Save the Date and join your peers for an amazing 2026 Joint Conference!

After thoughtful consideration and reflection on participant and committee feedback, we will be moving to a 100% in-person format for 2026, rather than offering a hybrid option as in previous years. In-person gatherings continue to provide the highest levels of engagement, connection, and overall satisfaction—and we want to ensure the best possible experience for all attendees.

Over the past year, we also observed limited participation in the virtual offering. As a result, we’re focusing our efforts on delivering a dynamic, fully in-person event that maximizes learning, collaboration, and meaningful relationship-building.

To accommodate this shift, we are increasing overall in-person conference capacity.

We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we work to create an engaging and inclusive conference experience for all.

We are currently accepting Early Bird Registration through July 31. Registration information has been sent to member agencies; please check with your agency CEO/ED, R&R or AP Contacts for more information.

Location:
DoubleTree Hotel Sacramento
2001 Point West Way
Sacramento, CA 95815

Tentative In-person Agenda:

Wednesday, October 7th

11:00-6:00- Registration
1:00-2:00- Intro and Welcome & Conference Kick-Off
2:15-3:30- Workshops #1
3:45-5:00- Workshop #2
5:00-6:00- Welcome/Networking Reception (optional)

Thursday, October 8th

8:00-9:45- Breakfast & Keynote
10:00-12:00pm- Workshops #3
12:00-1:15- Lunch and Exhibitor Tables Open
1:30-2:45- Workshops #4
3:00-4:15- Workshops #5
4:30-6:30- Sponsor Social Activities (optional)
4:30- Dinner and Evening on your own

Friday, October 9th

8:00-9:15- Breakfast and raffles
9:30-10:45- Workshops #6
11:00-12:00- Closing Keynote & Farewell activity

2026 Exhibitor and Sponsorship Opportunities

View the Exhibitor and Sponsorship Packet Here.

California’s premier educational conference for the Child Care Resource and Referral and Alternative Payment Program field will be held in person, October 7-9, 2026.

The California Child Care Resource & Referral Network (R&R Network) and Thriving Families CA (TFC) Foundation will be joining forces once again to build our capacity to impact the communities we serve all across the state. After 6 years of hybrid engagement, we are excited to return to a fully in-person conference experience, bringing our community together for meaningful connection, collaboration, and impact.

We invite you to take advantage of this special event to support early childhood education and promote your company and products at our joint conference. We look forward to opportunities with our conference partners.

There are a variety of ways to sponsor The Joint Annual Conference or show your support. Whether you are interested in one of our many sponsorship opportunities, purchasing ad space in the Conference program or hosting an exhibit booth to showcase new products or launch promotions, there will be ample opportunity for your company to be recognized as a contributor to the early learning and child care field and for you to build visibility and connect with senior management and key decision-makers.

Research has shown that high-quality early care and education experiences make a difference in children’s

lifelong academic and social success. In addition, child care helps support parents as they work, attend school, or engage in training programs. By participating in our joint conference, you are demonstrating your support for California’s children and their families, and will be able to make a connection with a significant number of leaders in the early childhood and education community.

Highlights for this year’s program include:

  • 600 people from across the state are expected to attend this conference, including line staff, managers, directors and executive directors of agencies. All will be in-person.
  • 3 Dynamic keynote speakers and over 60 exciting workshops
  • Ample opportunities to meet Resource & Referral, Alternative Payment professionals and other stakeholders in the early learning and child care and development community.

2026 Conference Committee

Emily Alexander, Community Resources for Children of Napa County; Nancy Huerta, Wu Yee Children's Services San Francisco; Paris Smith, Solano Family & Children's Services; Claudia Esteva, 4Cs of San Mateo County; Erica Thorsen, Children's Council of San Francisco, Karen Frazier, The Resource Connection Amador Calaveras Counties; Sandra Herrera-Gonzalez, Children's Home Society; Heather della Ripa, Catalyst Community; Teri Sedrick, North Coast Opportunities; Sylvia Lerma, Child Development Resources, Inc.; Cassy Kraus, Shasta County Office of Education; Michelle Graham, Children's Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County

THRIVING FAMILIES CA FOUNDATION STAFF
Danielle Metzger
danielle@thrivingfamilies-ca.org

CA CHILD CARE R&R NETWORK STAFF
Heather Lang-Heaven
hlangheaven@rrnetwork.org