Special Events

Conference isn't just educational sessions! Check out these other special events.

Keynote Speaker: Jim Abbott

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Wednesday, November 4

at Regents' Theatre - Valley Center for Performing Arts

Jim Abbott was born without a right hand. He was an All-America hurler at Michigan; won the Sullivan Award in 1987; was the pitcher for the Gold Medal Olympic Team in 1988; and threw a 4-0 no-hitter for the New York Yankees 
versus Cleveland (September 4, 1993). 
Jim played for 10 seasons on 4 different teams and ended his big-league playing

career in 1999.

Abbott has worked with The Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) on several initiatives encouraging businesses to hire people with disabilities.

Equipment Roadeo

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Thursday November 5

at Valley Center for Performing Arts Upper Parking Area

Public Works Equipment Operators will demonstrate their skill and participate in two back-hoe challenges for the chance to win admission and travel expenses to participate in the National Roadeo at PWX 2027.

Director's Showcase

1:45 PM – 2:45 PM

at Regents' Theatre - Valley Center for Performing Arts

Daniel Chavarria,

Public Works Director, City of Richmond

Erica Ahmann Smithies

Public Works Director, City of American Canyon

Nouae Vue

Suisun City

Sanjay Mishra Sanjay Mishra

Public Works Director, City of Fairfield

Scott Christie

City of Orinda

John Samuelson

City of Pittsburg

Siew-Chin Young

Director of Public Works, City of Pleasanton

General Registration October 1st through November 1st

1. Two-Day - $285
2. One-Day - $185

Group registration available!

Note: We cannot accommodate the sharing of passes. 
One pass per person required.

Need an invoice? Please complete the invoice request form (button below) and email it to chapteradmin@northernca.apwa.org.

Conference Blood Donation

Join us for the American Public Works Annual Conference Blood Drive

November 4-5, 2026

from 11:30 am to 2:45 pm 

in the Chapel.

Things to Know

• Donors are encouraged to review Blood Donor Qualifications. Donor Eligibility
• Donors should arrive well-nourished and hydrated.
• Donors need photo identification with first and last name.
• The donation process takes approximately one hour (add an additional 20 minutes for a double red cell donation).
• Power Red Cell Donation – Power up your donation with an automated power red cell donation.
• Fast Track – Donors can complete the health questionnaire online prior to arriving to the drive. The questionnaire must be completed the same day as the donation and barcode needs to be presented at the drive. This can also be completed at the drive. Fast Track Link

Volunteers Needed!

Sign-up today to help make this year's conference a success. You can sign up for half a day or a whole day, whatever your schedule allows. Use the link below or email Nicole.

For more information email Jocelyn LaRocque or Nicole Witt.

Thank you to our 2026 Event Sponsors: