12 Sep IACP Annual Conference and Exposition 2026: Dates, Tickets, and Schedule
If you work in law enforcement, public safety, or a related field, October 2026 is a month you should already have marked on your calendar. The IACP Annual Conference and Exposition 2026 is coming to Orlando, Florida, and it promises to be one of the most impactful gatherings in the public safety world. Whether you are a police chief, a first responder, or an industry vendor, this event has something meaningful to offer. This guide covers everything you need to know, from dates and tickets to the full schedule, exhibitors, and travel tips.
What Is the IACP Annual Conference and Exposition?
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) organizes this event every year. It is widely recognized as the largest law enforcement conference in the world. More than 16,000 public safety professionals attend each year. They come to learn, network, and explore the latest tools and technologies available to modern police departments.
The conference has three main pillars: training, networking, and exposition hall education. Together, these pillars make the event a well-rounded experience for every attendee. Additionally, the conference offers a platform where agencies can discover real solutions to current challenges in policing.
IACP 2026 Dates and Location
The IACP Annual Conference and Exposition 2026 will run from October 24 to October 27, 2026. All sessions, workshops, and meetings will take place at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida, USA. All times follow Eastern Time (ET).
Pre-conference activities begin even earlier. Badge check-in opens on Thursday, October 22, and exhibitor registration starts on Friday, October 23. Therefore, if you plan to arrive ahead of time, you can use those early days to get settled and prepared.
| Event Detail | Information |
| Event Name | IACP Annual Conference and Exposition 2026 |
| Dates | October 24 – 27, 2026 |
| Venue | Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) |
| City | Orlando, Florida, USA |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| Organizer | International Association of Chiefs of Police |
Day-by-Day Schedule Overview
The schedule is packed with activities from morning to evening across all four days. Here is a clear breakdown of what to expect each day.
Saturday, October 24 (Opening Day)
The conference officially kicks off on Saturday. Registration opens at 7:00 a.m. A First-Timers Orientation runs from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., which is a great starting point if this is your first time attending. Education workshops begin at 9:30 a.m. and run until 5:00 p.m. The Opening General Assembly, one of the most anticipated sessions of the week, takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 25
Sunday marks the opening of the Exposition Hall. It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Education workshops run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There is also a special Exposition Hall Networking Event from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is an excellent time to connect with vendors and fellow professionals in an informal setting.
Monday, October 26
Monday is one of the busiest days of the week. The General Assembly runs from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the Exposition Hall is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Candidate voting for IACP leadership positions takes place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Additionally, Monday night features Chiefs Night, a popular social event held at Universal Islands of Adventure from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 27 (Closing Day)
The final day of the conference closes with the Closing General Assembly from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Exposition Hall has its last open hours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The evening wraps up with the Annual Banquet Reception and Dinner, running from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This black-tie optional event includes the swearing-in of the incoming IACP President and the presentation of Leadership Awards.
| Day | Key Events | Times |
| Saturday, Oct 24 | Opening General Assembly, Education Workshops | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM / 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday, Oct 25 | Exposition Hall Opens, Networking Event | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM / 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Monday, Oct 26 | General Assembly, Exposition Hall, Chiefs Night | 10:00 AM / 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Tuesday, Oct 27 | Closing Assembly, Exposition Hall, Annual Banquet | 10:00 AM / 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
Tickets and Registration Rates
Registration for IACP 2026 is open to IACP members, qualified non-members, and exposition exhibitors. Qualified non-members include sworn officers, first responders, public safety personnel, civilians employed by government agencies, and members of the armed forces. A valid form of identification is required at the event.
One important thing to note is that advance registration rates are lower. If you register on or before September 9, 2026, you pay a lower fee. Rates increase starting September 10, 2026. Below is a summary of the main registration categories and costs.
| Registration Category | Advance Rate (by Sept 9) | Standard Rate (Sept 10+) |
| IACP Member – Full Conference | $500 | $600 |
| First Time IACP Member – Full Conference | $445 | $545 |
| Non-Member – Full Conference | $700 | $850 |
| Family Member | $175 | — |
| Child (Ages 6–18) | $75 | — |
| Child (Age 5 and Under) | Free | — |
| Expo Hall Pass (Law Enforcement Only) | Free | Free |
| One-Day Pass | Not Available | $175 |
| Two-Day Pass | Not Available | $250 |
| Annual Banquet Ticket | Available from Sept 2026 | $125 |
Full conference registration includes access to all general assemblies, education workshops, receptions, the Exposition Hall, and Chiefs Night. Annual Banquet tickets are sold separately and are limited, so early purchase is recommended. There are no refunds for Annual Banquet tickets.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be submitted in writing. A 25% penalty applies to cancellations made on or before September 30, 2026. A 50% penalty applies from October 1 to October 16, 2026. No refunds are issued on or after October 17, 2026.
The Exposition Hall
The Exposition Hall is one of the biggest draws of the entire event. It is open Sunday through Tuesday. More than 600 vendors exhibit their products and services each year. However, this is not just a trade show. It is a space for law enforcement professionals to discover real-world tools that can improve how their departments operate.
Exhibitors typically include companies in technology, communications, vehicles, public safety equipment, software, and training resources. Some of the confirmed 2026 sponsors and exhibitors include Axon, Motorola Solutions, Cellebrite, FirstNet Built with AT&T, Flock Safety, Skydio, Oracle Public Safety, Amazon Web Services, Verizon Frontline, and Verkada. These are well-known names in the public safety technology space.
The Expo Hall Pass is free for law enforcement personnel. To qualify, attendees must work for a government or public safety agency and show credentials upon arrival.
Key Highlights and Special Events
Chiefs Night at Universal Islands of Adventure
One of the most anticipated events of the week, Chiefs Night takes place on Monday, October 26, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Universal Islands of Adventure. This exclusive evening event is included in the full conference registration. However, those who purchase an Expo Hall Only, One-Day, or Two-Day pass can add a Chiefs Night ticket at an additional cost.
Annual Banquet
The Annual Banquet on the evening of October 27 is a formal closing ceremony. It features the swearing-in of the incoming IACP President and Board of Directors, as well as the presentation of Leadership Awards. Business attire or black-tie optional dress is appropriate. Seats are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket sales begin in September 2026.
Global Entry Interviews
IACP 2026 also offers an opportunity for attendees to schedule Global Entry interviews at the convention center. This is a helpful addition for frequent travelers who want to take advantage of their time in Orlando.
Who Should Attend?
This conference is designed for a wide range of professionals. The primary audience includes police chiefs, sheriffs, command-level officers, and public safety executives. However, civilian employees of police and emergency agencies, EMS personnel, park rangers, hazmat staff, and members of the military are all welcome.
Additionally, technology companies and service providers that serve law enforcement can exhibit or attend as vendors. First-time attendees should attend the Saturday morning orientation session to get the most from the event.
Travel and Housing in Orlando
Orlando is a well-connected city. The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is close to the Orange County Convention Center. IACP has partnered with official housing providers to offer discounted hotel rates for attendees. We recommend booking through the official IACP housing portal because it offers competitive rates and convenient proximity to the venue.
Orlando in late October sees mild and comfortable weather. Average temperatures sit in the low-to-mid 70s Fahrenheit (around 22–24°C). Rain is possible, so packing a light jacket is a good idea. The city also offers a wide range of dining, entertainment, and transportation options.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
Attending a large-scale event for the first time can feel overwhelming. Therefore, a little preparation goes a long way.
- Download the official IACP app before you arrive. It contains the full schedule, session details, and a map of the venue.
- Attend the First-Timers Orientation on Saturday morning. It gives a helpful overview of how to navigate the conference.
- Book your hotel early through the official housing portal to lock in the best rates.
- Register before September 9 to take advantage of the lower advance pricing.
- Plan your schedule in advance by reviewing the education workshops and choosing the sessions most relevant to your work.
- Bring business cards. Networking is one of the biggest benefits of attending.
Conclusion
The IACP Annual Conference and Exposition 2026 is a must-attend event for public safety professionals. It runs from October 24 to 27, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The conference offers four days of education workshops, general assemblies, and exposition hall access, along with special events like Chiefs Night and the Annual Banquet. Registration rates are more affordable before September 9, so early sign-up is strongly encouraged. With over 600 exhibitors and more than 16,000 expected attendees, IACP 2026 is one of the year’s most significant gatherings in the law enforcement community. Whether you are attending for training, networking, or technology discovery, this event delivers value at every level.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the IACP Annual Conference and Exposition 2026?
The event takes place from October 24 to 27, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Who is eligible to attend IACP 2026?
IACP members, qualified non-members (including sworn officers, first responders, public safety personnel, and military members), and exposition exhibitors can attend. Valid identification is required.
How much does registration cost for IACP 2026?
Full conference registration for IACP members starts at $500 for advance registration (by September 9, 2026) and rises to $600 after that date. Non-members pay $700 in advance and $850 after the deadline. A free Expo Hall pass is available for qualifying law enforcement personnel.
Is the Exposition Hall open to all attendees?
Yes. The Exposition Hall is open Sunday through Tuesday. Law enforcement professionals can access it for free with an Expo Hall Only pass. Full conference registrants also have access included in their registration fee.
What is Chiefs Night, and is it included in the registration?
Chiefs Night is a social evening event held at Universal Islands of Adventure on Monday, October 26, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. It is included in the full conference registration. Those with Expo Hall Only, One-Day, or Two-Day passes can purchase a separate ticket.
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