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 2026 Director's Academy will begin on Thursday, October 8 at 10:00 am and will conclude on Friday, October 9 at 1 pm.
The deadline to register is Friday, September 18, 2026.
Prices:
Early Bird registration prices end Friday, August 31, 2026.
CPRS Member Early Bird Registration ... $210
Non-Member Early Bird Registration ... $245
Standard registration prices begin Saturday, September 1, 2026.
CPRS Member Standard Registration ... $245
Non-Member Standard Registration ... $295
Lodging & Travel
The venue of the 2026 Director's Academy is the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country (170 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401).
Lodging is not included in registration, however, a group room block has been established at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country offering rooms (single and double beds) ranging from $219 - $259 per night (plus taxes and fees) and a discounted resort fee. Click here or use the link below to book a room within our group block (Group Code: G-C485) by September 7, 2026. If you do not see availability or have a special request, please contact [email protected] for support.
Group Hotel Block: https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/SONOM/G-C485
Travel arrangements should be made independently. The nearest airport to the Director's Academy venue is the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS) approximately 7 miles away. Major commercial airports nearest Santa Rosa include San Francisco International (SFO) and Oakland International (OAK) airports approximately 55-60 miles away.
Cancellations and Transfers
A registration may only be transferred once per event. Registration may be transferred to another representative from your agency for $25 until Friday, September 18, 2026. Registration fee difference will be assessed if necessary due to membership status of the original registrant and the transferee. Transfer requests received Saturday, September 19 - Monday, October 5, 2026, will incur a $50 transfer fee. No transfers will be accepted following the Monday, October 5th deadline.
Refund/Cancellation requests received by Friday, September 18, 2026, will incur a $75 cancellation fee. Refund/Cancellation requests received on/after September 19, 2026, will be eligible for a refund of 50% of the registration fee. No refunds will be granted after Monday, October 5, 2026.
To learn more about or initiate a transfer or cancellation, please contact CPRS HQ at (916) 665-2777 or [email protected].
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 suitable options available can be made available.
Membership Status
The member rate for registration 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!