Director's Academy

Current and aspiring Directors, Superintendents, Managers and leaders are encouraged to participate in this two-day professional development experience which offers education, CEUs, networking and much more.  Education sessions focus on both professional and organizational core competencies identified in the California Action Plan (2018).  

The Director's Academy is an intensive program aimed at building long-term effectiveness, success, and impact for parks and recreation agency leaders in California.  Unlike programs that focus on current trends or fads, this Academy equips attendees with essential tools and skills needed to be impactful leaders.  This program is designed to empower and elevate future leaders, ensuring they are well-prepared to take the reins when the time comes with both hands-on learning and engagement with a network of fellow park and recreation leaders. 

Session Proposals Welcome

All education sessions traditionally ladder up to at least one of the Professional Core Competencies or Organizational Core Competencies identified in the California Action Plan ("CAP").  The 2026 Director's Academy Planning Committee welcomes session proposals by August 15, specifically proposals aligning with the competencies of choice including: 

• Professional: Communication 
• Organizational: Resource Development & Management 
• Organizational: Organizational Cohesiveness 
• Organizational: Political Acumen 

SUBMIT A SESSION PROPOSAL NOW

If you have any questions about Director's Academy session proposals or programming, you may contact Adrian Reynosa.

Opening Keynote

Marie Knight of Knight Leadership Solutions

Registration Information

Early Bird registration pricing ends on Friday, August 31, 2026.  

• CPRS Member Early Bird Registration ... $210
• Non-Member Early Bird Registration ... $245

Standard registration pricing is applicable Saturday, September 1, 2026 and forward.

• CPRS Member Standard Registration ... $245
• Non-Member Standard Registration ... $295
  

Continuing Education Units ("CEUs") are now included in the price of registration - no extra fees!

A hotel room block with a special rate of $219/night (plus taxes and fees) at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine County has been secured and must be booked by September 7, 2026.  Lodging is not included with registration.  Please click here for more information about the hotel room block.  

Registrants can look forward to:

• 7.5+ hours of substantive programming 
• Continuing Education Units pre-approved for the CPRP & CPRE certifications (included with registration)
• Two education tracks to choose from
• Networking social event the evening of Th., 10/08
• Lunch on both Thursday and Friday, breakfast Friday morning, and coffee & refreshments throughout
• Valuable resources, connections, and experiences! 

Schedule of Events*

Thursday, October 8, 2026

9:45 AM ...   Check-In
10:00 AM ... Admin Welcome/Opening Remarks/Sponsor Recognition
10:25 AM ... Opening Keynote
11:30 AM ... Lunch 

12:00 PM ... Ed Sessions 1A/1B (75 minutes)
1:15 PM ..... Break
1:45-3PM ... Ed Sessions 2A/2B (75 minutes)
3-3:15 PM... Break
3:15-4:15 PM ... Ed Sessions 3A/3B (60 minutes)
6 PM ... Social

Friday, October 9, 2026

8:30 AM ... Breakfast 
9-10:15 AM ... Education Sessions 4A/4B (75 minutes)
10:20 - 11:20 AM ... Ed Sessions 5A/5B (60 minutes)
11:20 - 11:45 AM ... Lunch
11:45-12:45 PM ...  Closing Keynote

*Subject to change.