About the Summit

A Regional Approach to Cleaner Air

The Southern California Regional Air Quality Summit is a professional gathering focused on strengthening collaboration among air quality management districts and regional partners.

Hosted by the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA), the summit reflects the association's broader emphasis on training, information-sharing, coordination, and consistency in air pollution control practices. Southern California's air quality challenges are shaped by interconnected transportation systems, industrial activity, land-use patterns, weather conditions, and localized pollution sources. Regional cooperation helps agencies share expertise, strengthen technical capacity, and identify opportunities for more effective action.

Summit Objectives

Strengthen Regional Coordination

Encourage collaboration and professional exchange among Southern California air districts and partner agencies.

Advance Technical Knowledge

Explore monitoring methods, emissions inventories, data interpretation, and practical regulatory challenges.

Support Community-Centered Programs

Discuss environmental justice, community participation, localized air quality concerns, and effective public communication.

Identify Opportunities for Action

Explore potential joint initiatives and approaches to sustained interagency knowledge-sharing.

Who Is CAPCOA?

The California Air Pollution Control Officers Association is a nonprofit association representing Air Pollution Control Officers from California's local air quality agencies. Its work includes training, information-sharing, coordination, and advocacy for effective air quality management.

Visit the official CAPCOA website

Venue & Travel

South Coast Air Quality Management District — 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765

The summit is hosted at the South Coast AQMD headquarters in Diamond Bar. Guests are encouraged to stay at the Holiday Inn Diamond Bar, located next door to the venue, or the nearby Ayres Suites Diamond Bar. Parking and accessibility information will be provided in final conference communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Southern California Regional Air Quality Summit?: The Southern California Regional Air Quality Summit is a two-day professional conference bringing together air quality management districts, environmental agencies, technical specialists, and regional partners to discuss shared air quality challenges and collaborative solutions. The program focuses on regional coordination, air monitoring, emissions reduction, community engagement, and practical approaches to improving air quality throughout Southern California.
Who is hosting the conference?: The California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) is the host. CAPCOA supports professional development, coordination, and information-sharing among California's local air quality agencies.
Who should attend?: The summit is intended for Air Pollution Control Officers, air district leadership and staff, environmental program managers, air monitoring specialists, emissions inventory professionals, public health practitioners, regional planners, and community engagement professionals. Representatives from local government, environmental organizations, and related technical fields may also find the sessions relevant.
When and where is the conference?: The summit follows a Monday–Tuesday schedule after the annual AB 617 event. The conference is held at the South Coast Air Quality Management District headquarters — 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
What topics will be covered?: The program includes regional air quality monitoring, emissions inventories, AB 617 implementation, environmental justice, emissions reduction strategies, regulatory coordination, public communication, and interagency collaboration. Sessions combine technical discussion with practical examples and opportunities for participants to exchange experiences and identify shared priorities.
How is the summit related to the annual AB 617 event?: The summit is a separate professional gathering that follows the annual AB 617 event. It builds on broader conversations about community air quality, emissions reduction, and environmental justice. AB 617-related topics are included in the program, but the summit is not an official extension of the annual event.
What is the difference between the two conference days?: Monday focuses on regional air quality trends, monitoring strategies, emissions data, community priorities, and current program approaches — designed to encourage knowledge-sharing and identify common challenges. Tuesday emphasizes emissions reduction strategies, community engagement, interagency coordination, and practical action planning, with opportunities to discuss potential joint initiatives and regional priorities.
What is the registration fee?: Early bird registration is $475. Regular registration is $550. The registration deadline was October 1, 2026. Registration is currently closed. Contact us with any questions.
Where should attendees stay?: The Holiday Inn Diamond Bar is located next door to the South Coast AQMD venue and is the most convenient option. Ayres Suites Diamond Bar is another nearby alternative. Attendees should contact their preferred hotel directly to confirm availability, rates, and reservation policies.
How do I get to the venue?: The conference is held at South Coast AQMD, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. Attendees driving can use that address for navigation. Those flying in may consider Los Angeles International (LAX), Ontario International (ONT), or John Wayne Airport (SNA) depending on origin and flight availability. Check current traffic and transportation options before departure.
Is parking available?: Attendees should review visitor parking and building access instructions before arriving at South Coast AQMD headquarters. Confirmed parking arrangements, check-in procedures, and accessibility information will be included in final conference communications.
Will conference materials or professional development hours be available?: The conference format includes a program, presentation materials, and supplementary resources, subject to presenter permissions and final event arrangements. If continuing education credits or professional development hours are offered, qualifying sessions and documentation procedures will be announced in advance.