This session highlights the “hidden in plain sight” partnerships that can transform Community Risk Reduction (CRR) from an exclusive fire service effort into a coordinated, multi-disciplinary strategy. Using case studies, attendees will explore how collaborative programs deliver results for wildfire resilience efforts, and development projects that incorporate fire-safe and sustainable strategies. Participants will learn how to identify partners, align goals, and leverage shared data to embrace our role as an all-hazards fire service.

Hear the latest California legislative updates impacting fire service leaders. Learn how to get involved with Cal Cities advocacy and what to expect post-election. Take this opportunity to ask questions directly of Cal Cities legislative advocates about issues affecting fire prevention.

Speakers: Melissa Sparks-Kranz, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities | Jolena Voorhis, Legislative Advocate, League of California Cities

Make new friends and catch up with old ones while enjoying delicious appetizers and tasty no host beverages during the evening networking reception. It’s the perfect opportunity to form support networks inside and outside your profession.

Join us to discuss what fire chiefs need to know about AI. This practical discussion on day-to-day implementation will give chiefs a roadmap for using new tools to save time and better focus on the needs of their staff and community.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) plays a central role in shaping fire service operations, safety, and policy, yet many fire chiefs find its structure, resources, and ongoing initiatives difficult to fully navigate. This session is designed to demystify NFPA by providing a clear, practical overview of how fire chiefs can leverage its tools, standards, and research to support their departments and communities.

Speaker: Greg Rogers, Regional Director, NFPA

Intended to help fire chiefs define harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, and how they differ from “abusive conduct,” this session focuses specifically on how these terms apply to fire agency employees. Using examples of real litigation, speakers will discuss how to respond to claims, strategies to prevent harassment in the workplace, and how to navigate a lawsuit if it comes to one.

Moderator: Bernard Molloy, Fire Chief, Murrieta

Speakers: James Oldendorph, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore | Joung Yim, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

Allegations of code of conduct violations impact public trust, squander tax-payer dollars, crush morale, are incredibly stressful for all involved, and can derail agency recruitment efforts. This session will provide guidance and practical tools for focusing professional standards efforts on minimizing the most common code of conduct risks. Attendees will receive a roadmap on how to perform sequential and thorough FBOR complaint investigations.

When cities, counties, and hospitals work in isolation, many vulnerable people do not get necessary treatment. When they coordinate efforts, the same people can move from a repeat 911 contact into meaningful care. Presenters representing law, behavioral health medicine, and municipal practice will show how to make this possible. The goal is practical: a clear map of which agency holds which authority, and a roadmap for what fire chiefs can adopt today to make an impact on their community.

Speakers: Ann Marie Council, CEO and Mental Health Policy Advisor, Quarter Turn Strategies Institute | Jordan Lowery, Deputy City Attorney, Sacramento | Aaron Meyer, Behavioral Health Officer, San Diego

California’s wildfire prevention landscape is changing rapidly. With new legislation, evolving regulations, and implementation of Zone Zero on the horizon, what do fire chiefs need to know heading into 2027? This session will examine the latest developments affecting local fire prevention programs, including the status and implementation of Zone Zero regulations, new home-hardening requirements, changes to wildfire mitigation and grant programs, prescribed and cultural burning, and emerging approaches to community risk reduction. Designed for California fire prevention professionals, the discussion will focus on practical implications for municipal fire departments, including what is changing, what is coming next, and where local agencies may need to prepare.