Last-Minute Travel Tips for APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Anaheim

By Brook Phillips | February 2, 2026

February in Anaheim is one of those sneaky-good conference locations: warm sun, palm trees, and walkability that makes you forget you’re technically here to sit in sessions all day.

If you’re heading to CSM and haven’t had time to plan anything beyond your flight and hotel, this is your quick, practical guide to showing up prepared, comfortable, and ready to make the most of the trip.

What the weather is actually like

Anaheim in mid-February averages:

  • Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s

  • Cool mornings and evenings (low 50s)

  • Very little humidity

  • Almost no rain

What this means for you: layers. A light jacket or hoodie for early mornings, short sleeves for midday, and comfortable shoes for walking between sessions and nearby spots.

Getting from the airport without stress

Most attendees fly into:

  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) — closest and easiest

  • Long Beach Airport (LGB) — small, quick, underrated

  • LAX — farther, traffic-heavy, allow extra time

Rideshares are easy and reliable from all three. If you’re staying near the convention center, you likely won’t need a rental car.

You probably won’t need a car

The Anaheim Convention Center area is very walkable. Hotels, coffee, food, pharmacies, and convenience stores are all within a few blocks. Save yourself the parking hassle. However, if you’d like to do some exploring beyond the bubble, Los Angeles as a whole is a very car-centric city.

What to pack (that people forget)

  • Refillable water bottle (the dry air will sneak up on you)

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen (yes, in February)

  • Portable phone charger

  • Blister care or cushioned socks for long expo days

  • A small tote or backpack for sessions and the expo hall

Plan for food before you get hungry

Anaheim has plenty of food within walking distance, but lines get long right when sessions end. Identify 1–2 spots ahead of time for quick lunches or coffee breaks so you’re not wandering around tired and hungry.

Give yourself 30 minutes outside each day

Palm trees, sunshine, and fresh air do wonders after hours inside the expo hall. Even a short walk around the block between sessions will reset your energy and focus.

Make the expo hall easier on yourself

Wear layers. Bring snacks. Pace yourself. The expo hall is bigger than you think, louder than you expect, and more tiring than it should be.

And while you’re there, stop by EcoPro to see how clinics across the country are reducing laundry, saving time, and making small sustainability changes that add up to big operational relief.

One last tip: don’t overbook yourself

CSM is packed. Pick the sessions you really care about, leave white space in your schedule, and allow time to explore, connect, and breathe.

Anaheim makes that part easy.

Posted in Conference Appearance