Risk Management Educational Forum

For more than 30 years, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority has hosted the Risk Management Educational Forum, a two-and-a-half-day conference featuring world-class keynotes and sessions presented by risk management experts. The Forum allows members to learn about topics relevant to local government, including legal liability, workers’ compensation, and public safety. The event is the one time of year all Authority members can come together, and it also features networking activities, including a golf tournament, where attendees can address common issues and share knowledge. The Capstone Award is presented annually at the Forum and recognizes individuals who drive risk management efforts within their organizations.

Speakers at the 2026 Forum

Danielle Slaton

Keynote Speaker
Co-Founder of Bay FC, Broadcaster, and USWNT Veteran

Drawing from her personal experience as a co-founder of Bay FC and on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, where she earned a silver medal at the 2000 Olympic Games and third place at the 2003 Women’s World Cup, Slaton will share how great leaders play to their strengths and how to be at your best when it matters most. Fresh off the heels of the 2026 World Cup, she will share compelling sports stories and lessons on reaching your full potential.

Jill Heinerth

Closing Speaker
Underwater Explorer

More people have walked on the moon than have visited the places Heinerth has explored here on Earth. From underwater lava tubes to caves inside icebergs, her career has unfolded in places where certainty does not exist and every decision matters. In the closing session, Heinerth will share lessons from decades of extreme exploration, showing how to succeed when the path ahead is uncertain. Through stories and practical insights, she will highlight how adaptability, clear communication, and resilience can transform risk into opportunity and help teams perform under pressure.

More Speakers

"Great job! You all made the Forum informational and FUN!"

Rachael Hendricks

Human Resources / Risk Manager

City of Morro Bay

"The Forum is like a school of risk management for staff and elected officials. If you're new to government, or city council, or even if you're seasoned, it's always good to attend, refresh what you know, and learn something new. Every year at the Forum, I look forward to learning things I didn't even know I needed to learn."

Steve Sanchez

Councilmember

City of La Quinta

"Overall, it was an awesome experience. The sessions were practical and worthwhile. I learned a lot! I look forward to attending annually for years to come. Thank you for all the hard work coordinating!"

Ashley Garcia

Human Resources Officer

City of Arroyo Grande

"This was my first JPIA conference, and I absolutely loved it. As a newly elected official, this conference was perfect for me, and I got so much out of it. Thank you for a fantastic job, and for all your hard work!"

Monica Solorzano

Vice Mayor

City of Carpinteria

"I really enjoyed this conference. I work in parks and recreation, and we tend to focus on customer service, programs, and people. The Forum has shown me how I need to focus more energy on our release forms, our liability, and the type of risk present at our sites."

Marcus Enriquez

Camp Program Manager

City of Commerce

2026 Forum—Register Now!

Moments from the 2025 Forum

The 2025 Risk Management Educational Forum was held at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, themed “Class of ’95: Not So Clueless About Risk.” Keynote speaker Erin Stafford, a social psychologist, delivered a compelling message on managing stress and preventing burnout. She encouraged attendees to build lives that not only look good but feel good, thriving at peak performance without sacrificing health or relationships. The Forum featured a diverse lineup of sessions covering topics such as Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) transition planning, managing complaints against local officials, mitigating special event liability, navigating homeless camping and storage regulations, and analyzing use-of-force case studies. Attendees enjoyed networking opportunities during breaks and the Thursday evening “Prom Night.”

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Risk Management Educational Forum