Your Complete Guide to Preparing for GHC 26
Your Complete Guide to Making the Most of Grace Hopper Celebration 2026
Every year, thousands of women in tech gather and connect at Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC). From inspiring speakers to career-changing connections, this is a tech conference where careers actually accelerate, and real ideas take shape.
But with so much happening, it can be hard to know where to start. A packed agenda, countless opportunities to connect, and new experiences around every corner can feel overwhelming without a plan. This guide brings together everything you need to prepare for GHC 26 in one place, so you can arrive ready to make the most of it. Learn More About GHC
First, What Is GHC 26 and Why Does It Matter?
Grace Hopper Celebration is the world’s largest gathering of women in tech, bringing together thousands of tech professionals from around the globe to learn, connect, and celebrate their impact. Founded in 1994 by Anita Borgand Telle Whitney, the Celebration honors the legacy of computing pioneer Grace Hopper while creating space for the next generation of innovators to grow their careers and influence the future of technology.
From the attendee view, GHC is a career catalyst; across keynotes, technical sessions, and community events, you’ll gain insights from industry leaders, build meaningful connections with peers and mentors, and engage directly with companies shaping tech day-by-day.
Lock In the Essentials Before You Go
Taking care of the essentials early ensures you can focus your energy on what really matters once you arrive: learning, connecting, and making the most of your time at GHC 26.
Secure Your Spot
Registration is the first step to joining Grace Hopper Celebration 2026. GHC offers several ticket types,including Academic, General, and the Limitless VIP experience, so attendees can choose the option that best fits their goals and level of access.
Members of AnitaB.org also receive added benefits: Premium Members and Lifetime Members get discounted registration rates, making it even easier to attend and invest in your professional growth. If you’re planning to join us, it’s best to register early; pricing tiers can change as the event approaches.
Plan Your Travel + Stay
GHC 26 will take place at the Anaheim Convention Centerin Anaheim, California, one of the largest and most modern convention venues on the West Coast. Located in Anaheim’s resort district, the convention center is surrounded by walkable hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, making it easy to move between sessions, networking events, and offsite gatherings throughout the week.
GHC has partnered with onPeak, the official hotel provider, to offer discounted rates at a curated selection of nearby hotels. Rooms can be reserved through the Attendee Portal, and booking early gives you the best selection and pricing.
Know What’s Available to You
GHC is designed to be a people-centered, accessible experience for all attendees. From accessibility services and ADA seating to ASL interpreters, closed captioning, and quiet spaces, a range of resources are available to support different needs during the event.
If you have specific questions about accommodations such as mobility assistance, lactation rooms, or accessibility transportation, you can review the full details in the Accessibility FAQsbefore you arrive.
Explore What GHC 26 Has to Offer
Taking time to explore the experience before you arrive helps you prioritize what matters most to you!
Browse the Agenda Early
The GHC 26 Agenda is packed with keynotes, technical sessions, panels, and community conversations designed to help you grow at every stage of your career. Reviewing the schedule and session catalogearly allows you to identify sessions that align with your goals, depending on whether you’re focused on leadership development, exploring emerging technologies like AI, or expanding your technical expertise. Start mapping out what you don’t want to miss!
Discover Key Experiences
Beyond the sessions themselves, GHC offers a wide range of interactive experiencesdesigned to help you connect and grow. From the Talent & Tech Expos, where you can meet directly with leading companies, to hands-on workshops and curated networking events, there are countless opportunities to learn something new and build meaningful professional relationships.
Get Inspired by Speakers + Community
One of the most powerful parts of Grace Hopper Celebration is the community it brings together. Each year, the speaker lineupfeatures influential tech professionals, innovators, and leaders who are shaping the future of the industry. Their stories, insights, and expertise help spark new ideas and inspire attendees to think bigger about what’s possible in their own careers.
Build a Strategy (Don’t Just Attend! Leverage It)
Attending GHC 26 is valuable on its own, but the most impactful experiences come from approaching the week with a clear strategy.
Define Your Goals Before You Arrive
Start by identifying what success looks like for you at GHC. For some attendees, that might mean landing interviews or exploring new roles. For others, it could mean building partnerships, expanding their leadership network, or learning more about emerging technologies like AI. Setting a few clear goals ahead of time will help you choose the right sessions, events, and networking opportunities once the Celebration begins.
Map Your Must-Attend Moments
Once you know your goals, take time to map out the moments that will help you reach them. This could include prioritizing keynote sessions, identifying companies you want to connect with at the Talent & Tech Expo, or selecting workshops and technical talks that align with your interests. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss the experiencesthat will be most valuable to your career.
Show Up Prepared to Connect
GHC is also a powerful networking environment, bringing together tech professionals, industry leaders, and hiring companies in one place. Before you arrive, update your LinkedIn profile and resume, and take a few minutes to think through your professional story like what you’re working on, what you’re passionate about, and what opportunities you’re exploring next.
You can also join the AnitaB.org Talent Network powered by Findemto connect with participating companies and stay informed about career opportunities before, during, and after the event.
Use the Right Tools to Stay Organized
The Attendee Portalserves as your central hub for event information during GHC 26, helping you keep track of updates, schedules, and important resources leading up to and during the Celebration.
Think of it as your GHC command center. Checking the portal regularly ensures you stay informed about new announcements, session updates, and other important details so you can adjust your plans and make the most of every opportunity.
Need Help Getting Approval?
Attending Grace Hopper Celebration 2026 is professional development AND a strategic investment in your growth and the future of your organization.
If you need support starting the conversation with your manager, visit the Convince Your Boss page or download the email template herethat can help demonstrate the value of attending, for both you and your organization.
Final Tips to Make the Most of GHC 26
A little preparation goes a long way, but the best GHC experiences also leave room for discovery. As you finalize your plans, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Don’t overschedule. Leave space in your day for unexpected conversations, spontaneous meetups, and moments of inspiration.
- Follow up within 48 hours. After meeting someone new, send a quick LinkedIn message or email to keep the connection going.
- Take notes during sessions. Capture key insights, ideas, or resources you want to revisit after the Celebration.
- Prioritize your energy. GHC is an exciting but busy week! Pace yourself so you can stay engaged from your first session to the final keynote.
GHC 26 Is What You Make It
Grace Hopper Celebration 2026 is an investment in your career, offering you a chance to be part of a global community shaping the future of technology. With the right preparation and a clear sense of what you want to achieve, the Celebration can become a launchpad for new ideas, new opportunities, and meaningful professional connections.
Start planning early, explore everything the event has to offer, and come ready to learn, connect, and grow alongside thousands of tech professionals from around the world. Ready to join us? Explore the full experience and register on the GHC website.