California is known for hosting some of the most influential conferences in the nation. In 2025, the state will continue this tradition with major events spanning industries from technology to education. Event professionals looking for networking and business opportunities will find California conferences in 2025 offering unprecedented access to industry leaders, innovative ideas, and potential clients.
The Golden State's unique combination of pleasant weather, world-class venues, and concentration of industry giants makes it an ideal location for large-scale professional gatherings. From San Diego to San Francisco, these conferences attract thousands of attendees from around the globe, creating perfect environments for brand exposure, lead generation, and professional development.
1) Dreamforce
Dreamforce 2025 stands as California's premier tech conference, scheduled for October 14-16 in San Francisco. This three-day event has become the world's largest AI event focusing on innovation and Agentforce transformation.
Event marketers should note that Dreamforce brings together the global Salesforce community to share knowledge and build connections. The Moscone Center venue provides ample space for networking opportunities and product demonstrations.
Attendance numbers consistently make this a must-attend conference for marketing professionals working with CRM and cloud technologies. The event will feature keynotes, breakout sessions, and hands-on training with Salesforce products.
For those unable to attend in person, Dreamforce will stream content via Salesforce+ free streaming platform. This hybrid approach allows event organizers to reach a wider audience beyond physical attendees.
Marketing teams should begin planning now for participation, as booth space and sponsorship opportunities typically sell out months in advance. Focus your strategy on showcasing how your solutions integrate with Salesforce's ecosystem.
2) Oracle OpenWorld
Oracle OpenWorld has been rebranded as Oracle CloudWorld in Las Vegas for 2025. The event will take place on October 13-16, 2025.
This tech conference attracts thousands of IT professionals, business leaders, and Oracle customers each year. For event managers, this represents a prime opportunity to network with decision-makers in the tech industry.
CloudWorld offers attendees expert learning sessions, networking opportunities, and solutions exploration. The shift from the traditional OpenWorld name reflects Oracle's increased focus on cloud technologies.
The conference is part of the top IT conferences for leaders in 2025, alongside other major tech events like CES, Google Cloud Next, and Microsoft Ignite.
Event marketers should note the conference's positioning as a global gathering for all Oracle customers and partners. This makes it valuable for those looking to reach enterprise-level technology buyers.
Registration details are typically released several months in advance. The Las Vegas location provides ample accommodation and venue options for attendees and side events.
3) RSA Conference
The RSA Conference USA 2025 set a new attendance record with nearly 44,000 participants gathering to discuss cybersecurity innovations. The event featured 730 speakers, 650 exhibitors, and 400 media members.
Held in San Francisco's Moscone Center, RSA Conference serves as the premier networking opportunity for cybersecurity professionals and vendors. Event marketers should note the high visibility potential with decision-makers from various industries attending.
The 34th annual flagship event focused on AI-powered security tools, identity protection solutions, and emerging threat landscapes. For vendors, this represents prime opportunity to showcase products to qualified leads.
Attendees praised the event's networking opportunities, with Reddit discussions noting it as an excellent venue for connecting with industry peers. One commenter described it as "a wonderful place to get lots of 'free' alcohol and be harassed by vendors."
The top RSA Conference announcements included cutting-edge solutions for mobile threats and red teaming strategies. Exhibitors with interactive demonstrations reported higher engagement rates than those with traditional booth setups.
For event managers planning to exhibit, early registration is recommended as premium booth locations sell out months in advance. The conference typically runs for five days with pre-conference activities beginning two days before the main event.
4) NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo
The NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo will take place in San Diego, California from May 27-30, 2025. This four-day event brings together thousands of professionals in international education and exchange.
Event marketers should note that NAFSA typically attracts attendees from over 100 countries. This creates unique opportunities for global networking and business development in the education sector.
The conference venue will be centrally located in San Diego with conference hotels and travel options arranged for attendees. Early planning is recommended as accommodations often fill quickly.
NAFSA's programming includes educational sessions, workshops, and an extensive exposition floor. Exhibitors gain access to decision-makers from educational institutions worldwide.
Following the 2025 San Diego event, NAFSA has already announced Orlando as their 2026 destination. This forward planning demonstrates the conference's stability and ongoing industry importance.
For event professionals considering participation, registration typically opens several months in advance with early bird pricing options.
5) OffKai Expo 2025
OffKai Expo 2025 is set to take place from June 20-22, 2025, at the San Jose Convention Center. This event marks the fourth iteration of what has become North America's first and largest VTuber-focused convention.
The expo focuses exclusively on virtual YouTubers (VTubers) and aims to connect creators of all sizes from across the VTubing industry. Event planners should note this niche focus attracts a specific audience passionate about digital content creation.
OffKai Expo Gen 4, as this year's event is branded, operates as a non-profit organization bringing together online communities in a physical space. The convention's tagline "Where online friends meet!" highlights its community-building approach.
For marketers targeting digital content creators, the VTuber convention experience offers unique sponsorship and partnership opportunities. The growing VTuber market represents an emerging segment in digital entertainment with dedicated followers.
Registration is currently open for the three-day event. The expo has steadily grown since its inception, positioning itself as the premier gathering for this specific content creator community.
6) OzCon International 2025
OzCon International 2025 will take place from June 20-22, 2025, at Hotel Burbank in Burbank, California. This event holds the distinction of being the world's longest-running Oz convention dedicated to celebrating L. Frank Baum and The Land of Oz.
With over 60 years of history, OzCon attracts dedicated fans and industry professionals interested in the Oz franchise. The convention creates unique opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors to connect with this passionate community.
Event marketers should note the dedicated following this convention maintains. The three-day format provides multiple touchpoints for brand engagement and promotional activities targeted at literary and fantasy enthusiasts.
The Burbank convention location offers excellent accessibility for attendees throughout Southern California. This central placement maximizes potential attendance and visibility for participating vendors and exhibitors.
Marketing professionals can leverage the convention's established reputation and focused audience demographic for targeted campaigns. The event's specific focus on Oz-related content allows for highly tailored marketing approaches not possible at broader conventions.
7) DesignerCon
DesignerCon is an annual art and design convention scheduled for November 14-16, 2025, in California. The three-day event combines collectible toys, customs, plush, designer apparel, and more with urban, underground, and pop art elements.
The convention offers special access for VIPs on Friday, November 14th from 5pm to 9pm. Regular attendees can visit on Saturday from 10am to 7pm, with additional hours on Sunday.
For event marketers, DesignerCon presents unique opportunities to connect with artistic communities and design-focused consumers. The collectible toys and designer apparel showcase attracts both mainstream consumers and niche collectors.
This convention stands out as a marketing platform for brands looking to reach creative professionals and art enthusiasts. Exhibitors benefit from the concentrated audience of design-minded attendees.
Event managers should note the annual art and design convention has built a loyal following, making it a valuable venue for companies in creative industries. The mix of commerce and creativity makes it distinctive in California's convention landscape.
California's Conference Landscape in 2025
California continues to dominate as a premier conference destination in 2025, with major events spanning technology, entertainment, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. The state's unique blend of innovation hubs and diverse venues attracts both domestic and international event organizers.
Key Drivers for Large-Scale Events
The California conference scene in 2025 is shaped by several critical factors. Location accessibility remains paramount, with San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco offering excellent transportation infrastructure and accommodation options.
Economic impact drives decision-making, as large events generate $2.5-4.5 million in local revenue per conference day. Cities actively compete through venue subsidies and tax incentives to attract major events.
Industry concentration plays a decisive role. Silicon Valley continues drawing tech conferences, while Los Angeles attracts entertainment and media events. San Diego's biotech sector makes it ideal for healthcare and scientific gatherings.
Climate advantages can't be overlooked. Reliable weather patterns allow for outdoor components and activities year-round, distinguishing California from other conference destinations.
Emerging Trends in Conference Experiences
Hybrid formats have evolved beyond pandemic necessity into strategic advantages. In 2025, 78% of California conferences offer meaningful digital participation options alongside in-person experiences.
Sustainability has become non-negotiable. Event planners prioritize venues with certified green practices, zero-waste initiatives, and carbon offset programs. The ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture exemplifies this trend with its eco-conscious venue selection and programming.
Data-driven personalization transforms attendee experiences. AI-powered apps customize schedules, networking opportunities, and content recommendations based on participant profiles and real-time behavior.
Wellness integration includes meditation spaces, healthy food options, outdoor activities, and structured breaks to combat conference fatigue. This focus improves attendee satisfaction scores by an average of 35%.
Planning Your Conference Experience
Attending major California conferences requires strategic preparation to maximize networking opportunities and educational value. Effective planning ensures you get the most from your investment.
Registration Insights and Timelines
Early registration for California's biggest conferences typically opens 6-8 months in advance, offering savings of 15-30% on standard rates. The NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference in San Diego (May 27-30) provides tiered registration options with different access levels.
Most conferences offer these registration tiers:
- Full Conference: Complete access to all sessions, exhibits, and networking events
- Exhibitor Only: Limited to expo hall access
- Single Day: Access to all activities for one specific day
Group discounts are available for teams of 3+ attendees, typically saving 10-15% per person. Registration deadlines usually fall 2-4 weeks before the event date, after which prices increase by 20-25%.
Pay attention to cancellation policies. Most events offer full refunds until 60 days before, partial refunds until 30 days before, and no refunds afterward.
Travel and Accommodation Tips for California
California conference destinations feature distinct accommodation options and transportation challenges. Book hotels within conference blocks 3-4 months in advance to secure special rates, which typically range from $179-$299 per night at partner hotels.
Consider these transportation options:
- Airport proximity: San Diego International is just 3 miles from downtown convention areas
- Ride-sharing costs: Average $25-35 from airports to convention centers
- Public transit: San Diego's trolley system connects major venues for $5 daily passes
Weather varies significantly by location and season. San Diego maintains mild temperatures (65-75°F) in May, ideal for the United We Thrive statewide conference and other spring events.
Alternative accommodation through vacation rentals can save 15-25% for extended stays, especially for team attendance. Many conferences offer dedicated shuttle services between official hotels and venues, reducing transportation costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Event planners need quick answers to make informed decisions about California's major conferences in 2025. Here are the most common questions about dates, tickets, attendance, and more.
What are the dates for the largest tech conferences in California in 2025?
Dreamforce will run from September 9-12, 2025 in San Francisco. This flagship Salesforce event typically attracts over 170,000 attendees.
Oracle OpenWorld is scheduled for October 19-23, 2025 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
The RSA Conference, focused on cybersecurity, will take place April 14-17, 2025 at the Moscone Center.
How can I purchase tickets for the top California conferences in 2025?
Early bird registration for most major conferences opens 6-8 months before the event date. Conference registration platforms typically offer tiered pricing with significant discounts for early purchasers.
Group registrations for teams of 5+ attendees can save 15-20% on standard ticket prices. Most events also offer special rates for academic and nonprofit professionals.
For high-demand events like Dreamforce, joining waitlists is recommended once initial tickets sell out.
Which trade shows in California are expected to draw the biggest crowds in 2025?
Dreamforce consistently ranks as California's most-attended conference with projected attendance exceeding 170,000 participants in 2025.
The new OffKai Expo 2025 in Los Angeles expects 80,000+ attendees for its inaugural technology showcase focused on AI innovations.
Oracle OpenWorld typically draws 60,000 attendees, while the RSA Conference attracts 45,000 cybersecurity professionals annually.
Can you list the major education conferences happening in California in 2025?
The NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo will take place in San Diego from May 27-30, 2025. This event brings together international education professionals from around the world.
The California Educational Technology Professionals Association Conference is scheduled for March 10-12, 2025 in Anaheim.
The Education Innovation Summit will be held June 18-20, 2025 in San Francisco, focusing on EdTech advancements.
What are some of the notable conferences taking place in California during October 2025?
Oracle OpenWorld dominates the October conference calendar, running October 19-23, 2025 in San Francisco with its enterprise technology focus.
The California Marketing Summit is scheduled for October 7-9, 2025 in Los Angeles.
The Behavioral Health Tech conference will run October 14-16, 2025, highlighting innovations in mental health technology.
What are the key conference events scheduled in California this week?
As of May 29, 2025, the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo is currently taking place in San Diego through May 30. This international education event features hundreds of educational sessions and networking opportunities.
The California Digital Marketing Forum is running May 28-30, 2025 in San Francisco.
The Pacific Coast Healthcare Innovation Summit concludes today in Los Angeles after a three-day program focused on healthcare technology advancements.
