2025 Attendee Info Hub
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
San Jose McEnery Convention Center
The one-stop hub to help you prepare for an amazing day at the 5th annual California Conference for Women!
Getting Here
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Where is the Conference located?
San Jose McEnery Convention Center
408 S Almaden Boulevard
San Jose, CA 95110 -
What are the Conference hours?
Convention Center doors open at 7:00 a.m. and the Interactive Hall opens at 8:00 a.m.
Session I programming begins at 8:45 a.m.
The Conference ends at 5:00 p.m.
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Where can I park?
Parking options can be found on our Travel page.
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What is the best way to get to the Convention Center?
We recommend taking light rail, taxi, Lyft or Uber.
Valley Transportation Authority will help you plan your trip via public transit.
- Light Rail: The Convention Center is directly in front of the VTA’s Convention Center light rail station, which is served by the Green Line and Blue Line.
- Bus: The 23 local bus line and the 523 Rapid bus line both serve the convention center. There’s also a dedicated VTA bus stop at the front entrance of the convention center.
If you must drive, please carefully review the parking advice on our Travel page. You’ll find maps, prices and even an option to reserve discounted parking in advance!
Please plan ahead to account for traffic, parking, and crowded public transit.
Tickets And Entry
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What is required for entry?
Your printed badge is required to enter the event. You will wear your badge all day and a lanyard will be provided on-site.
We will email badges to all attendees on Monday, February 10th.
(Should you need yours earlier for any reason, the main registrant will have access to email out or download / print badges starting Feb. 5).
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What if I forget or lose my badge?
If you forget or lose your badge, you can go to the Help Desk on the Concourse Exhibit Level, outside Hall 1.
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What should I wear and bring?
Many attendees opt for a business casual look. You will be walking a lot, so we suggest comfortable footwear!
Don’t forget your:
- Reusable water bottle (refill throughout the day at the Indeed Hydration Station)
- Resume (to take advantage of the complimentary Resume Review service in the Interactive Hall – sign up in person on Conference Day!).
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What if I need help with my registration?
If you need assistance with your registration, please contact the primary registrant for your group, or reach out to [email protected].
Lunch
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Is lunch provided?
A complimentary boxed lunch and filtered water are provided. Please visit the Conference Lunch page for menu specifics.
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What time is lunch?
Lunch will take place in Halls 2-3 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., during a scheduled intermission within the keynote session (which runs from 10:15 a.m. – 1:20 p.m).
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Is there assigned seating for lunch?
The keynote session, where lunch is served, is assigned seating. Your table assignment is located on your badge.
Refer to the Keynote Seating Map or the CFW app to find your table location.
(Seating in all other sessions is first-come, first-served.)
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Do you offer a vegan/ vegetarian/ gluten-free option?
A vegan and gluten-free alternate lunch option is available upon advance request.
Please visit the Conference Lunch page for instructions to secure the alternate meal.
NOTE: The deadline to request an alternate meal is Thursday, Jan. 30.
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What if I have special dietary needs and/or allergies not satisfied by the alternate lunch option?
If the alternative lunch option does not meet your specific needs, you are welcome to bring your own food for the day.
Schedule
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Is there a printed program book?
A program book will not be provided, however, you can access all session information (and much more) on our brand new app!
Download it today from your app store. Just search “The Conferences for Women.”
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What is the flow of the day?
Browse the agenda for a snapshot of the day’s programming.
The day includes one keynote session (10:15 a.m. – 1:20 p.m.), three sessions (at 8:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3:15 p.m.), lunch break (11:30 a.m.), and free time built in for networking, 1:1 career coaching, resume reviews, and to explore Interactive Hall offerings.
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When can I see the keynote speakers?
The keynote session takes place from 10:15 a.m. – 1:20 p.m., with a 30-minute lunch break intermission starting at 11:30 a.m.
Seating for the Keynote session is assigned. You can find your table number on your badge.
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When do the other sessions take place?
Sessions are offered in three time blocks throughout the day:
Session I: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Session II: 1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Session III: 3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Many sessions will be repeated so you don’t have to miss your favorite speakers and sessions.
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Do I need to sign up for sessions in advance?
Advance sign-up is NOT required for breakout sessions; however seating is first-come, first-served.
We encourage you to review the agenda in advance and plan out which sessions you want to attend. (It’s a good idea to have a backup in mind in case your first choice is full!)
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When do Resume Review and Career Coaching take place?
Complimentary 1:1 Resume Review and Career Coaching will take place throughout the day — except during the Keynote program — in the Interactive Hall.
Please note that services are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up in person on Conference Day in the Interactive Hall.
Safety And Accessibility
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Is there security?
Yes, all Conference attendees will be required to pass through security (and magnetometers) upon entry and bags are subject to search.
Any type of bag is allowed, we do not require clear bags.
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Is there wifi available in the Convention Center?
Free wireless internet service is available throughout the building. Just open your browser and look for the “CACFW” network.
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Can I check my coat or luggage?
Yes, a complimentary coat check will be available near the Hub on the Parkway Street Level.
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I am a nursing mother — where can I pump & store milk?
There is a dedicated Nursing Mothers Room in Meeting Room 233.
Expect power outlets, refrigeration, and the possibility of a crowd during peak break times.
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Do you have accommodations in place for the hearing impaired?
The Keynote program will be closed-captioned.
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What if I need another accommodation?
The Conference for Women wants to create an inclusive and accessible experience for all attendees. We request 30 days advance notice of any special accessibility needs. If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected].
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Are men’s restrooms available?
Most restrooms have been converted to women’s, with the exception of the following men’s rooms:
- Concourse Prefunction near Executive Ballrooms
- Hall 1 (opposite side of entrance)
- Hall 2 Back of Room (opposite screens)
- Concourse Prefunction near Grand Ballroom B & Hall 3
Interactive Hall
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What can I expect from the Interactive Hall?
We’ve put together a new and better-than-ever Hall for you to explore — fun exhibitor booths, mini-sessions, free headshots, career development services, and more.
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How do I sign up for career coaching or resume review?
Appointments are first-come, first-served and are open from 8:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m. and 1:20 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Look for signage in the Interactive Hall.
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Where can I find a listing of this year’s exhibitors?
A current list of exhibitors can be found on the Interactive Hall page, as well as in the Conferences for Women app and on signage in the Interactive Hall itself.
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What networking opportunities are there for attendees?
Visit the Networking & Connections area within the Interactive Hall to participate in Small Group Networking Meet-Ups.
You can also use the Conferences for Women app to easily connect and share information with fellow attendees.
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How can I connect with the Conference and other attendees before and after the event?
Connect with us on LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and tune into our podcast, Women Amplified.
Use the Conferences for Women app to easily find and connect with fellow attendees.
And keep an eye out for our monthly newsletter, The Conference in Your Inbox, packed with tips and inspiration from Conference speakers!
National Conference For Women (Virtual)
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Do I need to purchase a separate ticket for the March 5th virtual Conference?
Your ticket to the in-person Conference on February 12th includes access to the March 5th virtual event. There’s nothing more to do now, and we will reach out via email with instructional information closer to March.
Want to invite friends and colleagues to join you online this Women’s History Month? Additional tickets can be purchased here.