Frequently Asked Questions

Summit is hosted by Code for America. Code for America, the country’s leading civic tech nonprofit for over 15 years, believes that government can work for the people, and by the people, in the new digital age. We work with government at all levels across the country to make the delivery of public services better with technology. We partner with community organizations and governments to build digital tools, change policies, and improve programs. Our goal: a resilient government that works well for everyone. Learn more at codeforamerica.org.

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 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.

Code for America Summit 2026 will be a two-day in-person experience in Chicago featuring keynotes, breakout sessions, lightning talks, our Demo Lab, and more on May 7–8, 2026. 

This year’s theme is The Future We Build.

All across the country, technologists, policy changemakers, community organizations, and leaders at every level are laying the foundation for what’s next in our nation. This moment demands bold ideas, cross-sector collaboration, and vision that supersedes difference. Together, let’s create the tomorrow we know is possible when we innovate today. 

Mainstage programming occurs on 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.

The Demo Lab is an interactive showcase where participants have a dedicated space to demo a project in an informal, approachable setting. Demos are curated through a submission process.

Marriott Marquis Chicago 
2121 S Prairie Ave., Chicago, IL 60616

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.

We strive for Summit to be the most inclusive space possible, and we recognize that some attendees may not be able to make childcare arrangements during the conference. Summit is a professional development event, and we respectfully ask that disruptions are kept to a minimum for other guests. Should you need to bring your children, please ensure that their care and supervision remain your responsibility. If you’re bringing someone in the 13-17 range, please reach out to summit@codeforamerica.org to coordinate arrangements.

• Early bird: $599 (February 19–March 5, or until tickets sell out, limited quantity available)
• Just in time: $699 (March 6–April 3)
• Standard: $749 (April 4–April 29)

Yes, multiple tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite. You will need to complete the required registration details at checkout. After purchasing the tickets, you can edit your order details to transfer each ticket to each recipient using their full name and email address. Each recipient will receive an email to claim their ticket.

Unfortunately, we do not offer single-day tickets, and conference passes are intended for individual use only, so they cannot be split or shared between attendees.

Refunds are available through April 10, 2026. If your plans change and you would like to request a refund, please request via Eventbrite.

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.

Unfortunately, there are no volunteer opportunities available at Summit.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided on both conference days.

Yes, we offer a discounted rate of $324 per night + taxes until April 14 at 5 p.m. CT or until the block sells out. Click here to reserve your room.

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.

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.

Submissions were accepted November 14 through November 25, 2025. Everyone who submitted a session proposal will receive a communication from Code for America about whether their session was selected.

For information about sponsorship opportunities, email us.

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.

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