NVIDIA GTC travel guide: Hotels, flights, and attendee tips for 2027

NVIDIA's FAQ currently lists GTC 2027 as March 14-18 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center and venues throughout San Jose, while the GTC homepage and event listing highlight March 15-18 as the core conference dates.[1][2][3] Until NVIDIA publishes the full 2027 schedule, planning travel around the broader March 14-18 window can give you flexibility for training, workshops, the keynote, expo time, and other programming as details are announced.

What is NVIDIA GTC and who is it for?

NVIDIA GTC is NVIDIA's annual conference focused on artificial intelligence, accelerated computing, and the technologies shaping how AI is built and deployed. The San Jose event takes place at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center and other venues throughout the city.[1][4]

GTC brings together developers, engineers, researchers, data scientists, IT leaders, business executives, startup founders, students, and other technology professionals. Attendees come to explore NVIDIA's latest platforms and announcements, attend technical and business sessions, participate in hands-on training, meet with partners and peers, and see AI and accelerated computing technologies in action.[1]

The conference covers topics including AI infrastructure, agentic AI, inference, robotics and physical AI, digital twins, scientific computing, and enterprise AI. In-person attendees must be at least 18, and registration is required for both in-person and virtual participation.[1]

NVIDIA hosts GTC events in multiple locations, but this guide focuses on the flagship San Jose conference. Before you arrive, identify the sessions, technologies, companies, and training opportunities most relevant to your goals. A clear set of priorities can help you decide where to spend your time and where to leave room for the expo, meetings, and unplanned conversations.

What makes NVIDIA GTC worth the trip

NVIDIA GTC gives attendees opportunities to see new AI and accelerated computing technologies in action, hear directly from NVIDIA and industry leaders, participate in technical training, and meet with developers, researchers, partners, and other technology professionals.

Whether you're evaluating infrastructure, exploring new AI capabilities, building technical skills, or meeting with companies in NVIDIA's ecosystem, the conference brings together experiences and conversations that can be difficult to replicate remotely.

Plan your time around these in-person experiences:

• Keynote: Hear NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang discuss the company's latest technologies, platforms, and direction. NVIDIA has not yet published the 2027 keynote schedule, so confirm the date, time, and attendance details once registration opens.
• Technical sessions and training: Attend talks, workshops, and hands-on learning opportunities covering AI, accelerated computing, infrastructure, robotics, and other technical topics. NVIDIA has not yet published the full 2027 session catalog.
• Expo: Explore demonstrations from NVIDIA and its partners, compare technologies, and speak directly with the teams developing and implementing AI and accelerated computing solutions.
• Developer and research programming: Connect with engineers, researchers, and technical experts working on emerging applications, tools, and computing approaches.
• Programming across San Jose: GTC activities take place at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center and other venues throughout the city, so leave enough time to move between sessions, meetings, and events.[1]

GTC brings a lot of technical depth into a relatively compact week. Focus on the sessions, training, demonstrations, and conversations most relevant to your work, while leaving enough flexibility to explore new tools, approaches, and ideas you didn't expect to encounter.

Where to stay for NVIDIA GTC 2027

Choosing the right hotel depends on how much of your GTC schedule takes place at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center and other downtown venues. Staying near the convention center can make it easier to move between sessions, training, the expo, and meetings without relying on ground transportation.

Hotels by distance to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center

Compare these areas by walking distance, access to the convention center, nearby dining, and current GTC-week rates:

If most of your schedule is at the convention center, a connected or nearby hotel can simplify early training sessions, long expo days, and trips back to your room between events. Hotels around Almaden Boulevard, Market Street, and San Pedro Square provide additional downtown options within walking distance. Before booking, check the route between your hotel and the venues on your agenda rather than assuming all GTC programming will take place at the convention center.

For additional hotel options, walk times, and loyalty-friendly choices, see our guide to hotels near San Jose McEnery Convention Center.

NVIDIA GTC hotel pricing

Navan analyzed anonymized hotel booking patterns near the San Jose McEnery Convention Center during GTC week 2026 to provide context for 2027 pricing.[7] Use these benchmarks while planning your trip:

• Median hotel rate: The median nightly rate during GTC week was $573, approximately 77% higher than the $323 median during a quieter week later that March.[7]
• Stay length: Business travelers booked an average stay of 2.5 nights.[7]
• Late bookings: Approximately 70.5% of GTC-week stays were booked within two weeks of arrival.[7]
• Booking window: Travelers who booked one to two months ahead paid a median nightly rate of $490, compared with $954 for those booking two to four weeks ahead.[7]

Official NVIDIA GTC housing is managed through EventSphere. NVIDIA warns attendees about companies that claim to provide official GTC housing but aren't affiliated with the event.[1]

If you're booking through the official GTC hotel program, keep these points in mind:

• Use the official housing provider: Access EventSphere through NVIDIA's GTC website rather than responding to unsolicited hotel offers.[1]
• Confirm cancellation and deposit terms: Review hotel policies before booking, especially for nonrefundable deposits or changes close to the event.
• Compare total cost: Look at the nightly rate along with taxes, parking, transportation, and other hotel charges.
• Choose your location carefully: A lower room rate farther from downtown may come with additional transportation time and costs during the conference.

NVIDIA GTC arrival flights

Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is around 3 miles from the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is roughly 38 miles away, while Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) is approximately 39 miles away.[1] For attendees staying downtown, SJC generally provides the shortest ground transfer.

Navan flight data from GTC week 2026 includes 450 business travel bookings to San Jose, with 4.9% originating outside the U.S.[7] The most common origin locations were Los Angeles, Seattle, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Burbank.

Your arrival date will depend on the 2027 programming you plan to attend. NVIDIA has not yet published the complete training and workshop schedule, so attendees interested in early programming should confirm the final calendar before booking flights.[1]

How Navan Edge helps you book your conference travel

Use Navan Edge, your travel assistant powered by and supported by human travel experts 24/7, to plan and book your NVIDIA GTC 2027 trip. Compare flights, hotels, and restaurants using live availability, personal preferences, and all the amenities that are important to you, then book everything in the same thread without juggling multiple apps or websites.

Continue earning your usual airline miles and hotel loyalty points, earn applicable credit card multipliers, and get 5% back as Amazon Gift Cards on eligible hotel stays.See our travel rewards on business trips guide for a closer look at how it works.

How to budget for a conference in San Jose

Plan your GTC 2027 budget around the full cost of the trip, including registration, lodging, transportation, meals, and other travel expenses. Downtown hotel rates can rise considerably during GTC week, so account for those costs before you book.

Federal per diem for San Jose

The U.S. General Services Administration sets federal per diem rates for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. These rates apply to federal employees traveling on official business, although some companies also use them as benchmarks when setting travel budgets and reimbursement limits.

For GTC 2027, the FY2027 rates for San Jose and Santa Clara County are:

• $310 per day combined: Includes $218 for nightly lodging plus $92 for daily meals and incidental expenses (M&IE).[6]
• M&IE breakdown: Includes $23 for breakfast, $26 for lunch, $38 for dinner, and $5 for incidentals.[6]
• First and last travel days: Includes an M&IE allowance of $69, or 75% of the daily M&IE rate.[6]

The $218 federal lodging allowance is considerably lower than the $573 median nightly rate in Navan's GTC-week 2026 hotel data.[6][7] If your company uses GSA rates as a benchmark, compare downtown hotel options carefully and account for transportation costs before choosing a lower-priced property farther from the convention center.

Other expenses to consider

Planning for these expenses before you book can make it easier to build a realistic trip budget and avoid unexpected costs.

• Conference registration: NVIDIA GTC 2027 registration is expected to open later this fall. Pass options and 2027 prices have not yet been announced.[1][3]
• Training and certifications: GTC has offered workshops, hands-on training, and certification opportunities in previous years. Confirm which 2027 options require an additional fee once registration details are available.
• Airport transportation: Budget for transportation between Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and your hotel. SJC is approximately 3 miles from the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, making it considerably closer than SFO or OAK.[1]
• Meals: Budget for meals that aren't included with your conference pass or other programming. If meals are provided, check whether your company requires you to reduce your daily meal allowance.
• Client and team dinners: Downtown San Jose has restaurants within walking distance of the convention center, but reservations may become limited during GTC week.
• Transportation between venues: GTC programming takes place at the convention center and other venues throughout San Jose, so leave room in your budget for rideshares or other local transportation when walking isn't practical.[1]
• After-hours events: Budget for team dinners, partner events, and other networking activities that may take place outside the official conference schedule.

Plan your NVIDIA GTC agenda

NVIDIA has confirmed the 2027 conference dates, but the full session catalog and schedule have not yet been published. For now, identify the topics, training opportunities, companies, and meetings most relevant to your goals, then leave room to adjust your agenda once NVIDIA releases the complete program.

Here's what is currently confirmed:

• March 14-18: NVIDIA's GTC FAQ lists the full San Jose event window as Sunday, March 14, through Thursday, March 18.[1]
• March 15-18: NVIDIA's main GTC page and events listing identify these as the core conference dates.[2][3]
• Keynote: NVIDIA says attendees will be able to select an option to see CEO Jensen Huang's keynote live once registration opens, but the 2027 date and time have not yet been announced.[1]
• Sessions and training: NVIDIA says GTC includes sessions on topics such as physical AI, AI factories, agentic AI, and inference, along with hands-on training, but the 2027 session catalog is not yet available.[2]

The 2026 schedule included full-day workshops before the core conference program, but don't assume the same timing for 2027. If workshops or training are a priority, keep March 14 flexible until NVIDIA publishes the final schedule.[11]

Build a plan around your priorities

Once the session catalog is available, build your schedule around the sessions, training, demonstrations, and meetings most relevant to your work. Leave enough flexibility for the expo, conversations with exhibitors and peers, and travel between the convention center and other GTC venues throughout San Jose.

Here are a few ways to prepare before you arrive:

• Sessions: Save your highest-priority keynote, technical sessions, and training opportunities once the 2027 scheduler becomes available, then leave open blocks for the expo and other programming.
• Meetings: Contact exhibitors, partners, customers, or colleagues about two weeks before GTC to schedule booth meetings, coffee chats, or other conversations.
• Logistics: Confirm the locations of the San Jose McEnery Convention Center and any additional GTC venues on your agenda, and download the official event app if NVIDIA releases a 2027 version.[1]
• Contacts: Decide how you'll capture contact information and notes, whether through LinkedIn, digital business cards, or NVIDIA's attendee tools if available. Add a brief note after each conversation so you remember the context and next steps.

Once you know which days and venues your agenda will cover, use our business trip planning guide to coordinate your flights, hotel, and departure plans around your schedule.

What to pack and wear at NVIDIA GTC

Most NVIDIA GTC attendees dress in business casual or tech casual attire, such as jeans or chinos, collared shirts, sweaters, and comfortable sneakers. If you're meeting with customers, partners, executives, or potential investors outside the conference, consider packing a blazer or another business-casual option for dinners and evening events.

March in San Jose typically brings mild daytime temperatures, with average highs around 66°F (19°C).[12] Rain is also possible during the month, so pack a light jacket or rain shell and layers you can add or remove as you move between indoor conference spaces and downtown venues.[13]

Conference essentials

A few practical items can make long days of sessions, training, demonstrations, meetings, and expo time more comfortable. Add these essentials to your packing list:

• Two pairs of comfortable shoes: You may spend much of the day walking between the convention center, expo, and other GTC venues.
• Portable charger: The event app, maps, messaging, note-taking, and photos can quickly drain your phone's battery.
• Reusable water bottle: Keep water with you throughout long conference days.
• Light sweater or jacket: Meeting rooms and conference spaces may feel cooler than the temperature outside.
• Compact rain shell or umbrella: March falls within the Bay Area's wetter season, so be prepared for rain when walking between downtown venues.[13]
• Small backpack or laptop bag: Carry your charger, water bottle, meeting materials, and other essentials comfortably throughout the day.

Getting from the airport to the San Jose convention center

Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is approximately 3 miles from the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, making it the closest airport for GTC attendees. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 38 miles away, while Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) is approximately 39 miles away.[1]

For most travelers staying downtown, a rideshare is the simplest option from SJC. Uber, Lyft, Tesla, Wingz, and Waymo operate from designated pickup areas at Terminals A and B. Follow airport signs for the appropriate pickup zone after baggage claim.[8]

VTA provides a lower-cost public transit option. Take Route 60 from either airport terminal to Metro/Airport Station, then transfer to the Blue or Green Line and exit at Convention Center Station.[9][10] The adult VTA fare is $2.50, and riders can pay with Clipper or a contactless bank card. Clipper fares include free transfers within two hours.[9][10]

With luggage, rideshare will generally be the more convenient door-to-door option. Public transit can work well if you're traveling light and have more time. Check current VTA schedules and service alerts before your trip, particularly because conference-week service and construction conditions can change.

Beyond sessions: Make time for the GTC expo and networking

Some of the most useful parts of GTC happen outside scheduled sessions. Leave time in your agenda for the expo, product demonstrations, exhibitor meetings, and conversations between events rather than filling every hour with conference programming.

• Schedule meetings before you arrive: Contact exhibitors, partners, customers, and colleagues about two weeks before GTC to arrange booth meetings, coffee chats, or other conversations.
• Plan around your priority exhibitors: Once NVIDIA publishes the 2027 exhibitor directory, identify the companies and technologies most relevant to your work before building your route.
• Group visits by location: Visit exhibitors and meetings in the same area together when possible, particularly if your agenda includes venues beyond the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.
• Protect time for the expo: Leave substantial blocks in your schedule for demonstrations and conversations rather than trying to fit the show floor between back-to-back sessions.
• Take notes after each conversation: Record useful product details, questions, and next steps while the discussion is still fresh.
• Follow up within 48 hours: Send a brief email or LinkedIn message that references the conversation and identifies a clear next step.
• Build in short breaks: Long days of sessions, training, meetings, and expo time can be tiring. Leave time to eat, drink water, and recharge throughout the day.

A smaller number of relevant conversations with clear follow-up actions will generally be more useful than trying to visit every booth. Leave enough flexibility in your agenda for unexpected demonstrations, introductions, and discussions that become relevant once you're there.

What to eat at NVIDIA GTC 2027

Start the day with a filling breakfast, keep a protein bar or another easy snack in your bag, and stay hydrated so you're not running on coffee alone by midafternoon. When it's time for a client dinner, team meal, or quick lunch, these options are convenient to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center:

• Client dinner: Il Fornaio at The Westin San Jose, 302 S. Market St., serves Italian cuisine and offers private dining for corporate and group meals.[14]
• Team meal: San Pedro Square Market, 87 N. San Pedro St., has multiple food vendors and shared seating, making it a flexible option when a group wants different choices.[15]
• Quick lunch: Downtown San Jose has cafes and fast-casual restaurants within walking distance of the convention center for a meal between sessions or meetings.[5]

If you're planning a client dinner or team meal, reserve ahead when possible. Navan Edge can book San Jose restaurants in the same chat where you arrange your flight and hotel.

Finish strong on departure day

Before you check out, take a few minutes to organize your receipts, notes, and new contacts so you're not sorting through the week after you return home. If you're departing after the final day of GTC, leave enough time to get to SJC, check bags if needed, and clear security before your flight.

• Pack the night before: Charge your devices, lay out your travel clothes, and check the room for chargers, badges, and anything else you may have left behind.
• Confirm late checkout: If you have an evening flight, ask the front desk about late checkout or have Navan Edge coordinate the request on your behalf.
• Arrive early at the airport: Even though SJC is close to downtown, allow enough time for traffic, baggage check, and security before your flight.
• Submit expenses early: Upload receipts while the trip's meals, transportation, and hotel charges are still easy to remember, and note any lodging above your company's allowance when you file.
• Visit the airport lounge: If you have lounge access, use the time to organize notes, respond to messages, or begin following up before boarding.
• Schedule a debrief: Block time early the following week to share useful findings, reconnect with new contacts, and turn ideas from GTC into clear next steps for your team.

Make the most of your NVIDIA GTC 2027 trip

NVIDIA GTC brings developers, researchers, technology leaders, partners, and other AI professionals together in San Jose for several days of sessions, training, demonstrations, and meetings. A little planning before you arrive can help you return home with practical knowledge, useful industry connections, and a clearer understanding of the technologies and approaches most relevant to your work.

If you're heading to NVIDIA GTC 2027, use Navan Edge to book your flight, hotel, and client dinners in San Jose in one chat.

Navan is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NVIDIA GTC or their organizers, and this guide is not an official NVIDIA publication. NVIDIA GTC and all other third-party trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification and descriptive purposes only. All schedules, pricing, venue details, and program information are subject to change; verify current details with the official organizers before you travel.

Navan publishes this guide as part of its Navan Edge content series. Navan Edge is a Navan product referenced throughout this post. Card benefits, fees, loyalty program thresholds, earning structures, reward values, and AI capabilities described in this article are subject to change and were accurate as of the date of publication. Verify current terms with your card issuer, loyalty program operator, or the relevant program's website before making decisions. Amazon Gift Card rewards are subject to Navan Edge Terms and Conditions for eligible hotel bookings.

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