If you’re interested in local business, technology, artificial intelligence, startups, or entrepreneurship, there are several interesting events coming to San Luis Obispo County over the next few weeks.

From a regional economic conference and startup pitch competition to technology workshops and local business networking, there’s quite a bit happening on the Central Coast.

Here are some events worth checking out.

October 15 — Atascadero Business Connect: North County Business Expo

Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
Location: Atascadero Zoo Gardens

The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Business Connect expo, bringing together dozens of local businesses from across San Luis Obispo County.

This year’s event has a family-friendly “Chamber Land” theme, with opportunities to discover local companies, meet business owners, and learn more about businesses operating in North County.

Details: https://www.atascaderochamber.org/atascadero-business-connect/

October 21 — Cal Poly HotHouse Business Networking Mixer

Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
Location: 1134 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HotHouse) will host a San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce membership mixer.

It’s an opportunity to learn about the HotHouse, meet business professionals, and make connections within the local entrepreneurial community.

Chamber members can also bring a guest.

Details: https://slochamber.org/event/membership-mixer-cal-poly-center-for-innovation-entrepreneurship-hothouse/

October 29 — SLO CAL Summit 2026

Time: 11:30 AM–5:00 PM, including lunch and networking
Location: Alex Madonna Expo Center, San Luis Obispo

The SLO CAL Summit brings together people involved in the region’s tourism, hospitality, marketing, and business communities.

The program includes conversations about destination strategy and the future of the region, including how emerging technologies such as AI intersect with marketing and organizational strategy.

Important: The event is currently sold out, but a waitlist is available.

Details: https://www.slocal.com/summit/

November 6 — Central Coast Economic Forecast 2026

Time: 7:30–11:30 AM
Location: Alex Madonna Expo Center, San Luis Obispo

This is probably one of the biggest upcoming business events in the county.

The annual Central Coast Economic Forecast brings together hundreds of business leaders, economists, entrepreneurs, and community representatives to examine the regional economy and discuss what’s ahead.

This year’s program features:

• Dr. Chris Thornberg of Beacon Economics discussing state and national economic conditions.
• Dr. Niree Kodaverdian presenting the San Luis Obispo County economic outlook.
• Melissa James of REACH discussing economic development and important local industries.
• 3 Minutes 2 Win It, a startup pitch competition where three Central Coast startups compete for a $5,000 prize selected by the audience.

With ongoing discussions about housing costs, economic development, employment, and the future of local industries, this could be a particularly interesting year for the conference.

Details: https://centralcoasteconomicforecast.com/

November 6 — Spokes Symposium: AI & Digital Safety for Nonprofits

Time: 2:00–5:00 PM
Location: See organizer’s event listing

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly relevant to smaller organizations, including nonprofits.

This year’s Spokes Symposium focuses on AI literacy, digital safety, and helping nonprofit leaders understand and manage emerging technology risks.

The event includes educational discussions and interactive group activities.

Event calendar: https://slochamber.org/calendar/month/2026-11/

November 13 — Cal Poly Engineering Career Fair

Time: 10:00 AM–2:30 PM
Location: Chumash Auditorium, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Career Fair connects students with employers and industry representatives.

While this event is more specialized than the others, it’s an interesting opportunity for businesses involved in engineering, infrastructure, environmental technology, and related industries.

A networking session is also scheduled for November 12.

Details: https://cpceenvecareerfair.com/

Is SLO County’s Technology and Startup Community Growing?

Between Cal Poly’s innovation programs, local technology organizations such as Softec, regional economic development initiatives, and the growing use of AI across industries, there’s an interesting conversation to be had about the future of business and technology on the Central Coast.

San Luis Obispo County has long been known for agriculture, tourism, wine, and its quality of life, but there’s also a community of developers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and technology professionals working here.

One question is whether the region can create more opportunities for those professionals to build successful businesses locally rather than relocating to larger technology markets.

I’d be interested in hearing from the community:

Are you attending any of these events? Are there other upcoming technology conferences, startup gatherings, AI workshops, or business networking opportunities in SLO County that deserve attention?

And for anyone working in technology or running a startup locally, how do you feel about the current business environment on the Central Coast?

Feel free to share additional events in the comments so others can find them.

Event details and availability may change, so check the organizers’ websites before attending.