Largest law enforcement and security conventions for 2026

Barry Goodnight
November 22, 2024
Largest law enforcement and security conventions for 2026

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2026's most notable law enforcement conventions and conferences

Attending law enforcement and security conventions is one of the most effective ways to keep up with developments, trends and technologies. In this post we are going to share with you the biggest and most important security and law enforcement shows of the year.

It’s also an excellent way to network, make new contacts, compare notes and see how other agencies and the industry are handling the threat landscape.

If you’re looking to attend an event in 2026, you’re in the right place.

We have scoured the entire calendar looking at every convention, conference and meetup of the year and selected the very best.

Read on to see what we consider the must-attend law enforcement and security conventions in 2025!

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Event Name Dates (2026) Host City Location / Venue Price Range Est. Attendance Notes
SHOT Show Jan 20–23 Las Vegas, NV Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum Trade/Qual. Only 55,000+ Largest trade show for shooting and tactical gear. Strict qualification required.
ACA Winter Conference Feb 5–8 Long Beach, CA Long Beach Convention Center $275 – $375 3,000+ Focused on corrections, jails, and detention standards.
CALEA Spring Conference Mar 11–15 Tucson, AZ TBD (likely Westin La Paloma) ~$600+ 600+ Premier event for agency accreditation managers and assessors.
ILEETA Conference & Expo Mar 16–21 St. Louis, MO St. Louis Union Station Hotel $440 – $540 1,000+ Dedicated to law enforcement training and educators.
ISC West Mar 23–26 Las Vegas, NV Venetian Expo Varies (Trade) 30,000+ Comprehensive security industry trade show.
IABTI In-Service Training June 7–12 Jacksonville, FL Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort TBD 500+ Specialized training for bomb technicians and investigators.
NSA Annual Conference June 8–11 Omaha, NE CHI Health Center Omaha $235 – $765 3,000+ National Sheriffs' Association annual gathering.
Government Fleet Expo (GFX) June 9–12 Long Beach, CA Long Beach Convention Center Varies 2,000+ Best for fleet managers handling police and public safety vehicles.
Police Security Expo (PSE) June 23–24 Atlantic City, NJ Atlantic City Convention Center Free (Industry) 7,500+ Product showcase and tradeshow for goods and services.
NENA Annual Conference June 27 – July 2 Columbus, OH Greater Columbus Convention Center $575 – $800 2,500+ Focused on 9-1-1 professionals and emergency communications.
NOBLE Annual Training Conference July 24–28 Dallas, TX TBD Varies 2,000+ National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
ACA Congress of Correction July 28 – Aug 3 Pittsburgh, PA David L. Lawrence Convention Center $275 – $375 4,000+ The largest annual event for the corrections industry.
APCO Annual Conference Aug 2–5 San Antonio, TX Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center $475 – $775 5,000+ Leading event for public safety communications officials.
GSX (Global Security Exchange) Sep 14–16 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center $360 – $1,075 20,000+ ASIS International’s massive security management event.
IACP Annual Conference Oct 24–27 Orlando, FL Orange County Convention Center $125 – $600 16,000+ The largest gathering of police chiefs and leaders globally.

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition

IACP 2025
  • Estimated Attendance: Over 16,000 public safety professionals
  • Location: Orange County Convention Center Orlando - Browse Hotel Partners
  • Price: Basic package starts at $125 and goes up to $600 for the full package. People under 18 get in for $45.
  • Highlights:
    • Dates: October 24 – 27, 2026
    • Speakers: Leading figures in law enforcement and public safety
    • Sponsors: Various law enforcement agencies and industry partners
  • Airfare & Lodging: Lodging & flight packages by Engine.com (business email required)

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition is a must-attend if you’re in law enforcement.

It’s where the world’s leading police officers and security professionals meet to network, learn, discuss and explore. 

The convention covers training, technology, future innovations, emerging threats, challenges and pivotal topics police chiefs are facing, and will face in the future.

One key feature of the IACP is a full itinerary of talks from leading figures in the industry. 

Hear from police chiefs, academics, technology leaders, psychologists and other experts. They discuss everything from handling retirement to private and public partnerships or evolving police responses to challenges.

International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC West)

  • Estimated Attendance: Over 30,000 security professionals
  • Location: Venetian Expo in Las Vegas 
  • Price: Not publicly known at the time of this post.
  • Dates: March 23 – March 26, 2026
  • Highlights:
    • Speakers: Experts in security technology and innovation
    • Sponsors: Security Industry Association (SIA) and many others.
  • Airfare & Lodging: Lodging & flight packages by Engine.com (business email required)

The International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC West) is a signature event for security and public safety professionals. It’s another event full of experts, exhibits, talks and networking opportunities.

This event is more for private enterprises but police and other law enforcement do have a presence.

Attendees can listen to talks, test technology like drones and +-detection equipment, receive training on new technologies and techniques and network with other security professionals.

Those looking to improve their skills also have the opportunity to complete the 4-Day SIA Education@ISC Passport Program. This is a unique part of the event that includes an extra day to help you complete the full course.

National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) Annual Conference and Exhibition

  • Estimated Attendance: Approximately 3,000 sheriffs and law enforcement professionals
  • Location: Douglas County Sheriff's Office Omaha Nebraska
  • Price: $235 - $765 depending on package type
  • Date: June 8 - 11, 2026
  • Highlights:
    • Speakers: Prominent figures in law enforcement leadership
    • Topics: Law enforcement training, technology, and policy discussions
    • Sponsors: Various law enforcement organizations and industry partners
  • Airfare & Lodging: Lodging & flight packages by Engine.com (business email required)

The National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) Annual Conference and Exhibition is a premier event for sheriffs, deputies, and other law enforcement professionals. 

It’s predominantly for Sheriff’s departments and is part tradeshow and part conference. 

Attendees will be able to attend discussions on all aspects of police work, explore new technologies and techniques, test out new innovations and network with other sheriffs.

Topics for discussion will cover prisoner transport, courtroom security, jail operations, recruitment, staff retention and wellness, new technology, LEO equipment and a whole lot more.

The four days are full of talks, breakfasts, network events, seminars, training, exhibitions, meetings and lectures from industry professionals.

ASIS International Global Security Exchange (GSX)

GSX 2025
  • Airfare & Lodging: Lodging & flight packages by Engine.com (business email required)

The ASIS International Global Security Exchange (GSX) is one of the largest gatherings of security professionals in the world.

While focused on security, topics are incredibly wide-ranging, covering physical security, cyber security, crisis management, risk management, staff training and retention and a whole lot more.

Attendees can also get training, view new products, meet service providers, discuss emerging threats and network with fellow security professionals.

There are also exhibits from leading security companies, lots of guest speakers, the Resilience Zone, Career HQ, X Stage for training and other benefits.

There are also special events that could include everything from PT sessions to a meal out. These are mostly relaxed sessions designed to chill attendees out after a packed itinerary.

Police Security Expo (PSE)

  • Estimated Attendance: Approximately 7,500 attendees
  • Location: Atlantic City Convention Center
  • Price: Free
  • Date: June 23 – June 24, 2026
  • Highlights:
    • Speakers: Experts in law enforcement equipment and technology
    • Topics: Latest tools, technology, hardware, and software for police and security professionals
    • Sponsors: Various law enforcement equipment manufacturers and service providers
  • Airfare & Lodging: Lodging & flight packages by Engine.com (business email required)

The Police Security Expo (PSE) is an important law enforcement tradeshow specializing in products and services for the police and security industry.

The Expo is primarily a tradeshow where you’ll find all the latest innovations and equipment designed for law enforcement and security. 

You’ll see some of the biggest names in tech there, along with startups and upstarts. All trying to make our lives safer.

Attendees are typically from across law enforcement. Everyone from police chiefs to park police attend along with consultants, security specialists, managers, training officers and others.

National Tactical Officers Association Conference

National Tactical Officers Association
  • Estimated Attendance: Around 1,000 tactical officers
  • Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (Nashville)
  • Price: $134 - $569 depending on member status and package option. 
  • Date: August 30th – September 4th, 2026
  • Highlights:
    • Speakers: Specialists in tactical operations and training
    • Topics: Tactical training, operations, and equipment for law enforcement
    • Sponsors: NTOA and industry partners
  • Airfare & Lodging: Lodging & flight packages by Engine.com (business email required)

The National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Annual Law Enforcement Operations Conference is a premier event for law enforcement professionals that specialize in tactical operations.

It’s a niche event but unmissable if relevant to your role. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet peers, industry experts, manufacturers, innovators and policy makers.

A large part of the conference revolves around training. There’s a large skills element where you can attend classes, try new techniques or equipment and meet with leaders.

There’s also the tradeshow, seminars, discussions and incident debrief that can provide first-hand insight into real life situations.

If you’re on the operational side of security or law enforcement, this is definitely a conference you’ll want to be a part of!

International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) Annual Conference & Exposition

  • Estimated Attendance: Approximately 500 campus law enforcement professionals
  • Location: Caribe Royale Orlando
  • Price: Not currently known. Website down at time of this writing.
  • Date: June 25th – June 28th 2026
  • Highlights:
    • Speakers: Leaders in campus safety and security
    • Topics: Campus law enforcement strategies, training, and technology
    • Sponsors: IACLEA and educational institutions
  • Airfare & Lodging: Lodging & flight packages by Engine.com (business email required)

The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) Annual Conference & Exposition is a premier event for campus public safety. It’s a niche event but a very useful one.

With millions of Americans attending college every year and risks increasing all the time, events like IACLEA are becoming increasingly important to learn new skills, develop policies and improve campus security.

This event features training and education sessions, workshops, networking, exhibits, talks from manufacturers and lots of resources relevant to campus security.

Topics covered usually include identifying challenges, emerging threats, active shooter response, crisis prevention, emergency management, mental wellness and other relevant subjects.

International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Annual Conference & EMEX

  • Estimated Attendance: Approximately 2,000 emergency management professionals
  • Location: Kentucky Exposition Center - Browse Hotel Partners
  • Price: $317 - $799 depending on package choice and member status.
  • Date: November 14th - 20th, 2025. (2026 dates not yet released)
  • Highlights:
    • Speakers: Leaders in emergency management and disaster response
    • Topics: Emergency management best practices, training, and technology
    • Sponsors: IAEM and industry partners
  • Airfare & Lodging: Lodging & flight packages by Engine.com (business email required)

The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Annual Conference & EMEX is primarily for emergency management professionals. 

The event operates at a higher level than others and is mainly for management rather than responders. Typical attendees are Homeland security officials, decision makers, planners, coordinators, emergency managers, risk managers and academics.

Events typically include networking, education, and opportunities to explore the latest innovations in emergency management.

Topics of discussion or training typically include relationship building, partnerships, disaster response, crisis communication, risk mitigation, recruitment and training and challenges.

There are of course exhibitors from all areas of emergency response covering everything from software to equipment suppliers.

International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI) International In-Service Training

  • Estimated Attendance: Around 500 bomb technicians and investigators
  • Location: Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
  • Price: 2026 prices not yet released
  • Date: June 7 – June 12, 2026
  • Highlights:
    • Speakers: Experts in explosive ordnance disposal and investigation
    • Topics: Training, technology, and best practices in bomb disposal and investigation
    • Sponsors: IABTI and industry partners
  • Airfare & Lodging: Lodging & flight packages by Engine.com (business email required)

The International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI) International In-Service Training (IST) is a specialist event for bomb technicians, explosives investigators, and other related professionals.

It’s a truly international event with attendees from across the globe, typically from over 70 nations covering every aspect of bomb disposal and explosives.

Training will usually cover new bomb disposal techniques, new equipment, IED developments, post-explosion investigation, forensics, explosive chemistry and other detailed topics.

It’s not all about training though. There’s also the opportunity to meet and greet peers, discuss your local station, network with trainers and other technicians and discuss the industry as a whole.

Law enforcement and security conventions

Law enforcement and security conventions are one of the best ways to learn how other agencies in other jurisdictions are handling ever increasing threats.

If you’re planning a career in this industry and can convince your bosses to let you attend, these are the best conventions to visit!

It’s a chance to meet your peers, learn new things, discover new equipment and techniques and broaden your professional horizons.

Article written by
Barry Goodnight

Barry is a content and landing page specialist focused on creating clear, helpful resources to support customers. His work centers on clarity, accuracy, and user-friendly communication.

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