Click here to view the photo gallery from the 2025 trip.
Monday, April 13 – Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Unleash your advocacy potential this spring in Washington, D.C.
CSBA and the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) invite members to the fifth annual Coast2Coast Federal Advocacy Trip in Washington, D.C. — a transformative three-day event that empowers California's education leaders to elevate the issues impacting the state's nearly 6 million preK–12 students on the national stage. This prestigious gathering brings together district and county board members, superintendents and other cabinet-level officials from across the Golden State, providing an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and influencers in the nation's capital.
The first two days will be dedicated to educational sessions, equipping participants with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively advocate for their local educational agencies. Attendees will have the chance to network with prominent D.C. figures as well as engage in briefings with Capitol Hill decision-makers and influencers. This comprehensive event lays the groundwork for the trip's culminating experience: face-to-face meetings with California's congressional representatives. The Coast2Coast Federal Advocacy Trip is a testament to the unwavering commitment of CSBA and ACSA to amplifying the perspectives of California's education community.
Don't miss this transformative opportunity to advocate for California's students and make a lasting impact. Join fellow school governance leaders at the Coast2Coast Federal Advocacy Trip and be the catalyst for the change California students deserve.
Capitol Hill meeting capacity notices
- Participation in Capitol Hill meetings is designed primarily for board members, superintendents and senior leaders to engage directly with policymakers.
- Final participation in Capitol Hill meetings will be determined by space availability and the size of each district’s delegation.
We encourage all attendees to take advantage of the full program, recognizing that Capitol Hill meeting participation may vary depending on circumstances.
Location
JW Marriott Washington, D.C.
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20004, US
Phone: (202) 393-2000
Program
Monday, April 13 – Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Note, the optional pre-conference activity and Welcome Reception will be held on Sunday, April 12.
View Tentative Agenda
Registration fees
Early: $799 from Oct. 7, 2025 – Feb. 26, 2026
Regular: $949 from Feb. 27, 2026 – March 19, 2026
Late: $1,199 from March 20, 2026 – on-site or until sold out
Spouse/partner registration fees
Rate: $199 from Oct. 7, 2025 to on-site or until sold out
The spouse/partner registration fee includes access to the Welcome Reception, daily breakfasts and the Tuesday evening reception at the U.S. Capitol Building. It does not include entry to general sessions, breakout sessions, or congressional meetings.
A spouse/partner is defined as a significant other who is not affiliated with or employed by a California school district or county office of education (including board members, administrators, teachers, or staff). Coworkers or professional associates are not eligible for this category. If the registration is used by anyone other than a qualifying spouse/partner, the registrant will be charged the full conference registration rate.
Optional pre-conference activity
The Mount Vernon Experience is available for purchase immediately preceding the Federal Advocacy Trip on Sunday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased during the registration process.
Pre-conference activity: $130
Hotel information
Hotel accommodation can be booked online through a dedicated website. The single/double rate is $349, plus taxes and fees. Please make reservations as soon as possible. The discounted conference housing block of rooms will be available through March 21, 2026. After the cutoff date, rooms may be given on a space-available basis, and the special group discount may not be available. The hotel requires a valid credit card to guarantee the reservation at the time of booking.
Click here to make your hotel reservations.
Travel information
The nearest airport to the JW Marriott Washington, D.C. is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Coast2Coast staff strongly recommend that attendees avoid booking return flights earlier than 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as congressional meetings may run until 4 p.m. ET that day.
Sponsorship opportunities
Join Coast2Coast as a sponsor and gain unparalleled visibility among key education leaders and decision-makers. CSBA's sponsorship packages offer a unique opportunity to showcase brands, connect with influential professionals and support initiatives that shape the future of education. Don’t miss the chance to elevate businesses and services and make a lasting impact in D.C.
Please click here to view the 2026 Sponsorship Guide.
Notices
Questions
CSBA's FAQ provides answers to the most commonly asked questions, from details about registration to event logistics and participation guidelines. If further assistance is needed, please contact coast2coast@csba.org.
Accessibility
CSBA is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all attendees. Please note that many hotels in Washington, D.C., are historic properties and may have structural limitations despite efforts to meet accessibility standards. The following services are available to ensure full participation in the event:
- Wheelchair accessibility: The venue is fully accessible, including wheelchair access to seating areas, restrooms and entrances. Please inform CSBA prior to the event if additional assistance is needed.
- Reserved seating: Accessible seating for individuals with mobility impairments can be provided. Requests for reserved seating should be made ahead of time to ensure availability.
If additional accommodations or specific needs related to mobility, vision, hearing, or other areas are needed, contact coast2coast@csba.org at least 72 hours prior to the event. While every effort will be made to accommodate requests, please note that late requests may not be able to be fully accommodated. Guidance will be provided on how to reserve services and ensure that necessary arrangements are made.
Testimonials:
Sabrena Rodriguez | Board President | Ventura Unified School District; Board of Directors | CSBA
"Coast2Coast is a nice extension to the advocacy work that I do in the State of California for our schools and students. It's an opportunity to meet with legislators that I see back home in our district, but also to see them on their home turf advocating for issues that are important for public education. Attending Coast2Coast is a fantastic next step for someone who is already participating in advocacy for legislative action and understands what it looks and feels like to advocate. It's a great way to expand your tool kit and take advocacy to the national level."
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Amy Yamamoto Callahan | Trustee | Ventura Unified School District
"Out of all the events I attend, Coast2Coast is the most applicable and inspiring. It has been really transformational for me as a trustee, and I highly recommend attending if given the opportunity. The ability to network and build a unified team within CSBA and with other fellow trustees and board members is worth it alone."
Ron Williams | Former Superintendent | Victor Valley Union High School District; Past-President | ACSA
"This event provided me the opportunity to meet first-hand with some of our California congressional representatives, White House officials and federal representatives to convey many of the challenges of our students in California. It resulted with the opportunities to listen and hear their views, which aligned with ours. The collaboration between CSBA and ACSA played an intricate role in this transformational event."