More than 100 commercial-district revitalization professionals will gather in Carlsbad Village this fall when the California Main Street Association holds its 40th anniversary conference here Nov. 3–5, the first time the statewide event has come to Southern California since 2022.
The Carlsbad Village Association, which has served as a Main Street Affiliate since 2019, won the hosting bid and aims to turn the three-day event into the largest in the organization's history, according to a CVA announcement published Aug. 15.
Jess Levy, vice president of the California Main Street Association, wrote in a Feb. 6 blog post that "The Carlsbad Village Association is committed to making the 2026 conference the largest in CAMS history — and to generating the greatest economic impact the organization has seen to date."
What it means for Village businesses
The conference was deliberately scheduled for the first week of November rather than its traditional mid-October slot to push visitor spending into the shoulder season, when foot traffic thins after summer crowds leave.
Last year's conference in Downtown San Luis Obispo generated nearly $160,000 in economic impact over three days, activating five downtown hotels and driving traffic to local cafes and restaurants, according to CVA figures. The CVA wants to beat that number in Carlsbad.
The Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, at 3075 Carlsbad Blvd., will serve as the host hotel at a conference rate of $179 per night. Educational sessions and networking events will spread across multiple Village venues, including New Village Arts.
Conference highlights
The three-day agenda, themed "The Next Wave of Main Street," includes a Carlsbad Village scavenger hunt, an artist-led "Murals of Carlsbad Village" walking tour, a trolley tour of the "Coastal Five" Main Street associations along the coast, the State Street Farmers Market and a sunset networking reception.
Attendees will also have access to one-on-one consultations with "Dr. Downtown," a Main Street America advisor.
Registration and deadlines
Registration is open through the event page. CAMS members receive two complimentary registrations per membership. Additional member spots cost $275 before Oct. 1 and $325 after. Non-member registration is $425 before Oct. 1. Single-day passes run $125; student passes are $75.
The host hotel's conference-rate room block expires Sept. 19. Reservations can be made by calling the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort directly at 760-434-7020.
The CVA also partners with the City of Carlsbad's Economic Development team on the Small Business Liaison Program, hosting city staff monthly at its downtown office at 2695 State St.
Local businesses interested in sponsorship or speaking opportunities can contact the CVA at [email protected].
