This should be opened on a cellular device to access the Whova app.

Whether you check in on Wednesday (2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.) or Thursday (7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.), here’s how check-in will run:

• On your Whova app 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 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 B43Productions booth to pick up your wi-fi password.

Check-in will also be available Friday evening for award gala guests via the CalSPRA check-in table in the lobby.

This year’s Wednesday night reception, sponsored by PeachJar, is all about showing off your California pride! Join us on the 4th-floor San Diego ballroom from 6:30-9:00 p.m. 

Theme: 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. 

View the full agenda here for additional session details, learning tracks, and speaker information.

See our line-up of incredible speakers here. 

Are you presenting? Here is additional information for you!

Our conference wouldn't be the professional powerhouse it is without volunteers like you. Thank you for sharing your expertise with our members!

Your Slides

Don't forget to load your slides to the Google Drive so that everyone has access, even if they can't make it to your session.

Presenter Responsibilities

• Arrive 10 minutes early to your room
• Reach out through your introducer/board member if you need assistance
• AV team member will visit each room before sessions start
• No direct selling in the session
• Session feedback collection through survey  (not Whova) at the end of conference

Presenter Resources

Speaker Tips

Event Policies

Conference Agenda

Whova App

Presenter Resources Folder

CalSPRA Branded Slide Template

Presenter Preview Webinar February 12, 2025

Couldn't make it to CalSPRA's Presenter Preview Webinar? Don't worry, we recorded it!

Here is the recording from our presenter preview.

Here is the slide deck from our online presenter preview-

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.

1. Westin Gaslamp San Diego - SOLD OUT

• 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) - SOLD OUT

• 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.

The conference will be held at the San Diego Gaslamp Westin.

• Hotel Parking – Self-parking: Not available ; Valet parking: $65.00

You can also use Spot Hero, which allows you to reserve parking spaces in advance at a reasonable rate. Just type in the address of the Westin Gaslamp hotel to look for nearby parking options and make a reservation.

Westin Gaslamp, 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. 

Register for the CalSPRA conference

New Time!

We will kick off on Wednesday, March 5th, in the afternoon with our pre-conference session, sponsored by Edlio, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. (previously 2:00-4:00 p.m.) for first-time attendees in the Del Mar room. 

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!

Register for the annual Awards Gala

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, whose sponsorship helps keep the registration cost low for our members! Be sure to say hi to them at their booth during the conference. 

Registration for this event is closed but you can still participate! Join us in the hotel lobby at 6:00 am, and the run will start at 6:30 am. You can run, walk, or cheer on others.

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.

Register for the CalSRPA golf outing

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.

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. Sign up today to ensure you have a spot! Ask A Pro sign up.

The following meals are included in your registration:

1. Thursday breakfast
2. Friday breakfast
3. Friday dinner
4. Saturday breakfast

Nearby restaurants map

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

We're using the Weather Channel to keep an eye on the weather. Be sure to check the weather before packing.

Please note that if it rains Wednesday evening, the welcome reception will move from the terrace to the ballroom. All location changes will be announced via the Whova app.

*Sponsorship at all levels except Bronze/No-booth are sold out for this year's conference. Please karen@calspra.org if you are interested in that level.*

To our valued sponsors, thank you for your incredible support of the 2025 Annual Conference of School Communicators. Your generous contributions are instrumental in making this event a success, and many communicators wouldn't be able to participate in this valuable professional development opportunity without your partnership. By investing in this conference, you're directly improving communication and engagement for students across California, empowering school communicators with the latest tools and strategies to connect with their communities effectively. We deeply appreciate your commitment to our mission and look forward to continuing this important work together. 

Questions? Email karen@calspra.org

Location Information

This year's conference will take place at the beautiful Westin Gaslamp Hotel located at 910 Broadway Cir, San Diego, CA 92101

Shipping Your Materials

The hotel has requested that items not arrive any earlier that three days before the conference start, March 3rd at the earliest.

Here is the shipping label that you should include to ensure that you receive your items.

Conference Events

At CalSPRA, we believe that our sponsors are true partners in not only bringing this conference to our members, but in helping all of us discover better tools. Our sponsors are always welcome at all events during the conference. Be aware that you need to sign up separately and there is an additional cost for the 5k and Golf events. All others are included in the sponsorship.

It is our assumption that most sponsors do not plan to attend the Award Gala Friday night since it takes place after booth take-down. However, if you plan to attend, please fill out THIS FORM by Wed. Feb 19th

Booths

Booths will have access to power. They are located in one of three foyers on the second floor of the hotel. Booths are not secured at night, so it is a good idea to secure valuable belongings in your hotel room over night. However, if you are not staying at the host hotel, we may be able to identify space for you. Sponsor booths can be set up as early as 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5. They can be taken down on Friday, March 7 at 4:15 p.m.

Registration

Depending on your level of sponsorship, you receive 1-3 complimentary conference registrations. Additional registrations are $250 to cover the cost of the hotel meals. If you are not sure if all members of your team are registered, please email karen@calspra.org. If you need to change the representative you are sending, please let Karen know as well.

Attendee Lists

Sponsors at Platinum and above will receive the attendee lists on Friday, February 28. All other sponsors will receive the lists the first day of the conference.

Sponsor Liaisons

We will be offering a new support for sponsors at this year's conference, our Sponsor Liaisons. They are CalSPRA members who have volunteered to help with the conference specifically as liaisons. They will connect with their sponsor partner ahead of the conference and assist in answering any questions.

Additional Resources

Whova Agenda

Whova App

Event Policy

CalSPRA Website

Sponsor Webinar Preview

We were excited to offer a sponsor preview webinar this year for the first time. Couldn't make it? Don't worry, we know you're busy. We recorded the session and also have the slide deck available below.

Here is the recording.

Here is the slide deck