2026 Conference
The Next Wave of Main Street
November 3-5
Carlsbad Village
Commercial district revitalization professionals and community stakeholders from around the state have chosen Carlsbad as the location for the 2026 annual California Main Street Conference. The dynamic three-day event is planned for November 3-5 at venues across the village.
Our conference theme The Next Wave of Main Street explores the future of commercial districts in California through innovation, small business support and community growth. Don’t miss it!
Three days of content, conversation, and connection
Passionate Main Street professionals sharing best practices
Information-rich sessions with local and national experts
Sunset networking reception with peer-to-peer connections
Explore Carlsbad Village’s seaside downtown with fellow attendees
Conference Host
Targeted Main Street Trainings
Orientation for Main Street Executive Directors
Board essentials
Revitalization strategies
Housing and real estate
Tourism and economic development
Streetscape strategies
Special assessment districts
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
Legislative updates
Sessions Powered by our
Presenting Sponsor
“We are very excited and honored to host MainStreeters in Carlsbad. The CAMS Conference is a crash course in Main Street excellence from leaders who understand California's unique culture, heritage, business, and social communities. Ever since my first CAMS conference in Pleasanton (2018), I have been a staunch supporter of Main Street training at the state and local level. My organization has implemented successful programs based on the connections and knowledge shared at past CAMS Conferences. I know the networking and learning opportunities from this conference will be invaluable.“
Christine Davis, Carlsbad Village Business Association
Carlsbad: The Village by the Sea
Located in North San Diego County, Carlsbad offers a polished yet relaxed beach-city atmosphere. Known for its ocean-view resorts, vibrant State Street shopping corridor, celebrated dining scene, and thoughtfully curated, art-filled public spaces, it strikes a balance between refinement and coastal charm. Carlsbad is both a world-class tourist destination and, at heart, an easygoing Southern California surf town.
Carlsbad is a city that balances growth with preservation, where extensive open spaces, lagoons, and trail systems are woven into the urban fabric, supported by careful zoning, managed density, and infrastructure. The result is a city that feels both economically vibrant and environmentally grounded, offering a model for sustainable coastal living without sacrificing charm or livability.
Carlsbad Village Association (CVA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit dedicated to driving the ongoing improvement of Carlsbad Village. Their mission is to enhance the area's business, cultural, and community vitality, positioning it as a premier destination. Originally established in the late 1970's, Carlsbad joined the CAMS network in 2019.
Registration Fees
Two (2) complimentary registration per membership.
Additional registrations:
$275 before October 1
$325 after October 1 online and on-site.
Non-Members:
$425 before October 1
$475 after October 1 online and on-site.
Single-Day Passes: $125
Conference At-A-Glance:
Things to Look Foward To!
In addition to educational workshops, sessions, panel discussions, and networking, also enjoy:
Dr. Downtown - one-on-one advice from a 20+ year Executive Director
Exhibitor booths from top Main Street partners, companies, and service providers
Plenary session with keynote speakers
Sunset networking reception
Carlsbad Village Scavenger Hunt with fantastic prizes
Artist led "Murals of Carlsbad Village" Walking Tour
State Street Farmers Market
Trolley Tour of "Coastal Five" Main Street Associations
Free Time to experience the beach or get creative with fun "hands-on" art projects
How To Get There
Fly in and out of the Carlsbad Airport
American Airlines (Pheonix)
United Airlines (Denver, San Francisco)
Advanced Airlines (Mammoth)
JSX (Oakland, Las Vegas, Reno, Scottsdale, Taos)
Transportation to/from the airport.
Travel by Train with Amtrak
Fly to San Diego Airport and travel to Carlsbad via Coaster Train
Where To Stay
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Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort - Official Conference Hotel
3075 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008 | 760.434-7020
Walking distance to all conference venues.
Special conference rate of $179/night.Call the Hotel Direct @ 760.434.7020
Ask for the California Main Street Association Block
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!
Call For Sessions
Themes include commercial district revitalization, housing, promotion strategies, and other topics guided by The Main Street Approach™. All presentation types will be considered (keynote, solo, panel, roundtable, etc.).
Proposals are due June 30, 2026
Explore Past Conferences
2025 Conference
A record-breaking 100 Main Street professionals from 30 communities across the state gathered in San Luis Obispo for three days of educational sessions, networking, and professional development.
Conference highlights included an inside look at SLO’s award-winning Farmers Market, Sunset Happy Hour in Mission Plaza and a hardhat tour of the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
2024 Conference
“Powering Local Growth" was held in Old Town Eureka with three days of content, conversation, and opportunities to connect.
The conference featured a breathtaking Sunset Happy Hour high in the trees at Redwood Sky Walk and a guided walking tour of Eureka’s 150+ Murals
70 Main Street professionals from 18+ California communities attended.
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.
Prior Years (CAMS and CAMSA Conferences)
2019 Sacramento
2018 Pleasanton. Highlights included Shannon Brown of Brown Marketing Strategies.
2017 Monterey
2015 Livermore
2013 Encinitas. Sessions included green practices for special events, the power of social media, historic theaters, and driving online engagement to Brick-and-Mortar Businesses.