The 2026 California State Conference and Exhibition will bring together VE High School and JV Middle School students for two days of leadership development, competitions, and business-focused activities. Judges play a vital role in evaluating student performance and providing meaningful feedback as participants showcase their skills in business planning, marketing, sales, communication, and design.
This year’s conference will take place on February 4–5, 2026 at the Dignity Health Convention Center (formerly Mechanics Bank Arena & Convention Center), 1001 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
Judges can register for specific competitions and time slots which include:
February 4
Business Plan (Preliminaries & Semi-Finals) – 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM or 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Marketing Plan (Semi-Finals & Finals) – 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM or 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Human Resource Plan (Semi-Finals & Finals) – 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM or 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
February 5
Business Plan (Finals) – 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Booth Design Competition – 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Sales Pitch Competition – 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Additional events such as the Trade Show, Video Commercial, Elevator Pitch, Newsletter, and Rapid Prototype will also be taking place throughout the conference.
Judges will evaluate student submissions and presentations based on established rubrics and provide constructive comments to support students’ growth. This is an opportunity to directly impact the next generation of business leaders while engaging with innovative ideas and creative presentations from students across California.
*All times as Pacific Standard Time*