Presented by the CPRS Administrators Section
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 (as identified in the 2018 California Action Plan). The Academy is ideal for current Directors, Superintendents, and Managers, as well as aspiring leaders who are preparing to take on future leadership roles. This program is designed to empower and elevate future leaders, ensuring they are well-prepared to take the reins when the time comes.
For more detailed information about the Director's Academy experience, anticipated schedule of events, sponsors, and more, visit the Director's Academy webpage.
General Information and Prices
Please visit the Director's Academy webpage for the daily schedule overview. In brief, the 2025 Director's Academy will begin on Thursday, October 9 at 10:45 am and will conclude on Friday, October 10 at 1:30 pm.
The deadline to register is Monday, September 15, 2025.
Prices:
Early Bird registration prices end Friday, August 15, 2025.
CPRS Member Early Bird Registration ... $189
Non-Member Early Bird Registration ... $225
Standard registration prices begin Saturday, August 16, 2025.
CPRS Member Standard Registration ... $225
Non-Member Standard Registration ... $275
CPRS Member CEUs ... $20
Non-Member CEUs ... $40
*CEU purchase is not subject to early bird pricing.
Lodging & Travel
The primary venue of the 2025 Director's Academy is the Visalia Convention Center (303 E. Acequia, Visalia, CA 93291). The Director's Academy will take place within the Charter Oak Ballrooms (A, B, C, D, & E). Attendees are encouraged to enter through the Plaza Courtyard.
Lodging is not included in your registration to attend, however, a room block has been established for Director's Academy attendees at the Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center (300 South Court, Visalia, CA 93291). The group rate of $164/night (plus taxes and fees) is applicable to stays from Wednesday, 10/08, through to Sunday, 10/12.
The last day to book a room at the group rate is September 12th. CLICK HERE to make your reservation or visit (copy/paste into your web browser): https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1741387715842&key=GRP&guestreslink2=true&app=resvlink
Travel arrangements should be secured independently. The nearest airport to the Director's Academy venue is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (44.5 miles away).
Cancellations and Transfers
Registration may be transferred to another representative from your agency at no charge until Tuesday, September 15, 2025. Fee difference will be assessed if necessary due to membership status. Following the September 15th deadline, a $50 transfer fee will be applicable.
Refund/Cancellation requests received by Tuesday, September 15, 2025, will incur a $75 cancellation fee. Refund/Cancellation requests received on/after September 16, 2025, will be eligible for a refund of 50% of the registration fee and 100% of any CEU fees, if applicable. No refunds will be granted after Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
To learn more about or initiate a transfer or cancellation, please contact CPRS HQ at (916) 665-2777 or cprs@cprs.org.
ADA & Special Request Information
For ADA requests and questions concerning accessibility, contact CPRS at (916) 665-2777. Accommodations such as interpreters cannot be guaranteed without at least 30 days notice.
Please note any dietary restrictions or food allergies within the registration prompts. We will do our best to accommodate requests, but need a minimum of 30 days notice to ensure we have suitable options available.
Membership Status
The member rate for registration and CEUs will automatically be applied if you are a member of CPRS. If you need assistance with your membership status or login and password, before registering, please call CPRS HQ at (916) 665-2777. If you are renewing your membership online, please allow 24 hours for our system to update and reflect current member pricing. For the best registration pricing, join here!