Wake Up! Newport – OC Fair 2026

Wake Up! Newport - OC Fair 2026

When

07/09/2026

7:00 am - 8:30 am

Where

Newport Beach Community Room
100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA, 92660

Event Type

Wake Up Newport - July 2026 - James Canfield - OC Fair

This event is free to the public, but please make reservations so we can plan for food and seating.

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Breakfast Treats Provided

James Canfield was named OC Fair & Event Center’s CEO in June 2025. He brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in venue management, live events and large-scale infrastructure projects. Most recently, he served as Senior Director and General Manager of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Alabama, where he led significant transformations including the completion of Protective Stadium and a major renovation of Legacy Arena.

James has also held executive roles at major California venues including the Palm Springs Convention Center, Pasadena Convention Center and Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. His work has focused on driving economic impact, community engagement and strategic growth.

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Kay Walker, Law Office of G. Kay Walker

The Newport Beach Chamber is a professional group of like minded business professionals that care about one another. They offer a wide variety of opportunities and events to connect with potential business partners. As Co-Chairman and member of the Ambassador Committee I have had the opportunity to connect and mentor new members while also establishing lasting relationships. My focus has been on obtaining business by first building relationships. The key is to get involved and enjoy the many opportunities open to you by being a member. Trust me, it works.

Kristy Szamocki, ZO Skin Centre

Becoming part of the Newport Chamber is one of the best things I have done both professionally and personally. The people are wonderful and inspiring. As a Chamber Ambassador, I look forward to my time working with this incredible group every week and mentoring new members with my fellow Ambassadors.

Joanna Ganz - Glow and Grow with Jojo

Becoming a member of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable experience. It has helped me to grow both personally and professionally. I have met so many amazing members, learned about their businesses, as well as learning about them as people too. The Chamber really promotes getting involved with your fellow members and within the community. When you do this, the benefits are truly priceless. I have become involved with the Boat Parade Awards Dinner, as well as the Membership Committee and I graduated from The Leadership Tomorrow Program in 2014. You never really know how much the city that you work or live in has to offer until you become involved. You will find people that you truly want to do business with and who can help each other in so many ways. The Chamber hosts networking events, educational events and monthly Wake Up Newport meetings that have featured speakers with incredible knowledge that they are willing to share with us. Every single month I learn something new from an insider’s perspective. Joining the Newport Beach Chamber was one of the best career decisions that I have made. I am truly blessed to be able to surround myself with so many members that are not only colleagues and friends but like family.

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