Beyond conference sessions, enjoy activities that bring the UC Tech community together, from exploring Merced and celebrating with colleagues to entering exciting raffle drawings. See what's planned each day.
Day 0: Wednesday, July 8
Welcome Reception
Date and Time: Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Location: Social Justice Plaza, UC Merced
Kick off UC Tech with great conversations, light bites, and a relaxed atmosphere. Connect with fellow attendees, reunite with colleagues, and get ready for a fantastic conference experience. Each registered attendee (21+) will receive 2 drink tickets.
Day 1: Thursday, July 9
Vendor Fair
Date and Time: Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Location: Hostetler Court Gymnasium, UC Merced
Explore the latest tools, platforms, and solutions from our amazing sponsors, and chat with their representatives to earn entries into the Vendor Raffle Drawing.
Need an energy boost? The Vendor Fair is also your go-to spot for treats, snacks, and caffeine. Attendees who visit the Vendor Fair will receive a Drink Voucher on their way out, redeemable at the campus Lantern Café for a hot or cold coffee or tea beverage!
Vendor Raffle prizes will be drawn during the Friday Closing Ceremony; you must be present to win.
Bonus Track: Behind the Scenes Tour
Date and Time: Thursday, 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Meet-up Location: Social Justice Plaza, UC Merced
Step off the conference path and explore UC Merced with one of the people who helped build it. Discover the campus’s history, architecture, hidden details, and the stories behind the spaces where students learn, researchers innovate, and technology quietly keeps everything running.
UC Tech Awards Ceremony
Date and Time: Thursday, 5-7 p.m. | Location: Merced Theatre, Downtown Merced
Celebrate innovation, collaboration, and impact across the UC community at the historic Merced Theatre. Cheer on your peers and recognize the work shaping the future of IT.
Enjoy appetizers and 2 drink tickets per registered attendee (21+). Following the ceremony, continue the evening just outside the theatre with our Metal on Main event; Local cuisine, lively conversations, and a vibrant downtown atmosphere await!
Performance at Bob Hart Square
Date and Time: Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Location: Bob Hart Square, Downtown Merced
As you stroll downtown for Metal on Main, stop by Bob Hart Square from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to enjoy a live performance of classic rock favorites from the 80’s and 90’s by local band, Sound Remedy. Entertaining Merced County and outer areas for over 25 years, they’ll provide the perfect soundtrack for your evening.
Metal on Main Downtown Experience
Date and Time: Thursday, 7-9 p.m. | Location: Participating Businesses, Downtown Merced
Metal on Main is a downtown experience for attendees to discover restaurants, bars, taprooms, and shops – all while earning entries into the Metal on Main Raffle Drawing. See the participating Metal on Main locations.
Be sure to wear your UC Tech Badge! As you visit participating locations, collect stickers on the back of your badge and redeem them for raffle tickets at the Registration Info Desk on Friday morning. Metal on Main Raffle prizes will be drawn during the Friday Keynote; you must be present to win.
Metal on Main: Downtown Art Tour
Date and Time: Thursday, 7 p.m. | Meet-up Location: Cien Ojos Studio, 1740 Canal St, Merced
Discover the vibrant soul of Merced at 7 p.m.! Hosted by Patricia Pratt and Earvin Mendoza, this evening stroll invites you to explore downtown Merced's public art, colorful streetscapes, and hidden artistic gems. The tour is free to conference attendees and can accommodate up to 50 people. This is a great way to connect, experience local culture, and capture beautiful photos along the way. Photos will be taken by the guides to document the walk, and attendees will get direct access after the tour to remember the moment! You'll also earn an entry into the Metal on Main Raffle.
Day 2: Friday, July 10
Vendor Fair
Date and Time: Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Location: Hostetler Court Gymnasium, UC Merced
Explore the latest tools, platforms, and solutions from our amazing sponsors. Need a treat, snack, or caffeine? Find all this at the Vendor Fair through the day – plus earn entries to the Vendor Raffle Drawing! Attendees who visit the Vendor Fair will receive a Drink Voucher on their way out, redeemable at the campus Lantern Café for a hot or cold coffee or tea beverage!
Vendor Raffle prizes are drawn during Friday Closing Ceremony from 1:45-2:30 p.m. and you must be present to win.
Bonus Track: Behind the Scenes Tour
Date and Time: Friday, 11:35 a.m. -12:35 p.m. | Meet-up Location: Social Justice Plaza, UC Merced
Step off the conference path and explore UC Merced with one of the people who helped build it. Discover the campus’s history, architecture, hidden details, and the stories behind the spaces where students learn, researchers innovate, and technology quietly keeps everything running.
Metal on Main Raffle Drawing
Date and Time: Friday, 8:30-9:15 a.m. | Location: COB1 102, UC Merced
Turn your Metal on Main stickers into chances to win! Stop by the Registration Info Desk to redeem your stickers for raffle tickets before the drawing. Raffle prizes will be drawn during the Friday Keynote from 8:30-9:15 a.m. and you must be present to win.
Pass the Buck and Vendor Raffle Drawing
Date and Time: Friday, 1:45-2:30 p.m. | Location: COB1 102, UC Merced
In time honored tradition, we will be Passing the Buck to next year’s host location. Join us for wrapping up the 44th annual UC Tech Conference and seeing who has won the coveted Vendor Raffle Prizes! Must be present to win.
Yacht Rock: Post-Conference Gathering at Lake Yosemite
Date and Time: Friday, 3-5 p.m. | Location: Lake Yosemite
Smooth tunes and good vibes await at Lake Yosemite which is just outside of the UC Merced campus. Unwind after the conference with a fun, music-filled afternoon featuring classic hits, great company, and lakeside eats.
Post-Conference: Saturday, July 11
Yosemite National Park Outing
Date and Time: Saturday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Meet-up Location: UC Merced Campus
You’ve made it all the way to Merced – and Yosemite is basically our backyard! Join us for a chartered bus trip to Yosemite National Park and explore the park at your own pace. UC Merced has a strong partnership with the park, and one of our amazing alumni will be hosting a talk at Curry Village about their experiences with the Yosemite Leadership Program as an undergraduate. This event requires separate registration and costs $50 to attend. Learn how to purchase a ticket on the Yosemite National Park Outing page.
