Grace Hopper Celebration Cancelled in Anaheim Over Funding Shortfall

Cancellation Announced

AnitaB.org has announced the cancellation of this year's Grace Hopper Celebration, which was scheduled to take place in Anaheim, California. The organization stated that it is a function of not having the funds required to move forward with the Celebration, unlike in years past. According to the announcement, both individual registrations and sponsorship commitments came in significantly below expectations this year and ultimately below the level needed to cover critical operating expenses.

Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President and CEO of AnitaB.org, acknowledged that the decision leaves many members of the community disappointed and apologized for the disruption it creates for travel arrangements, hotel bookings, visas, work schedules, and team plans built around the event.

What Attendees and Partners Should Do

The organization is asking anyone with plans to attend GHC to cancel or modify airline, train, and other travel reservations directly with their travel provider, and to cancel hotel reservations made independently, along with any other commitments connected to the trip. Information regarding GHC registration, sponsorships, exhibitor commitments, and other financial matters will be communicated directly to the individuals and organizations affected. AnitaB.org said it will contact registrants about registration fees by October 26.

For questions or assistance specifically related to the cancellation, attendees are asked to use [email protected] so inquiries can be centralized and answered as effectively as possible.

Impact and Next Steps

The organization emphasized that the Grace Hopper Celebration has always been about more than a place or a moment on the calendar, describing it as a community that has spent decades opening doors, expanding opportunity, and making sure women technologists have a voice in shaping the future of technology. Wilkerson said the circumstances leading to the cancellation have adversely affected AnitaB.org's finances, and that the organization is evaluating strategic alternatives and the type of programming it can offer in the future. She anticipated further announcements in the coming weeks as clarity is gained on key variables.

In a frequently asked questions section, AnitaB.org noted that registration fee information will be communicated once the organization has a clearer understanding of its financial condition. The organization said it is unable to advise on immigration matters and directed visa holders to consult a qualified immigration attorney or their sponsoring institution. Employers that had scheduled career fair interviews are being notified and are being asked to continue those conversations directly where possible. Updates will be posted on the GHC website, with the most recent items appearing at the top of the Press Release page.

Sources: AnitaB.org