2025 NOW FAQ

Yes! UC Berkeley is excited to welcome our staff colleagues from all UC campuses to attend this conference. 

Registration will open on April 1, 2025 and on that date, registration links will be available on the NOW Conference website.

For UC Berkeley Staff:

UC Berkeley People & Culture is once again sponsoring 1,200 UC Berkeley staff to attend this career development conference (valued at $169/person) at no cost to you or your department. These sponsored spots are first come first serve.

For UC Staff:
Early Bird (April 1 - April 30, 2025): : $139 + STOVA (registration platform) fees
General Admission (May 1 - June 1, 2025): $169 + STOVA (registration platform) fees

This year, UC Berkeley People & Culture is again sponsoring 1,200 UC Berkeley staff to attend this career development conference at no cost to you or your department. There is no longer a lottery—sponsored spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you complete your registration, your spot is confirmed!

Beginning on April 1, UC Berkeley staff can register for the conference via this Google Form. 

UC staff outside of UC Berkeley can register for the NOW Conference through STOVA.

Early bird pricing is $139 from April 1 to April 30, and general admission is $169 from May 1 to June 1.

Check out our lineup of incredible and inspiring Keynote speakers and Session presenters.

Coaching HQ are pre- and post-conference coaching related activities offered virtually during NOW week - June 9, 10, 11, and 13. Conference registrations will include the option to participate in any/all Coaching HQ activities - webinars, group coaching sessions, and 1:1 coaching appointments.

Coaching HQ registration will open in early May and conference registrants will receive instructions/links to sign up for Coaching HQ separately.
As with all NOW Conference activities, please only request those events that you know you'll be able to attend. Seating is limited, and we want to ensure as many people as possible can attend the Coaching HQ events.

The following accommodations will be provided at the 2025 NOW Conference:

• Presenter's slide decks will be available on the NOW Conference website prior to the event
• Closed captioning for all virtual Coaching HQ Webinars will be available through Zoom
• All recordings will be captioned and uploaded on YouTube post-conference

If you require an additional accommodation for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) or information about campus mobility access features in order to fully participate in this event, you can list them in your registration form, or contact the NOW Conference Planning Committee at nowconference@berkeley.edu with as much advance notice as possible. Requests must be received by June 2nd (7 days in advance of the conference start). 

• UC Berkeley Staff only: If you are unable to attend the conference, please make sure to cancel your registration using your registration form. Select the "Cancellation" option at the bottom of the form. Failure to cancel your registration before the conference start and/or not attending the conference without notifying nowconference@berkeley.edu, your registration will be labeled as a "No Show" and may affect your eligibility to participate in future NOW conferences.

• UC Scholarship Sponsor attendees: Please contact your campus coordinator ASAP! Scholarship seats are limited and managed at each campus, and it is important that you don't hold a seat that someone else could use and benefit from.

• All other UC Staff: Before June 1, 2025, you can cancel or amend your registration by notifying nowconference@berkeley.edu for a full refund minus the STOVA processing fees included in all general admission tickets. No cancellations will be refunded after June 1, 2025.

• Coaching HQ activities on June 9, 10, 11, and 13 (including webinars, group coaching, or 1:1 coaching appointments) can be canceled by sending an email to nowcoachinghq@berkeley.edu

Yes, breakfast, lunch, and afterment refreshments will be provided at the conference.

A detailed map of the venue will be available and send to registered attendees in late May, to guide you throughout the day.

Upon arrival at the venue, signage will help identify spaces, and if you have specific questions, a conference host or NOW Planning Committee member will be available to assist you.

Attendees are responsible for their own transportation and parking costs.

Recommended Option – BART:
The closest BART station to the Oakland Marriott City Center is 12th Street Oakland City Center, located just a short walk from the venue.

Bus Access:
For those taking the bus, use the AC Transit app to locate stops near 10th and 11th Streets on Broadway.

Parking:
Secured underground parking is available for conference attendees at a discounted rate:

• $32 – Standard daily rate (no in-and-out privileges)
• $36 – Overnight parking with in-and-out privileges

Get ready to make meaningful connections and leave inspired! Bring your enthusiasm, plenty of business cards, or share your LinkedIn profile QR code to connect during activities.We also encourage you to stay hydrated and help the environment by bringing your own reusable water bottle.

The following accommodations will be provided at the 2025 NOW Conference:

• Presenter's slide decks will be available on the NOW Conference website prior to the event
• Closed captioning for all virtual Coaching HQ Webinars will be available through Zoom
• All recordings will be captioned and uploaded on YouTube post-conference

If you require an additional accommodation for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) or information about campus mobility access features in order to fully participate in this event, you can list them in your registration form, or contact the NOW Conference Planning Committee at nowconference@berkeley.edu with as much advance notice as possible. Requests must be received by June 2nd (7 days in advance of the conference start). 

If you arrive late, check in at the NOW Conference registration desk for assistance.

The Oakland Marriott City Center and the vibrant Downtown Oakland neighborhood offer great amenities for conference attendees. Explore the rich arts and culture district, diverse culinary delights, and nearby attractions like the Oakland Arena and Jack London Square. Connect with Uptown Downtown and Oakland Central for local events and restaurants.

• Plan your schedule in advance: ensure you make the most of the conference and don't miss any important sessions or networking opportunities.
• Engage with speakers and attendees: actively participate in discussions, ask insightful questions, and share your own experiences and knowledge.
• Take breaks and stay hydrated: maintain your energy levels and ensure you can fully participate in all the conference activities.
• Make the most of networking opportunities: network and make new connections, which can lead to valuable collaborations and professional growth. Exchange business cards or use your LinkedIn profile QR code, to share connections with new contacts after the event.
• Ask questions to get the most out of sessions: gain deeper insights and make the sessions more interactive and engaging.
• Participate in activities: fully immerse yourself in the conference experience and take advantage of all the learning and networking opportunities available.
• Silence your phone: keep distractions to a minimum, allowing you to focus on the sessions and engage more effectively with speakers and other attendees.