Return. Evolve. Transform. That’s what Annual Conference is all about this year. And that’s why we’re thrilled to have so many of you joining us for our first in-person conference since 2019 … including more than 400 first-time attendees!

Those who have come before you say that Annual Conference is the best way for you to make the connections that will enhance your career.

And because our goal is to make your experience a great one, we’ve put together some tips that we hope will be a great start to your time at the CASBO Annual Conference & California School Business Expo.

We look forward to seeing you in Sacramento next week!

Attendee Tips and Last-Minute Reminders

Before Conference:
  • Bring your proof-of-vaccination card or proof of negative COVID test. We will be conducting COVID screening at the West Lobby entrance to the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. All attendees must be screened before moving on to registration, so please familiarize yourself with our COVID-19 Policy before you arrive.
  • Make sure your conference registration invoice is paid. In order to be granted entry, CASBO requires full payment of your sales order. If you haven’t already, please pay it now by credit card or echeck, and remember that CASBO no longer considers purchase orders as payment.
  • Download the CASBO mobile conference app as soon as you can, and watch for program additions, changes and updates. Use it to plan your agenda, find Expo vendors, download handouts, take notes, evaluate programs and speakers … and more! (Registered attendees received an instructional email; if you didn’t get yours, check your junk mail or spam, or give us a call!)
  • Bring your business cards. Make the most of the many networking opportunities that conference offers.
  • Pack comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing lots of walking … to and from the hotels and throughout the conference venues. Conference dress code is business and business casual.
  • Plan your travel logistics ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, Hyatt Regency Sacramento Hotel, and your own hotel and surrounding areas. (You can also learn more about our capital city at VisitSacramento.com.)
During Conference:
  • First, take the time to review the contents of your conference bag. It’s chock-full of goodies, courtesy of some of our amazing sponsors, and also contains information about special activities.
  • Visit the Info/Tech Help Desk. If you need help navigating conference, this is your “go-to” spot for information. Located in the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center near Meeting Room B2, CASBO volunteers will be on hand to provide you with information and assistance.
  • Attend any conference workshop, regardless of your job title or duties. As you peruse the program and plan your agenda, think about your career: What is your next position or promotion? Then choose any workshop that will best help you move forward.
  • Check in at a “Reconnect & Refuel” Session. Review the Wednesday 8:00 a.m. workshop schedule to see if your discipline is hosting a “meet and greet” this year. It’s a great way to reconnect with your peers and re-energize for the days ahead.
  • Attend all the General Sessions. Crafted to bring you dynamic speakers who will enhance you personally and professionally, they’re also a great way to learn more about what’s happening at CASBO. Take this singular opportunity to learn from the experts!
  • Go to the after-hour social events. They are great fun and provide a relaxed networking environment. CASBO members are friendly — they know how to work hard and play hard — so don’t be afraid you won’t know anyone … Everyone is welcome!
  •  Be aware that some events required an additional purchase to attend, including the Professional Council Lunches and Third General Session Breakfast. These are not included in your general registration, so you must have purchased them separately to attend. (If you purchased the early-bird registration package, the breakfast session is included; otherwise, additional purchase is required. You may purchase these events onsite at registration if there is still space available.)
  • Wear your badge … and your green COVID-19 screening wristband … and have your guests wear them too. These are your passports to all events, including those that require an additional purchase.
  • Wear your comfort-level ribbon. If you want your fellow conference-goers to know how you’d like to be greeted — at a distance, with a high five, or with a hug — grab a red, yellow or green ribbon at the Ribbon Kiosk.
  • Join us at the Expo Grand Opening Reception. This Wednesday event is a delightful kickoff to introduce you to our exhibitors, complete with chances to win gift cards and door prizes. Visit the booths from that evening through Expo closing at 4:00 p.m. Thursday.
  • Be professional at all times, and take care with your social media posts. Remember, you’re attending the premier event for school business professionals — the last thing you want is to have your attendance or your job placed in an unfavorable light.
  • Stay alert to your surroundings. Downtown Sacramento is an urban environment and travel to this destination is warming up again, so be safe and smart — take extra care with your person and your belongings.
  • Attend the New Professionals Mixer, if you are new to the school business industry with less than five years under your belt, join us Wednesday evening at the Hyatt Sacramento to make new connections. (See p. 34 of the online Program Guide for more details.)
  • Please note, no children under age 21 are allowed on the Expo floor, in the Hospitality Suites or at any of the evening social events. This is for their own safety and protection. (And remember, only registered guests with badges are allowed to attend social events. Spouses/partners who are not eligible for membership can be registered; however, if they are eligible for membership, they must be registered attendees.)
After Conference:
  • Make suggestions. Use the mobile app, conference workshop evaluation forms and post-conference surveys to send us your ideas on how to make future conferences better.
  • Consider becoming more involved with CASBO. We have a lot of great ways for you to work with us throughout the year to support our members. If you’re interested in joining the army of volunteers who you’ve just seen in action, reach out to us at countmein@casbo.org.
  • Share the information you’ve learned with your employer and co-workers, whether it’s a workshop handout, an idea you heard, a speaker who motivated you, or a service or item that you discovered in the Expo. Show your employer and local education agency the value of your attendance at conference so they’ll encourage and allow you to participate again next year.
  • Join our network! If you’re not yet a CASBO member, ask yourself, “Why not?” After all, you’ve just witnessed how our members’ involvement at the local section level, on our Professional Councils and in our leadership has improved their careers. Become a CASBO member and improve yours too!