The CARPD Conference is ALMOST HERE!

We are excited to welcome you next week to the 2026 CARPD Conference in beautiful Monterey. Here are a few helpful details to help you arrive prepared and ready to enjoy the full conference experience. 

What to Expect

Conference sessions and related events will take place at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa. Our Welcome Reception will be held off-site at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Hotel Check-in:  4 PM

Hotel Check-out:  12 PM

Parking

• Self-parking ($10 per car, per night)

Conference Registration

• The Conference Registration table will open at  4:00 PM on Wednesday, May 27th in the Pebble/Beach meeting rooms. Please stop by to pick up your name badge, conference program, Aquarium ticket, and swag bag. Registration will reopen on Thursday morning.

Weather

• The weather is currently projected to have highs in the 60s and lows in the 50s. 
• You should expect some fog in the mornings and cool ocean breezes.

Included as part of your Conference Registration

• Wednesday - Reception @ Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Thursday - Breakfast, Lunch, and Banquet Dinner
• Friday - Breakfast, Lunch, and Reception

Explore the Resort

• Hotel Amenities include: 2 heated pools, sauna, steam room, 24 hour gym, pickleball courts, 18-hole golf course, 6 tennis courts,  bonfire pits for s'mores, bocce courts, corn hole, hammock garden  & more!
• Review the Hotel Map for more!

Food Options on the Hotel grounds

• Sea Root:  breakfast 7am-10am, dinner 5pm - 9pm
• Del Monte Bar & Grill:  open 8am-4pm Monday-Sunday

Schedule & Details

Conference activities will take place in the Hotel's Meeting Facilities adjacent to the lobby except for the Wednesday evening reception.  Here is the layout of the Hotel to help you easily locate sessions and dining areas, and don't forget to bring comfortable shoes. 

Wednesday (5/27)

Check-In & Registration

• Hotel Check-in at 4 PM
• Registration at 4 PM - 5:30 PM. Registration will reopen on Thursday morning.

CARPD President's Reception - Monterey Bay Aquarium

• Attire: Business Casual 
• Reception tickets are required for entry and will be provided to registered attendees and paid guests at registration on Wednesday afternoon. We are sold out, so tickets are only available to registered attendees and paid guests who previously secured a spot.
• Doors to the Aquarium open at 6:15pm. While waiting for the Aquarium doors to open, feel free to explore the nearby shops and enjoy the surrounding area.
• We expect the reception to wind down at approximately 8:30pm.

Transportation 

• We will have two shuttle buses start picking people up at the hotel starting as early as 5:30pm. The aquarium is located on Cannery Row, roughly 10 minutes away by car. The two shuttle buses will also be available to bring attendees back to the hotel, but the last shuttle is expected to leave the Aquarium at approximately 8:30pm.
• Note -  We appreciate your patience in advance as these two buses will do their best to get as many people over to the aquarium as early as possible. 
• Pro Tip - You might want to consider using a rideshare app (Lyft, Uber) or taking your own transportation if you plan to go out on your own after the Reception.

Food & Drinks at the Aquarium

• We will have tray passed appetizers and a cash bar at the Aquarium. Please mingle with friends and colleagues and enjoy the spectacular exhibits during the sunset hours.
• There are a number of restaurants nearby on Cannery Row if you want to get a full meal after the Reception. As noted above, you might consider making your own transportation plans if you are planning on leaving the aquarium.

Thursday (5/28)

Daytime

• Attire: Business Casual
• The CARPD General Membership and Board Election will take place on Thursday morning in the Pacific/Grove rooms.
• Sessions will run throughout the day in Pacific/Grove.
• Be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall to meet our Conference Sponsors and enjoy a cup of coffee.
• Buffett lunch will be provided to registered attendees and guests who have purchased meal passes. 

Raffle

• Raffle will be held on Thursday night at the Awards Banquet.
• We are still looking for more raffle donations! If you or your District would like to donate, please bring your items to the Registration Table on May 27th.

Thursday Evening (5/28) - Reception & Awards Banquet

• Attire: Semi-Formal affair (i.e. jacket, dress slacks, tie optional, etc.)
• Reception and Banquet will be in the Regency Conference Center. 
• Raffle items will be raffled off during the Awards ceremony.
• Additional banquet guests who have not been registered are not guaranteed entry as capacity is limited. Purchase tickets while they last! Entry will be permitted only while space remains available. 

Friday (5/29)

Daytime

• Attire: Wear a shirt with your District's logo. Rep the brand loudly and proudly!
• Sessions begin promptly at 8:00am (with breakfast!).
• Sessions will continue throughout the day in Pacific/Grove. Exhibit Hall will be open until after lunch.
• Legislative Luncheon presentation will be inside in Pacific/Grove. 
• CARPD Incoming President's Reception will be outside on the Terrace starting at 5:00pm.

Saturday (5/30)

Daytime

• No formal Conference activities scheduled. Enjoy a quiet morning or meet up with colleagues before you head out!
• Checkout is at 12 PM.

Don't forget to pack these items!

• Pen & Notepad
• Business Cards
• Chargers for your electronics

We're looking forward to a great Conference! SEE YOU SOON!