California: Welcome back! Visa brings flagship global conference back to San Francisco from Texas
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~ In a major vote of confidence for the city's recovery and California's innovation economy, Visa has announced that its flagship global payments conference will return to San Francisco starting in 2026. The decision comes after the company's successful one-off forum in 2024, which celebrated the opening of their new global headquarters in the Mission Rock neighborhood.

Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted this news, stating that "California's status as the world's innovation capital is a point of pride for our state." He also noted that when companies like Visa choose to invest in California, it means more jobs, tourism, and momentum for the state's economy.

The 2026 conference will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Visa Payments Forum and is expected to be the largest in its history, with over 3,000 attendees from across Asia-Pacific and Europe. This multi-year commitment from Visa shows their deep roots in California and their confidence in San Francisco's innovation ecosystem.

Visa's decision to return to San Francisco also adds to the growing list of companies relocating or returning to the Golden State. Last year, clothing manufacturer Dickies announced their move from Fort Worth, Texas to Southern California after over 100 years. Similarly, industrial AI company Avathon relocated its headquarters from Austin, Texas to Silicon Valley. And just this spring, Heart Aerospace announced its move from Sweden to Los Angeles.

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These businesses are joining over 1.7 million private sector businesses that account for nearly 87% of California's jobs. The state is also home to the most Fortune 500 companies in the nation and leads in new business starts, access to venture capital funding, and manufacturing, high-tech and agriculture industries.

Governor Newsom also emphasized that California is not only sustaining our national economy but driving its future as well. With a record-high tourism spending and an increasing state population, California remains at the forefront of economic growth.

In response to the news, Governor Newsom's office issued a statement regarding funding for transit, stating that they are working closely with all stakeholders to reach a deal by this fall. The Governor and Acting Governor Kounalakis also announced that flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of John Burton, who will be posthumously inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

Overall, Visa's decision to bring their conference back to San Francisco is a testament to the city's resilience and California's economic strength. It serves as a reminder that despite challenges, the Golden State remains a top destination for businesses and innovation.

Filed Under: Government, State

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