Get team-building tips, legislative updates, and more at the Fire Chiefs Leadership Seminar!

Hear from a former U.S. Navy nuclear submarine officer on high-pressure leadership skills

By Cal Cities Education Staff

Former U.S. Navy nuclear submarine officer Marc Koehler will kick off the Fire Chiefs Leadership Seminar on Dec. 10 with a keynote address grounded in simplicity, agility, and tangibility. Koehler will share how fire professionals can use the 5-step framework he used to lead his team to confidently steer through high-pressure challenges and emerge stronger than ever before

The two-day seminar helps fire prevention professionals respond to emerging challenges and conduct routine business. Breakout sessions will cover a range of topics, including local funding measures, employee safety and preventable liability, mental health, and data and storytelling. Attendees will also get legislative updates on planning, preparedness, and funding for wildfire prevention, as well as the latest news on wildfire response, recovery, and insurance.

To view the full schedule and session descriptions, visit the Fire Chiefs Leadership Seminar webpage.

Registration and hotel information

Registration for the full seminar starts at $500 for city officials from any Cal Cities member city. Registration includes admission to all educational sessions, seminar meals, and admission to the evening reception. The deadline to register online is Wednesday, Dec. 3. After that, officials may register on-site if space is available.

The 2025 Fire Chiefs Seminar will be at the Renaissance Palm Springs. A limited number of hotel rooms are available at a reduced rate for conference attendees who register before Tuesday, Nov. 18. Discounted hotel rooms often sell out early, so advance registration is encouraged.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For questions, please contact Exposition Sales and Event Sponsorship Manager Amy Wade. For registration questions, please contact Registrar Megan Dunn. For program questions, please contact Event Program Manager Erin Wylder.

In advance of the seminar, please review Cal Cities' event and meeting policies. For more information, including registration details, visit the Fire Chiefs Leadership Seminar webpage.