volunteering is a great way to get to know other CalSPRA members and build your professional network. For more information, contact our Volunteer Chair Brittanie Arnett.
This year’s Wednesday night reception, sponsored by FinalSite, is all about showing off your California pride! Join us on the 4th-floor garden terrace from 6:00-10:00 p.m. Dress in an outfit that celebrates the Golden State - it can be a sports team, a famous location, or anything that highlights our amazing state. We can’t wait to see how you showcase your love for California.
Reception access is included in conference registration.
Join us for Thursday night Game Night in the ballroom, following the evening reception! Many thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ParentSquare, who will start the fun with an exciting bingo game. The festivities run from 7:30 to 10 p.m., so grab your friends and get ready for a night of laughter and friendly competition!
Conference registration includes access to game night.
We are bringing back our “Ask a Pro” 20 Minute Advice and Feedback Sessions on Thursday during the lunch break. Sign-up is required!
School communication can be lonely - finding someone who truly understands what you do for your organization can be challenging. Our “Ask a Pro” mini-sessions can help. We’ve brought seasoned PR volunteers from all over the state to offer you their best advice. You’ll have 20 minutes with two professionals to go over anything you’re looking for advice on, including:
- Feedback on a crisis situation
- Ideas for improving internal communication
- Working with your board or superintendent
- Reviewing your work projects or plans
- Brainstorming your next project
- Next steps in your career
- General PR advice
Spots are limited and fill up quickly. Keep an eye on your email for when the sign-up link goes live. The link will also be added here.
Our conference Whova app will launch on Monday, March 3. Watch your email for an announcement that the conference page has launched. Conference attendees can prepare by downloading the app to their mobile devices ahead of time, ensuring quick and easy access to conference schedules, speaker information, and networking opportunities. The app is also an integral part of the check-in process. Details regarding check-in can be found further down.
Whether you check in on Wednesday (11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) or Thursday (7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.), here’s how check-in will run:
- On your Whova app (which we’ll be launching on Monday, March 3) homepage is a button that reads “QR Check-in.” This will bring up a QR scanner to scan the QR codes placed around the conference entrance.
- Following confirmation that you’ve been checked in as a registered attendee, you can visit the CalSPRA table to show them proof of check-in and obtain your name badge, lanyard, and ribbons. Your badge will contain drink tickets good for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings’ events and a dietary preference marker (based on your registration) you’ll use during Friday’s Awards Gala.
- After checking in, stop by the B43 booth to pick up your wi-fi password.
Check-in will also be available Friday evening for award gala guests.
The following meals are included in your registration:
- Thursday breakfast
- Friday breakfast
- Friday dinner
- Saturday breakfast
The hotel offers the Bronze Bird restaurant in the hotel lobby. No room service is available.
Here’s a quick guide to help you pack everything you’ll need for a great conference experience!
- Conference attire
- Conference attendees should plan to wear business casual attire throughout the event, with jeans being perfectly acceptable. For the CalSPRA game night, feel free to dress casually for a relaxed and fun evening. However, be sure to bring cocktail attire for the awards gala, where we'll celebrate in style. This mix of professional and casual dress codes will ensure you’re comfortable and appropriately dressed for all conference activities.
- Outfit for the Wednesday night “Celebrating California” reception
- Comfortable shoes for the 5K or golf event (if participating)
- Notebook, pens, or devices for taking notes during sessions
- Chargers for all your tech
- Refillable water bottle
- Cocktail attire for the awards gala on Friday