Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Notable exhibitors
Companies exhibiting at CITE Annual Conference 2026 include 101VOICE, 2NDGEAR | Quantum Lifecycle Partners, 42Gears, Abnormal AI and ACER for BUSINESS.
- 101VOICE
- 2NDGEAR | Quantum Lifecycle Partners
- 42Gears
- Abnormal AI
- ACER for BUSINESS
Event overview
Overview
The CITE Annual Conference 2026 is a key event for IT professionals in education, featuring a wide range of sessions focused on technology in the classroom.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers, learn from industry leaders, and explore innovative solutions tailored to their roles.
With over 200 breakout sessions and more than 340 exhibitors, this conference is designed to support the professional development of educators and IT leaders alike.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The CITE Annual Conference 2026 takes place from November 17-19, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center, California.
- 2Scale and Focus: This conference features over 200 breakout sessions and expects around 1,500 attendees from the education technology sector.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by CITE, with registration available at events.cite.org.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include CTOs, Directors of Technology, and other IT decision-makers in education.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is required, with various ticket types available including special offers for IT professionals.
Why visit
Attending the CITE Annual Conference provides valuable insights into the latest trends in educational technology. Network with peers, gain practical knowledge from breakout sessions, and discover solutions that can enhance your institution's IT infrastructure. The event also includes meals and networking opportunities, ensuring a comprehensive experience.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the CITE Annual Conference allows companies to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of education professionals. Gain visibility among decision-makers, generate leads, and build relationships that can lead to future partnerships. The event's structure encourages meaningful interactions with attendees.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
CTOs and Directors of Technology in education
Network Managers and Engineers
Database Administrators and IT Support Staff
Classroom Teachers and Administrators
District and County Superintendents
Educational Technology Consultants
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Educational technology providers
IT service companies
Software developers for educational applications
Hardware manufacturers for classroom technology
Consultants specializing in educational IT solutions
Cybersecurity firms focused on K-12 education
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Classroom Management Software
Cybersecurity Solutions for Schools
Network Infrastructure Equipment
Data Management Tools
AI Solutions for Education
Interactive classroom display and AV hardware
Student information and assessment platforms
Campus wireless and network security appliances
IT managed services for districts
Location & Facilities
Venue
Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, United States
Facilities
Parking
Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Anaheim Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
CITE throughout the meeting
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Anaheim, United States
Why it matters
Attending the CITE Annual Conference provides valuable insights into the latest trends in educational technology. Network with peers, gain practical knowledge from breakout sessions, and discover solutions that can enhance your institution's IT infrastructure.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
John Wayne Airport
Closest commercial airport to Anaheim Convention Center. Smaller terminal, short taxi and rideshare queues, and no need to cross the Los Angeles basin. Confirm the airline and terminal before booking
Approx. 14 miles (22 km)
to venue
Approx. 20-30 min depending on traffic
by car
Los Angeles International Airport
Largest gateway with the widest long-haul and domestic choice, but allow extra time for LA traffic. Rideshare pickup zones are outside the terminals; follow airport signs
Approx. 35 miles (56 km)
to venue
Approx. 45-70 min depending on traffic
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Anaheim Convention Center / Resort Area cluster
Anaheim Convention Center / Resort AreaWalkable or a short rideshare to venue
Approximate nightly band for midscale conference hotels around the venue. Best choice if you want to walk to sessions and avoid daily parking. Confirm the total price including taxes and any resort fee.
Full-service convention hotels near the venue
Anaheim Convention Center / Resort AreaWalkable or 5-10 min by rideshare to venue
Approximate nightly band for upper-midscale and full-service properties during the CITE 2026 dates. On-site restaurants and meeting space are typical; parking is usually charged separately.
Holiday Inn Express Fullerton - Anaheim by IHG
Fullerton / Anaheim borderApprox. 10-15 min by car to venue
Captured in the nearby-property list for the convention center. Approximate nightly band, excluding taxes. Confirm whether a shuttle runs to the venue during the show.
Residence Inn by Marriott Anaheim Hills Yorba Linda
Anaheim Hills / Yorba LindaApprox. 20-25 min by car to venue
Captured in the nearby-property list and useful for longer stays with kitchenettes. Approximate nightly band, excluding taxes; a rental car or rideshare is needed.
City Express by Marriott Placentia Anaheim
Placentia / AnaheimApprox. 15-20 min by car to venue
Captured in the nearby-property list as a value-oriented option. Approximate nightly band, excluding taxes; plan rideshare or parking costs into the budget.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rideshare / taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from SNA to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forJohn Wayne Airport (SNA) to Anaheim Convention Center
Shortest airport-to-venue trip. Pickup is outside the terminal; allow 20-35 min depending on traffic.
rideshare / taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from LAX to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Anaheim Convention Center
Longer freeway run with variable LA traffic. Allow 45-70 min and budget for possible surge pricing at peak arrival times.
regional rail
Estimated costApprox. USD 9-12 one way (Metrolink); Amtrak fares vary
Best forLos Angeles Union Station to Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) on Metrolink or Amtrak
Then take a short rideshare or local bus from ARTIC to the convention center. Confirm the line, departure time and weekend service before relying on rail.
local bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2 per boarding; day passes cost more
Best forOCTA bus routes serving Anaheim Convention Center and Harbor Boulevard
Orange County bus routes connect the convention center with nearby districts. Check OCTA timetables and the venue's official getting-there page for the closest stop.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 20-25 per day; confirm current rate
Best forAnaheim Convention Center on-site parking structures
Drive-in parking is available at the convention center. Arrive early on opening day and note the structure closest to your hall.
walk / hotel shuttle
Estimated costUSD 0 where the hotel is walkable or runs a shuttle; otherwise a short rideshare
Best forConvention Center / Resort Area hotels to Anaheim Convention Center
The closest cluster is walkable. Suburban hotels may run limited shuttles; confirm the schedule with the hotel before booking.
Weather
November is one of the drier months in Anaheim, with mild days and cool evenings. Expect daytime highs around 22-25 C (72-77 F) and overnight lows around 10-13 C (50-55 F), with a low chance of rain. Coastal marine layer can keep mornings cool. Confirm the forecast close to travel and pack layers for air-conditioned halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
U.S. mobile networks (Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile) cover Anaheim well. International visitors should arrange an eSIM or local SIM before arrival, or check their home carrier's roaming plan. The convention center and hotels generally provide Wi-Fi; confirm whether the venue Wi-Fi is free for attendees or requires a code. Power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A and Type B plugs, so bring a suitable adapter or dual-voltage charger.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
California edtech events are business casual. Most attendees wear collared shirts, blouses, sweaters or clean jeans with comfortable shoes, and a light jacket is useful for air-conditioned halls.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in restaurants and for rideshare drivers, typically 15-20 percent for table service. Some bills include a service charge, so check before adding a tip.
Punctuality and introductions
Sessions start on time. A handshake and first name are standard in exhibitor meetings; bring a phone charger and a digital business card or QR code for quick follow-ups.
Accessibility and inclusion
U.S. venues generally provide accessible entrances, restrooms and seating. If you need a specific accommodation, contact the organiser or venue in advance rather than relying on same-day requests.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: SNA
Captured flight searches used 17 November 2026 for arrival and 21 November 2026 for return. Google Travel labelled New York, London, Tokyo and Sydney fares as typical, and the Singapore to LAX indicator as low at about USD 1,047, but only that Singapore figure was published as an amount. Compare SNA and LAX before booking: SNA is closer to the venue, while LAX usually offers more long-haul choice. Check baggage rules and arrival times against the 17 November opening day, and consider flying in on 16 November to protect against delays.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: John Wayne Airport (SNA): Approx. 20-30 min depending on traffic; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Approx. 45-70 min depending on traffic. Allow road or rail time to Anaheim Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Anaheim Convention Center: Anaheim Convention Center / Resort Area: Anaheim Convention Center / Resort Area cluster; Anaheim Convention Center / Resort Area: Full-service convention hotels near the venue; Fullerton / Anaheim border: Holiday Inn Express Fullerton - Anaheim by IHG.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Orange County, including Anaheim. From SNA, expect a 20-35 minute ride to the convention center; from LAX, allow 45-70 minutes and budget for traffic or surge pricing. Use the designated rideshare pickup zones at each airport and confirm the driver's plate before getting in. For the return trip, allow extra time on opening and closing days.
Public transit: Anaheim is served by Metrolink and Amtrak at Anaheim ARTIC, about 1.5 miles from the convention center, with a short rideshare or local bus connection onward. OCTA buses run along Harbor Boulevard and nearby corridors, and Anaheim Resort Transit shuttles serve the resort district. No single rail line drops directly at the convention center doors, so check OCTA timetables and the venue's official getting-there page for the closest stop and current fares.
Parking: Anaheim Convention Center has on-site parking structures, typically charged per day. Rates were not published in the captured evidence, so confirm the current rate and the structure closest to your hall on the venue website. Arrive early on opening day, and note that oversized vehicles may need a different lot. If your hotel charges for parking, compare that daily rate with the venue rate before deciding whether to drive.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026 (event dates 17-19 November)
Temperature: Daytime highs approx. 22-25 C (72-77 F); overnight lows approx. 10-13 C (50-55 F). Confirm the forecast before travel.
Seasonality: November is one of the drier months in Orange County, with a low chance of rain, but occasional storms do occur. Mornings can be cool and overcast near the coast, and halls are air-conditioned.
Packing: Pack layers: a light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned session rooms, comfortable walking shoes for the exhibit hall, a compact umbrella for occasional rain, sunglasses, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. Daytime is mild enough for a light shirt or blouse, but evenings cool down quickly.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at CITE Annual Conference 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14
Confirm your CITE 2026 registration and badge type, and check whether your district requires a purchase order or supervisor approval before travel.
Day 12
Book flights into SNA (closest) or LAX (more long-haul choice) for arrival 16 or 17 November 2026; compare a Sunday arrival to reduce opening-day risk.
Day 10
Reserve an Anaheim hotel in the Convention Center or Resort Area so you can walk or take a short rideshare; confirm cancellation terms before paying.
Day 7
Shortlist exhibitors across LMS, SIS and rostering, classroom management, cybersecurity and network infrastructure, and note the questions your district needs answered.
Day 6
Draft your own agenda around the conference schedule and identify any sessions that require pre-registration or limited seating.
Day 5
Check U.S. entry requirements for your passport: ESTA for Visa Waiver Program travellers, or a B-1/B-2 visa interview if required. Carry a conference invitation if asked at the border.
Day 4
Confirm ground transport: book a rideshare from SNA or LAX, or plan Metrolink to Anaheim ARTIC plus a short transfer to the convention center.
Day 3
Pack business casual layers, a refillable water bottle, a portable battery and a laptop or tablet for note-taking on the show floor.
Day 2
Download the event app or schedule, save your must-visit booths, and set up a shared note or CRM so follow-ups are captured in one place.
Day 1
Arrive early on opening day for badge pickup, walk the hall once for orientation, then return to priority exhibitors before afternoon crowds build.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Anaheim Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2CITE Annual Conference 2026 registration concourse
Anaheim Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Anaheim Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether CITE Annual Conference 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For CITE Annual Conference 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your roadmap covers the published product categories - LMS, classroom management, school cybersecurity, network infrastructure, data management or AI for education.
Best for
Education-technology buyers, school and district IT leads, and academic delegates reviewing LMS, classroom management and cybersecurity products.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, SNA flights and Anaheim hotel rooms.
Risks
Anaheim hotel rates spike around theme-park season - book the 17-19 Nov window early.
Anaheim Convention Center has no captured rail link, so budget rideshare or parking.
exhibit
You have a product launch or lead-generation target tied to U.S. K-12 and higher-education technology buying.
Best for
Ed-tech vendors and infrastructure suppliers who need face time with U.S. district and campus decision makers in one week.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight into Anaheim and pre-show meeting scheduling.
Risks
No official booth price was captured - request the exhibitor prospectus before committing budget.
Los Angeles and Orange County districts book travel late; confirm attendee lists with the organiser.
skip
Your catalogue does not overlap the captured product categories or your Anaheim travel cost outweighs expected meetings.
Best for
Suppliers outside the education-technology and campus IT scope, or teams whose U.S. travel budget is already committed this cycle.
Timeline
Not applicable.
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- LMS (Learning Management System)
- Software that hosts courses, assignments, grades and learner records, such as Canvas, Schoology or Google Classroom.
- SIS (Student Information System)
- The system of record for enrollment, schedules, attendance, grades and state reporting, such as Aeries, PowerSchool or Infinite Campus.
- OneRoster and LTI 1.3
- Open interoperability standards for exchanging rosters, grades and tool launches between an SIS, LMS and third-party applications.
- SSO and identity federation
- Single sign-on using SAML or OIDC, often brokered through ClassLink or Clever, so staff and students use one district login.
- MDM (Mobile Device Management)
- Tools that configure, secure and wipe student and staff devices, including Apple School Manager, Chrome Education Upgrade and Microsoft Intune deployments.
- 1:1 device program
- A district policy of issuing one computing device per student, usually paired with filtering, insurance and take-home rules.
- E-Rate
- The FCC's Schools and Libraries program that subsidizes eligible broadband, internal connections and managed Wi-Fi services for U.S. schools and libraries.
- Data privacy compliance (FERPA, COPPA, SOPIPA)
- U.S. federal and California state rules limiting how student data can be collected, shared and retained by schools and vendors.
- Classroom management and filtering
- Software that lets teachers monitor screens, guide browsing and apply district Acceptable Use Policies during lessons.
- Network infrastructure (Wi-Fi 6E, switching, firewalls)
- The wireless, wired and security equipment that carries district traffic, increasingly refreshed to Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 standards.
- Cybersecurity incident response
- Plans, tools and retainers a district uses to detect, contain and recover from ransomware, phishing and data breaches.
- Digital equity and home broadband
- Programs that ensure students have devices and internet access away from school, including hotspots and community Wi-Fi partnerships.
- AI acceptable use policy
- District guidance on when staff and students may use generative AI tools, what data may be entered and how outputs should be disclosed.
- CTO / CIO cabinet
- The peer network of district chief technology officers and IT directors who set regional standards and share procurement intelligence.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- CITE Conference
- Anaheim IT Conference
- Education Technology Conference 2026
- CITE Annual Conference 2026 Anaheim
- CITE Annual Conference Anaheim 2026
- CITE 2026
- CITE Anaheim 2026
- Anaheim United States
- Education Conference Anaheim 2026
- Information Technology
4 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.