The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition is the largest and most impactful law enforcement event in the world. Each year, it brings together police executives, public safety professionals, industry leaders, and technology innovators under one roof. In 2026, the event returns with an even bigger agenda. Therefore, if you work in law enforcement or public safety, this is one event you cannot afford to miss.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the IACP Conference and Expo 2026, from dates and location to registration details, exhibitors, and the key events planned for the week.
Quick Reference: IACP 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | IACP Annual Conference and Exposition 2026 |
| Dates | October 24 – 27, 2026 |
| Location | Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida |
| Host Organization | International Association of Chiefs of Police |
| Expected Attendance | More than 16,000 public safety professionals |
| Exposition Hall Open | Sunday, October 25 – Tuesday, October 27 |
| Annual Banquet | Tuesday, October 27, 2026 |
| Open To | IACP members, qualified non-members, and exhibitors |
When and Where Is IACP 2026?
The IACP Annual Conference and Exposition 2026 runs from October 24 to October 27, 2026. It takes place at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), located at 9800 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819. The organizers will hold all sessions, workshops, meetings, and exposition activities at this venue unless otherwise noted.
Orlando is a fitting host city. It offers world-class facilities, easy air access, and a wide range of hotels to suit every budget. Additionally, the Orange County Convention Center is one of the largest and most modern convention facilities in the United States, making it ideal for an event of this scale.
About the IACP and Why This Conference Matters
The International Association of Chiefs of Police has been shaping the future of policing for well over a century. It is the world’s largest and most influential association of police leaders. The annual conference serves as the organization’s flagship event.
More than 16,000 public safety professionals attend each year. They include police chiefs, sheriffs, senior law enforcement executives, government officials, and technology representatives. The event is built on three core pillars: training, networking, and exhibit hall education. These three elements work together to help departments stay ahead of emerging challenges and adopt the best tools and strategies available.
The conference also provides a platform for agencies to share what is working. It gives professionals across all ranks access to leading tacticians, veteran experts, and forward-thinking peers.
Registration: Who Can Attend and How to Sign Up
Registration for IACP 2026 is open, but the event is not open to the general public. Eligibility falls into specific categories.
Full conference registration is available to:
- IACP members (who benefit from a discounted member rate)
- Qualified non-members, including sworn officers, first responders, public safety personnel, civilians working for public safety agencies, and members of the armed forces
- Family members of registrants (spouse or immediate family, not colleagues)
- Exposition exhibitors
Civilian employees of government agencies such as police offices, sheriffs, EMS, fire hazmat, park rangers from federal, state, city, county, campus, and tribal agencies, and the armed forces are all eligible as qualified non-members. A valid form of identification will be required at registration.
Full conference registration includes access to all general assemblies, workshops, receptions, the Exposition Hall, and Chiefs Night. Meals are not included, however concession stands will be available throughout the convention center. The Annual Banquet requires a separately purchased ticket, with sales beginning in September 2026.
A free Exposition Hall-only pass is also available in Fall 2026 for qualified government and public safety employees. This pass grants access to the exhibit hall during all open hours but does not include Chiefs Night.
The IACP reserves the right to refuse ineligible registrations. Additionally, all IACP memberships are individual and non-transferable for conference member rates.
Conference Schedule: What Happens Each Day
The conference spans four full days. Below is a general outline of what to expect throughout the week.
| Day | Date | Key Activities |
| Day 1 | Saturday, October 24 | Opening sessions, early workshops, committee meetings |
| Day 2 | Sunday, October 25 | General assemblies, workshops, Exposition Hall opens, Global Entry interviews begin |
| Day 3 | Monday, October 26 | Educational sessions, workshops, Chiefs Night networking event |
| Day 4 | Tuesday, October 27 | Final sessions, Exposition Hall closes, Annual Banquet evening |
All times are Eastern Time. The schedule is subject to change. Attendees are encouraged to download the official IACP app to access the full program, plan their schedule, and receive real-time updates throughout the event.
The Exposition Hall: 600+ Vendors Under One Roof
The Exposition Hall is one of the most anticipated parts of the IACP conference. It is open Sunday through Tuesday, giving attendees three full days to explore what is on offer.
More than 600 vendors will showcase products and services designed to support the law enforcement profession. Exhibitors range from technology companies offering cutting-edge surveillance and communications tools to equipment suppliers, training providers, and policy resources. Agencies use the expo as an opportunity to evaluate new products, compare solutions, and make purchasing decisions that will serve their departments for years to come.
This year, one particularly unique opportunity is available in the Exposition Hall. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers plan to conduct pre-scheduled, in-person enrollment interviews for the Global Entry program for registered IACP 2026 attendees. These interviews will take place Sunday, October 25 through Tuesday, October 27. Attendees who wish to take part should schedule in advance, as spots are limited.
Education and Training Sessions
Education sits at the heart of the IACP conference. The program offers a wide variety of workshops and general sessions covering pressing issues in modern law enforcement. Sessions are available in 60-minute and 90-minute blocks.
Topics typically covered at the conference include:
- Community policing strategies
- Officer safety and wellness
- Use-of-force policy and accountability
- Technology and innovation in law enforcement
- Recruitment, retention, and diversity
- Crisis intervention and mental health response
- Cybercrime and digital investigation
- Traffic safety and impaired driving
Proposals for the 2026 conference have already been reviewed and selected. Speakers at the event have the option to receive a complimentary one-day pass for the day they present or a discounted full conference registration. The IACP expects presenters to bring significant expertise and practical knowledge to their sessions.
These sessions help attendees earn professional development credits. After the conference, those who attended can log in to the certificate portal using their registration credentials to request a certificate of attendance.
Signature Events: Chiefs Night and the Annual Banquet
Two signature social events stand out on the IACP 2026 calendar.
Chiefs Night takes place on Monday, October 26. It is included in full conference registration and serves as the primary networking reception of the week. Attendees enjoy refreshments and heavy hors d’oeuvres while connecting with peers from across the country and around the world. However, Exposition Hall-only pass holders are not eligible to attend this event.
The Annual Banquet is held on Tuesday evening, October 27, 2026. This is a formal event and serves as a fitting close to the conference. It features the swearing-in of the incoming IACP President and Board of Directors, along with the presentation of the prestigious IACP Leadership Awards. The dress code is black-tie optional, though business suits are appropriate. Banquet tickets must be purchased separately. Sales open in September 2026 through the conference registration portal.
Housing and Travel: Getting to Orlando
The IACP has partnered with onPeak as the official housing provider for IACP 2026. onPeak has negotiated reduced-rate hotel rooms near the Orange County Convention Center to help attendees manage travel costs. These rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early booking is strongly advised.
Orlando International Airport serves Orlando well, offering direct flights from cities across North America and beyond. The convention center is located on International Drive, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options. This makes it convenient for attendees traveling with family or those who want to extend their stay.
Who Should Attend IACP 2026?
The IACP Annual Conference is designed for a broad range of law enforcement and public safety professionals. That said, it is particularly valuable for:
- Police chiefs and sheriffs looking to stay current with industry developments
- Senior law enforcement executives seeking policy guidance
- Mid-level managers focused on professional development
- Technology professionals working with or selling to law enforcement
- Researchers and academics in the public safety space
- Government officials with oversight of public safety agencies
Whether you are a first-time attendee or a long-time participant, the conference offers value at every level. New attendees can take advantage of the First Time IACP Member discounted registration rate, but they must apply it when they initially register.
What Makes IACP 2026 Worth Attending?
In a world where public safety challenges are rapidly evolving, staying informed matters. The IACP Annual Conference is one of the few events that addresses the full scope of modern policing. It combines world-class education, peer-to-peer learning, and direct access to the industry’s leading products and solutions.
Furthermore, no other event matches its scale. More than 16,000 professionals from across the globe attend each year. The connections formed at this conference often translate into lasting professional relationships, collaborative initiatives, and practical improvements within agencies.
Additionally, the exposition hall gives departments a rare opportunity to evaluate hundreds of vendors in a single setting. This saves time and resources compared to evaluating solutions individually throughout the year.
Conclusion
The IACP Conference and Expo 2026 is set to be a landmark event for the global law enforcement community. Running from October 24 to 27, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, it will bring together more than 16,000 public safety professionals for four days of education, networking, and innovation.
Registration is open to IACP members, qualified non-members, and exhibitors. Full conference access includes workshops, general assemblies, the Exposition Hall, and Chiefs Night. The Annual Banquet on October 27 is a highlight of the week, requiring a separately purchased ticket.
With more than 600 exhibitors on the expo floor and a full schedule of training sessions covering today’s most critical policing topics, IACP 2026 offers something valuable for every attendee. Plan ahead, book housing early, and make the most of this once-a-year opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and where is the IACP Conference 2026?
The IACP Annual Conference and Exposition 2026 takes place October 24 – 27, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819.
Who is eligible to attend IACP 2026?
The event is open to IACP members, qualified non-members (including sworn officers, first responders, public safety personnel, civilians working for government agencies, and armed forces members), family members of registrants, and exposition exhibitors. It is not open to the general public.
What does full conference registration include?
Full registration includes access to all general assemblies, educational workshops, receptions, the Exposition Hall, and Chiefs Night. Meals are not included, though concession stands are available. The Annual Banquet requires a separate ticket purchase.
How many exhibitors are at IACP 2026?
More than 600 vendors are expected to exhibit at IACP 2026. They will showcase a wide range of products and services supporting the law enforcement profession. The Exposition Hall is open Sunday through Tuesday of the conference week.
When do Annual Banquet ticket sales open?
Ticket sales for the Annual Banquet open in September 2026. Attendees can purchase tickets by logging in to their existing conference registration account. There are no refunds for banquet tickets once purchased.
