FAQs
Ideas,
Insights,
Inspiration,
Joy
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Ideas, Insights, Inspiration, Joy 〰️
Frequently Asked Questions (click below)
ComNet26 Key Dates
ComNet26 registration deadline = August 19, 2026— or until sold out
Hotel room deadline = September 5, 2026 or until sold out
General Questions
What is ComNet?
ComNet is the annual gathering of The Communications Network— three days of ideas, insights, inspiration, connection, and fun!
What is The Communications Network?
The Communications Network is a vibrant, diverse, and dedicated community of over 3,000 communicators, storytellers, strategists, designers, researchers, producers, and community builders.
We believe leaders working in communications for good—and the organizations they serve—will be stronger, smarter, and more effective when connected to a diverse network of colleagues, peers, and programs.
Join The Communications Network to keep the learning and connections going all year round!
Why should I attend ComNet26 San Diego?
The field of foundation and nonprofit communications (what we've come to call #comms4good) is always evolving. None of us know it all, and none of us have to go it alone. ComNet gathers our community for foundation and nonprofit leaders in order to help them grow and get better at their work by learning from experts, innovations in our field, and one another.
96% of attendees rated ComNet as excellent/very good
95% said the conference was relevant, useful and helpful to their work
97% appreciated The Network’s strong culture of community and support
“This was my first ComNet and I had no idea it would involve so much fruitful networking with newfound peers.”
"The speakers and conversations were amazing!"
"The networking is invaluable at ComNet!"
Registration + Scholarship Questions:
What’s the cost to attend ComNet26?
Regular pricing for registration is:
Network Member = $1499
Nonmember = $2499
Early-bird registration was open through December 31, 2025
Learn more about Network membership at comnetwork.org/membership. If you're not sure if you are a member or need to renew, please email Amy Luebbert (aluebbert@comnetwork.org) to help you before you register.
May I attend the conference without registering?
No. To ensure the safety and security of all attendees, anyone who would like to attend the conference must be registered.
What does my registration fee include?
Access to all conference programming on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Entry to the ComNet26 Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening (at the beach!)
A group rate at the conference hotel
Access to the conference app
Learning Lab notes + copies of each ShowCase poster + video + audio recordings of keynotes
Conference swag and related conference materials
Two breakfasts and one lunch
Tons of coffee
New friends and community!
*Registration does not cover the cost of a hotel room, so please reserve your hotel room separately
Do you offer scholarships?
Thanks to generous support from The Rockefeller Foundation, The Frank Karel Scholarship enables The Communications Network to offer complimentary registrations to nonprofit staffers and communications-focused academics who would not otherwise be able to attend ComNet26. Applications for the Frank Karel Scholarship for ComNet26 opened in mid-February and closed in April. Questions: please email Lalissie (leteffa@comnetwork.org) for more information.
Can I update my registration?
You can modify or cancel your registration up until August 19, 2026. Please note, a $50 cancellation/change fee will be applied.
For support regarding registration questions or updates, please contact us at ComNet@comnetwork.org.
What’s your refund policy?
You can cancel your ComNet26 registration and receive a full refund (minus a $50 fee) through August 19, 2026. We are unable to offer refunds after August 19, 2026.
I’m no longer able to attend; can I transfer my registration to someone else?
We are not able to process registration transfers. If you are no longer able to attend and would like a colleague to attend ComNet in your place, we welcome this change before registration closes on August 19 (or sell out date).
To make this update: attendees will cancel their original registration and receive a refund (minus the $50 cancellation fee), and the colleague will register as a new attendee.
Please contact us at ComNet@comnetwork.org if you have any questions or need support cancelling a registration. Thank you!
Can I bring a friend/partner/guest to The Welcome Reception or ComNet26?
Short answer? No.
To participate in ComNet26 programming and activities including the Welcome Reception, you must be a registered ComNet26 attendee. For security, we cannot accommodate guests. You will need to show your badge to join sessions, conference meals, receptions, and ComNet26 overall.
When should I arrive/depart?
If you're interested in joining us early, we have optional opportunities for connection on Tuesday, September 29 with a few Field Trips. On Wednesday, September 30, we have Field Trips and Day of Service various times throughout the day as well as Pre-Conference Panels from 10am - 4:30pm.
Our official welcome reception to ComNet26 is Wednesday, September 30 at 6pm so we recommend arriving in time to catch everyone at the beach.
ComNet26 will wrap up at 12:30pm on Friday, October 2. We recommend catching a flight after 3pm so you don't miss a moment.
What is the schedule/program?
Our schedule will be released early summer.
Schedule at a Glance
Tuesday, September 29 (Optional)
Field Trips & Day of Service (various times)
Network Leaders Workshop, 2–4pm (invite only)
Tip: Arrive early for pre-conference fun, volunteer opportunities, and casual networking
Wednesday, September 30
Pre-Conference Panels, 10am–4:30pm
Field Trips & Day of Service (various times)
Welcome Reception, 6–9pm, Silver Strand State Beach (20-minute shuttle from hotel)—celebrate, connect, laugh
Thursday, October 1
Keynotes to spark bold thinking
ShowCase Posters: 70+ case studies from peers
Learning Labs: expert-led deep dives
Case Study Sessions: real lessons learned
Networking @ Night happy hour
Friday, October 2
Keynotes, posters, and learning sessions, 8:30am–12:30pm
Closing program wraps at 12:30pm (Flights after 3pm recommended—don’t miss a moment!)
Meals:
Welcome Reception: light food & drinks
Thursday: breakfast, lunch, light snacks & drinks
Friday: breakfast
Location + Accommodation Questions
When and where is ComNet26?
ComNet26 will happen September 30 - October 2, 2026 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Where should I stay?
Join the ComNet26 hotel room block at Hilton San Diego Bayfront! The discount ComNet26 rate of $305 can be booked based on availability, before September 5, 2026 or until sold out. After the hotel room block is sold out, we will not have another room block at another hotel. Our conference hotel (Hilton San Diego Bayfront) is in the middle of a vibrant district downtown so there are a lot of great options nearby. We recommend booking at your preferred option.
If you have already booked in our room block, you can modify or cancel your hotel reservations before September 5, 2026. We look forward to seeing you in San Diego!
Accessibility + No Solicitation Policy + Code of Conduct
What accessibility options will you offer?
The Network will be providing ASL interpreters and remote real-time captioning (CART) for all Keynote Sessions and will be able to provide for Breakout Sessions on request.
Do you have a Code of Conduct?
Yes, The Communications Network is dedicated to a safe, productive, and harassment-free experience for everyone — online and in-person. You can learn more about that here.
What is The Network’s No Solicitation Policy?
ComNet26 is an opportunity to meet new people and network. It is not an appropriate venue for a sales pitch. Here is the complete No Solicitation Policy.
Dream it
〰️
Dream it 〰️
The Communications Network + ComNet Community
Who attends The Communications Network conference?
The ComNet community is made up of leaders from philanthropy and nonprofit institutions in the U.S. — and increasingly around the world.
Folks join us from 5 continents, and nearly all 50 states. Our attendees represent organizations including the Ford Foundation, The Gates Foundation, StoryCorps, the Rockefeller Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, NPR, Democracy Fund, Truth Initiative, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Fair Fight, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Sesame Workshop, The Texas Tribune, The Pittsburgh Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, and hundreds more.
Will I be able to connect with other conference attendees prior to the conference?
Yep! You’ll receive an email in September connecting you with a random array of other lovely, smart folks headed to San Diego to get the connections cooking before we come together (if you prefer, you can let us know while registering that you prefer to opt-out of our community connection emails).
How can I find out who else is attending ComNet26?
Through our Attendee Directory (if you are registered you’ll get a link and password), attendee names and organizations are posted to a password-protected page. The password is shared only with conference attendees.
ComNet is about connection and community — not commerce. That’s why we never share or sell registrants’ names and contact information, such as email addresses or phone numbers, with third parties — and for 45 years The Communications Network has observed a strict no solicitation policy.
Attendees will be able to chat and direct message other attendees through the ComNet26 conference app and members will be able to connect all year on The Network Slack.
Sponsorship + Support
How can I support ComNet26?
You can check out our Partner Opportunities packet to learn more about supporting ComNet and Network programs. To discuss partnership opportunities and/or explore ways to support specific Network efforts, please contact Communications Network CEO Sean Gibbons at sgibbons@comnetwork.org.
I still have a question. How can I get in touch?
Please email us at comnet@comnetwork.org and we’ll be in touch as quickly as possible.
