FOSS4G North America 2026 is nearly here, and we cannot wait to welcome you to the Sheraton Grand Sacramento (1230 J Street) for an energizing conference on open source geospatial software. Here are five quick things to take care of before you head our way.
Remember to vote before you leave home
Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 3 — right in the middle of the conference. Don't let travel get between you and your ballot. Request an absentee ballot or vote early if that's an option in your district, and take care of it before you pack.
And one more date to flag: Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 1. Set your clocks back, and double-check your flight and train times if you're traveling that day.
Read your "Know Before You Go" email
It should already be sitting in your inbox, and it's packed with the details that make for a smooth conference. If you didn’t receive it, reach out using the contact information at the bottom. The email includes travel and parking info, what meals are included, workshop logistics, and more. A few highlights worth repeating:
Dress code: Business casual — whatever that means to you. Jeans and past-conference swag are absolutely welcome. Bring layers; meeting room thermostats have minds of their own.
BYO Lanyard: We're skipping single-use items this year, so bring your favorite lanyard (or several!). Badge holders have three slots at the top, so one- and two-clip lanyards both work. We’ll have some spares if you forget.
Pro tip: Pack a water bottle and/or a refillable coffee mug.
Workshops on Monday, 11/2 require pre-registration — they are available as add-ons to your conference registration or standalone. If you’re attending a workshop, make sure to bring your laptop/tablet and charger. Space is still available if you want to add one!
Additional transportation and parking details are here on the website
Download Whova and say hello
Whova is our main hub for schedules, session details, and attendee networking — and the conversations start now. Get the app from your device's app store, sign in with the email address you registered with, and connect to the FOSS4G North America 2026 event.
The easiest way to get access is the invitation link in your Know Before You Go email, so start there. Once you're in, check out the Community board to meet other attendees, coordinate ridesharing, and post questions in the Ask Organizers Anything thread.
The forecast looks lovely
The colors are starting to change and Sacramento is serving up classic Northern California fall: highs in the upper 60s, mostly sunny, with a chance of light rain overnight. Bring a light raincoat for the evenings, but also pack for comfortably pleasant days — downtown Sacramento is very walkable, and you'll want to be outside for some of it – gorgeous gardens in Capitol Park are just a few blocks away when you need to get outside and take a break. Have we also mentioned that Sacramento is very flat? It’s a great place to get around using your feet.
More on local attractions coming soon!
The Sheraton Grand sits in the heart of downtown, within easy walking distance of great restaurants and local landmarks — including California State Capitol Park just a couple of blocks away. We'll be sharing a roundup of nearby attractions and food recommendations soon, so keep an eye out.
Questions?
Reach the team at info@delaneymeetingevent.com or 802-865-5202, or post in the Ask Organizers Anything thread on Whova.
Full conference details are always at right here on this website.
Safe travels — see you in Sacramento! 🎉