Grace Hopper Celebration canceled two weeks out as AnitaB.org runs short of funds
AnitaB.org canceled this month’s Grace Hopper Celebration in Anaheim, saying registrations and sponsorships couldn’t cover its costs.
The Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC), a conference for women in computing, has been abruptly canceled less than two weeks before its scheduled start in Anaheim. Brenda Darden Wilkerson, president and CEO of AnitaB.org, revealed the cancellation due to significantly lower than expected individual registrations and sponsorship commitments, leading to a shortfall in funds needed to cover operating costs. The financial strain has also prompted AnitaB.org to explore strategic alternatives and reconsider future programming.
The event, which featured speakers like Kara Swisher, Michelle Zatlyn, and Sinead Bovell, aimed to promote AI fluency and provide a career fair for hiring amidst industry job cuts. Sponsors included major corporations such as Capital One, Disney, and Morgan Stanley. Despite lost $14.6 million in 2024, AnitaB.org lost revenue of $27.5 million against expenses of $42.1 million and saw a sharp decline in attendance from 29,000 in 2023 to 17,000 in 2024.
With the cancellation, attendees were asked to cancel their travel and lodging arrangements, though fees were unclear pending further financial clarity. Sponsors and exhibitors are being contacted directly, and no refund information was available. AnitaB.org is urging employers with scheduled interviews to continue discussions directly where possible.
Founded in 1994 by Anita Borg and Telle Whitney, GHC was set to cover AI fluency and host a career fair amid tech layoffs linked to AI advancements. With attendance and sponsorships declining, the organization is now examining its financial situation and future programming, leaving the future of GHC uncertain.
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