What is Engaging in Partnerships (EIP)?
- Hosted by the Partnerships Division, the Engaging in Partnerships training will allow attendees to engage directly with the Partnerships team, other department staff, and nonprofit and concession partners to learn about current best practices and partnership trends in the Department. Attendees will learn skills and foster connections that will both further their professional development and the Department’s mission. Sessions include leadership development, project management, Volunteers In Parks Program, Operating and Co-management Agreements, Concessions Agreements, Tribal partnerships, recently passed Legislation, and other topics related to the management of Partnerships agreements.
Where and when is EIP?
- EIP will take place at the California Natural Resources Agency building, located at 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, from Tuesday, October 28 to Thursday, October 30, 2025. Training sessions will run daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with optional partner-sponsored events each evening from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, including Thursday, October 30.
How do I register for EIP?
- Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) staff will log into FOCUS and find Engaging in Partnerships Group 2. Partners who are not DPR staff will complete this EIP 2025 Partner Registration Request. Once the Partnerships Division has finalized session selections, registration confirmations will be sent, and participants will receive a second form to complete to indicate which sessions they are interested in attending. Participants can expect to receive this confirmation by early September 2025.
How much does it cost to attend EIP?
- There is no registration fee for EIP. Room and board is not included and participants must cover their own travel, meal and per diem expenses. DPR staff are subject to department travel policy and per diem guidelines.
Does my registration include lodging?
- No, lodging is not included in your registration. Participants must cover their own travel, meal and per diem expenses. DPR staff are subject to department travel policy and per diem guidelines.
What is the cost for lodging?
- There are a variety of lodging options near the training venue. You are encouraged to research nearby options that suit your needs. In early September 2025 we will send a document highlighting some of the nearby options.
Does my registration include meals for each day?
- No, meals are not included in your registration. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be provided each morning thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. Participants must cover their own travel, meal and per diem expenses. DPR staff are subject to department travel policy and per diem guidelines.
What is the cost for food?
- There are a variety of dining options near the training venue at various price points. You are encouraged to research nearby dining options. In early September 2025 we will send a document highlighting some of the nearby options.
Does my registration include parking?
- No, parking is not included in your registration. Parking in the area is somewhat limited, so we recommend carpooling or using alternative transportation, if possible. In early September 2025 we will send a document highlighting some of the options.
Is the Training Section funding participation in EIP for DPR staff?
- No, this training is not funded by the Training Section; while there is no cost for the training itself, DPR staff should discuss funding (if applicable) with their Supervisor. This includes all expenses for travel to and from the training site, overtime, meals, and per diem. This training is in-person; virtual attendance is not possible.
What is the maximum capacity for this event?
- EIP has a capacity for 75 DPR staff, and 75 participants from partner organizations.
Is there a waitlist?
- We will manage a waitlist of up to 30 additional participants.
How will I know when my registration is confirmed?
- The Partnerships Division will send out confirmations by early September 2025.
When will I receive additional information?
- The Partnerships Division will send out additional information, including workshop sessions, social events, lodging, dining and parking information, by early September 2025.
If I cannot attend all the sessions, may I still attend?
- Yes! We understand that participants may have additional responsibilities on their calendars and welcome you to attend the sessions that work for your schedule and are of interest to you.
How can other people in my organization register?
When is the deadline to register or cancel?
- The deadline to register for EIP, or to cancel your registration is Monday, October 13, 2025.
If I can’t make it, can I send someone in my place? How do we swap registrations?
- Yes, however, you must withdraw from the course (see cancellation instructions below), and the replacement must be registered (see registration instructions above). Please contact the Partnerships Division by email at partnerships@parks.ca.gov to let us know about the swap.
How do I cancel my registration?
- DPR staff: If it's before the deadline to withdraw, log in to FOCUS, and click on “Withdraw from a Course” on your FOCUS dashboard. If it's after the deadline to withdraw, your supervisor will need to e-mail Sara.Skinner@parks.ca.gov to request you to be removed from the course.
- Non DPR staff: Please contact us by email at partnerships@parks.ca.gov.
