Frequently Asked Questions

All your Code for America Summit questions answered  

If you have questions that are not answered below, email us at summit@codeforamerica.org and we’ll respond as soon as we can.

On this page:

Who comes to Summit?

Code for America Summit audience includes a wide range of stakeholders, experts, and innovators, all dedicated to making government systems work for everyone. Past attendees include USDS and 18F staff and leadership, CIOs, CISOs, state and local digital services staff, government program leaders, decision makers in government IT, technology practitioners in state and local government, think tank leaders, foundation and philanthropic officers, professors, nonprofit leaders, consultants, freelancers, civically engaged volunteers, and more.

Whether you’re an executive leader working to move the needle in your department, or someone just starting out in this space, Summit offers invaluable learning opportunities and connections to the community you need to grow and thrive while making government services better for all.

What’s the conference format?

Code for America Summit 2024 will be a two-day in-person experience in Oakland, CA featuring keynotes, breakout sessions, lightning talks and more May 29–30, 2024. If you’d like to extend your Summit experience, pre-conference workshops will be offered on May 28 at an additional cost. 

This year’s theme is building a new digital age that works for all.

Mainstage programming occurs on the morning of both days of Summit, bringing all attendees together for a mix of panel discussions, fireside chats, and keynote addresses that are the center of our Summit experience. Mainstage is designed to leave attendees inspired, with actionable insights they can take home. 

Breakout sessions are hour-long deep dives into specific topics curated through our call for proposal process. These sessions span four themed tracks. All attendees can attend events in any of the four tracks: 

  • Service Design + Delivery
  • Policy + Administration
  • Emerging Technology + Innovation
  • People Power + Community

Lightning talks are short but impactful five minute talks curated through our call for proposal process. Several lightning talks will be delivered by different speakers in a single session on both conference days.

Pre-conference workshops are three-hour sessions that offer highly curated, hands-on learning from experienced leaders in government and civic tech. Each workshop is a professional development opportunity rich with interactive discussions, collaborative exercises, and immersive scenarios.

Where is Summit 2024?

Oakland Marriott City Center
1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607

Health and safety

The health and safety of Code for America staff and Summit attendees are our top priorities. By attending this event, you agree to abide by any health and safety guidelines Code for America may put in place for Summit attendees now or in the future.

Can I attend Summit virtually?

This year’s Summit will be an in-person experience as we focus on convening, collaborating and learning from one another in a shared space.

How much does Summit cost?

Early bird | $499 | February 26–March 8 
Just in time | $599 | March 9–April 19 
Standard | $649 | April 20–May 22
Workshops | $199 | February 26–May 10

Can I buy tickets in bulk? 

Bulk tickets can be purchased through our registration system, Eventbrite. However, the purchaser will have to enter the information for each attendee at the time of purchase. Unfortunately, we’re unable to complete that portion of the registration for you. 

Do you offer refunds?

We understand that plans can change unexpectedly. If you cancel your order by April 30, 2024  you will receive a full refund. If requesting a refund, please do so through Eventbrite using your login or order number. 

Is there student pricing?

We have a limited number of discounted student tickets on a first come, first serve basis. Please email us at summit@codeforamerica.org for more information. Otherwise, we encourage you to purchase as early as possible for a discounted rate.

Can I volunteer to cover the cost of the ticket?

Unfortunately, there are no volunteer opportunities available at Summit.

Is there a discount for hotel sleeping rooms?

Yes, we offer a discounted rate of $199 per night + taxes until Monday, May 6 at 5 p.m. PT or until the block sells out. Click here to reserve your room.

What happens if Summit is canceled?

The safety of our attendees is our number one priority. While we have no reason to believe that Code for America Summit will be canceled, in the event that it is, attendees will receive a refund.

Can I submit a breakout session for Summit?

Submissions were accepted November 3 through November 14, 2023. Everyone who submitted a session proposal will receive a communication from Code for America about whether their session was selected.

Can my company be a sponsor?

For information about sponsorship opportunities, email us.

Press, photography and recording release

During Code for America Summit, Code for America and others in attendance, including but not limited to the press, may be recording, photographing, and capturing the event in similar mediums, including but not limited to during mainstage events, breakout sessions, and networking times. By purchasing a ticket, you consent to being photographed, audio recorded, video recorded, and to having your name, voice, image, words, and likeness captured and reproduced in any media now existing or existing in the future (“Recordings”), at Code for America Summit. You further grant to Code for America the right to take and use Recordings with your name, voice, image, words, or likeness, for any lawful purposes, including but not limited to publications, exhibitions, web casts, promotional purposes, commercial uses, publications on websites, social media posts, marketing materials, research publications, podcasts, and news releases. You understand and agree that you have no rights to inspect or approve any Recordings, no property rights in Recordings, no rights to financial or other compensation from Code for America for the use of your name, voice, image, words, or likeness.

You release and waive any rights or benefits derived directly or directly from the use of Recordings with your name, voice, image, words, or likeness. You further release, waive and hold harmless Code for America and its current and former officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, or representatives  from any claims, damages, costs, or expense (including attorneys’ fees) arising from or related to the Recordings, except to the extent caused by the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of Code for America.

Conference recordings

Mainstage sessions during Code for America Summit will be recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel after the conference.