AnitaB.org Cancels Grace Hopper Celebration in Anaheim

AnitaB.org has canceled the 2026 Grace Hopper Celebration planned for October 27–30 in Anaheim, California, after the organization ended the event, affecting attendees, speakers and corporate partners seeking information about refunds, hotel bookings and possible virtual programming.

The cancellation came weeks before the scheduled gathering, which was promoted as a venue for AI training, technical skills development, employer connections and professional networking, according to AnitaB.org.

AnitaB.org said more than 700 companies, including Fortune 500 employers and startups, participate in GHC each year. The organization had positioned the 2026 program as a place for building AI fluency and connecting technology professionals.

Women accounted for 27.5% of US workers in computer and mathematical occupations in 2025, while making up 47.1% of all employed people, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Women also held 25.1% of computer and information systems manager roles.

The cancellation also drew a reaction from Cathy Hackl, who was scheduled to serve as MC for the event.

"I'm in shock. The notice just came in." said Cathy Hackl, MC.

Stanford's 2026 AI Index found women remain underrepresented among AI researchers and developers across countries, with no country reaching gender parity. The report also found no meaningful progress in AI talent gender balance since 2010.

GHC corporate partners include Capital One, CVS Health, Disney, Goldman Sachs, Google, Intuit and Morgan Stanley. The cancellation has raised questions about how companies will continue supporting recruitment and development opportunities for women in technology.