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 October 28-30, 2025.
Is the California Natural Resources Agency building ADA accessible?
Yes, the building is fully ADA accessible. The entrance is ground floor, and the building has elevators.
What is the EIP training schedule?
The Registration & Information table will be open from 8:00 to 9:15 AM each morning and during scheduled breaks throughout the training.
Training sessions will run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day, and include the following off-site tours on Wednesday afternoon:
- City Hikes, Historical Houses of Sacramento
Led by Chinh Nguyen, Parks & Recreation Specialist in the Community Involvement Unit of California State Parks
Stanford Mansion Halloween Tour - Led by the Interpretive Staff of the Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
California State Capitol Museum Tour - Led by the Interpretive Staff of the California State Capitol Museum
There will be optional off-site social events offered on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, as well as Thursday afternoon. These social events are hosted and sponsored by Park Partners, and are not affiliated with California State Parks or the Partnerships Division.
Are the Wednesday afternoon Tours ADA accessible?
Yes. Both the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park and the California State Capitol Museum are fully ADA accessible. Both locations have elevators; the Capitol has ramps at the entrance, and the Leland Stanford Mansion's entrance to the Visitor Center is on flat ground.
Is transportation included to and from the partner-sponsored social events?
As the evening social events are optional, transportation to these events will not be provided. For inquiries regarding ADA accessible transportation, please contact Partnerships@parks.ca.gov for further information.
How do I register for EIP?
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) staff will log in to FOCUS and find Engaging in Partnerships Group 4. Partners who are not DPR staff will complete this EIP 2025 Partner Registration Request.
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. We recommend researching accomodations that best suit your needs. Two nearby options include Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown - Arena (300 J St), and Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento (1122 7th St).
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.
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. The following nearby parking options are on first come, first served basis: Capital Towers Garage, JB lot 1711 7th St, 400 P St Garage, 1500 10th St, 701 L St, 900 13th St, 1117 J S, Metered Parking (by the hour).
Parking Resources
- Parkmobile mobile app for selected meters and off-street parking lots.
- SacPark reserve ahead at any city-owned garage or certified partner parking facility.
- Discounted Group Parking Program
- Ace Parking purchase ahead reservations for 900 13th St garage
- City of Sacramento Public Parking Services
Alternative Transportation
- Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) Buses and Light Rail - 8th & O Station, Gold, Blue and Green lines.
- Check SacRT transit fares and purchase passes or reload on Connect Transit Card.
- Rideshare apps and local taxis
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.
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?
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) staff will log in to FOCUS and find Engaging in Partnerships Group 4. Partners who are not DPR staff will complete this EIP 2025 Partner Registration Request.
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 transfer 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 transfer.
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.