2026 Conference & Training

The 2026 CALPA Conference & Training is scheduled for this Fall in Santa Rosa (Sonoma Valley) - November 2 - 5, 2026. Please join us for a meaningful 4 days of convening like-minded park partners and staff to participate in collaborative learning and share common concerns, success stories, and hope for the future.

This year’s theme, “Common Ground: Connecting People, Parks, and Purpose” will bring together active park partners and experts to share their wisdom and provide a space to discuss ongoing challenges and successful solutions.

Common Ground: Connecting People, Parks, and Purpose

California’s 280 state parks represent the largest and most diverse collection of natural and cultural treasures in the nation—from iconic coastlines and ancient redwood forests to deserts, historic landmarks, endangered habitats, and vibrant wildlands. With more than 81 million visits each year, these parks play a vital role in supporting public health, education, recreation, and overall quality of life across the state.

Behind California's extraordinary state parks are dedicated nonprofit partners—park cooperators—many of which are small, grassroots organizations working every day to enhance visitor experiences, protect natural and cultural resources, and support their individual park units. These organizations balance limited resources with ambitious missions and growing community needs. As new opportunities and challenges continue to emerge, collaboration, shared learning, and strong partnerships are more important than ever. CALPA brings nonprofit park partners together to share ideas, solve problems, and strengthen California's statewide network of nonprofit park organizations.

This is where common ground becomes essential.

For decades, CALPA has played an important role in bringing together nonprofit park partners, with private concessionaires, California State Parks staff, and community leaders to share ideas, strengthen relationships, and advance the work of California’s state park system. 

Building on that legacy, the 2026 CALPA Conference and Training is designed to connect people, parks, and purpose in meaningful and productive ways. This convening creates space for honest dialogue, shared learning, and collective problem-solving, recognizing that no single organization can address today’s challenges alone.

Through interactive sessions, facilitated discussions, collaborative workshops, and informal networking opportunities, the conference will empower participants to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative approaches that support parks and communities across California.

Now is the time to come together—with intention and purpose. By building stronger connections and aligning around shared goals, we can amplify our collective impact and ensure a vibrant future for California’s state parks and the communities that support them.

Join us as we find our common ground—and move forward, together.

In addition to sessions and training, this event will feature a Vendor Show featuring companies that currently work with other state parks to provide retail products and services. Sponsorship Opportunities are also available for this event - see the Sponsors and Vendors link below for more details.

Become a speaker. More information under Call for Presenters below.

Ready to register for the conference? Register Now

The Flamingo Resort is holding a block of rooms at the special rate of $164 (including resort fee) for our conference. Book now through October 2nd for the special rate.