2024 Conference

Powering Local Growth

California Main Street’s 2024 conference took place in Eureka on September 16-18 and featured three days of educational sessions, workshops, walking tours and networking events. Session topics included “Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem” and “Using the Arts to Foster Community Change.”

Registration is now closed

About the 2024 Conference

70 place leaders from 18 communities across the state joined us for:

  • Three days of content, conversation, and opportunities to connect

  • 16 Information-rich sessions with 30+ local and national experts

  • Sunset Happy Hour at Redwood Sky Walk

  • Guided Walking Tour of Eureka’s Murals

  • Passionate Main Street professionals gathering to share best practices.

Co-Hosts

Themes, Sessions & Speakers

The past few years have been times of great change and challenges for downtown and commercial corridor leaders.

The 2024 CAMS Conference's educational sessions focused on some of the most pressing issues in Main Street revitalization in 2024 and beyond, including:

 

  • Main Street Board Essentials for Excellence

  • Housing and Real Estate Development

  • Fostering Local Tourism, Entrepreneurship Ecosystems, and the Arts

  • Wayfinding Wins and Streetscape Strategies

  • Special Assessment Districts

  • Building a Community Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

  • Advocacy & Legislative Updates

Conference Agenda At-A-Glance

  • Monday, September 16: Pre-Conference Activities

    Explore the Neighborhood
    11 - 1PM
    Walking Tour of Eureka s Murals

    Educational Sessions
    1:30 - 4:30
    Dream, Play, Build: Hands On Community Engagement for Enduring Spaces and Places

    Wayfinding Wins and Streetscape Strategies

    Networking Event
    5-7PM
    Sunset Happy Hour at the Redwood Sky Walk
    Take a guided tour and enjoy complimentary drinks and light refreshments.

    ***Schedule of events subject to change***

  • Tuesday, September 17: Conference Day 1

    Educational Sessions:
    8:30 - 4:30
    Main Street Board Essentials for Excellence: Organization and Sustainable Roles and Responsibilities

    Eureka Cultural Arts District: Making Waves

    Updates on State Budget and Legislation for Small Businesses

    Ukiah's Warm Welcome: Working with local and regional partners

    Seeding Opportunity in Bishop

    Eureka's Chinatown Project

    Thriving Communities: Trinidad Rancheria

    Networking Event
    5-7PM
    Art & mingle at Morris Graves Museum of Art

  • Wednesday, September 18: Conference Day 2

    Educational Sessions:
    8:30 - 4:30PM
    Local Housing Initiatives

    Building a Community Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

    Partnering your Main Street with your local SBDC

    The Role of Advocacy in Advancing a Successful Main Street Program

    A Jobs-First Approach to Creating Economic Prosperity

    Using the Arts to Foster Community Change

    Small Business Spotlight: Belle Star Clothing

Location

Conference sessions will take place at the Wharfinger Building, conveniently located right on the water at 1 Marina Way.

Travel

Fly in and out of the Arcata / Eureka Airport (ACV)
on United (from SFO) or Avelo Airlines (from Burbank)

Transportation to/from the airport.

Hotel

Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn
15% discount for attendees who book directly by calling 707-443-2234. When calling, mention “Main Street Conference” to receive the discount.

Inn at 2nd & C (Historic Eagle House)
15% discount for attendees - email us for the code.

Registration Fees

Registration is now closed.

CAMS Members:

  • Two (2) complimentary registration per membership.

  • Additional registrations: $150 before August 15

  • $199 after August 15 online and on-site.

Non-Members:

  • $200 before August 15

  • $250 after August 15 online and on-site.

Single-Day Passes: $99

Sponsors and Partners:

 
 

Sponsoring the California Main Street Conference is a targeted, cost-effective way to reach local and regional community leaders and stakeholders in the preservation-based revitalization space.

Sponsor packages provide partners with the opportunity to:

  • Demonstrate support for the Main Street Movement

  • Connect directly with local leaders and policy shapers.

  • Support California economies on their journey to revitalization

Partner With Us!

Explore the 2023 Conference

Our 2023 conference, "A Vision For Success," was held in downtown Oceanside with three days of educational sessions, networking, and professional development plus a workshop presented by the National Park Service. 78 Main Street professionals from 20+ California communities attended our first in-person conference since 2018. Catch some of the highlights in this montage video created by MainStreet Oceanside. Learn More >