The International Association of Chiefs of Police is bringing its annual flagship event to sunny Florida this fall. The IACP Annual Conference and Exposition 2026 is set to take place from October 24 to 27, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This four-day gathering is widely regarded as the most important law enforcement event of the year. Therefore, whether you are a police chief, a public safety professional, or a technology vendor, this is an event you will not want to miss.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from key dates and ticket details to the conference schedule, exhibitors, and what to do while you are in Orlando.
What Is the IACP Annual Conference?
The IACP Annual Conference and Exposition is organized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The organization has more than 31,000 members spread across 165 countries. Each year, the conference draws together public safety leaders, law enforcement professionals, researchers, policymakers, and industry vendors for four days of learning and collaboration.
The event stands on three core pillars: training, networking, and exposition hall education. Attendees come to sharpen their skills, connect with peers from around the globe, and explore the newest tools and technologies shaping modern policing. Additionally, the event serves as a platform for advancing community safety and police leadership across the world.
Key Event Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | IACP Annual Conference and Exposition 2026 |
| Dates | October 24 – 27, 2026 |
| Venue | Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) |
| Address | 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 |
| Organized By | International Association of Chiefs of Police |
| Expected Attendees | 16,000+ public safety professionals |
| Number of Exhibitors | 600+ |
| Countries Represented | 120+ |
| Official Housing Partner | onPeak |
Conference Dates and Schedule Overview
The event officially runs from Saturday, October 24, through Tuesday, October 27, 2026. All sessions, meetings, and workshops take place at the Orange County Convention Center unless otherwise noted. The schedule follows Eastern Time.
Here is a general look at how the four days are structured:
| Day | Date | Key Activities |
| Day 1 | Saturday, October 24 | Opening sessions, general assemblies, early networking events |
| Day 2 | Sunday, October 25 | Exposition hall opens, educational workshops, keynote sessions |
| Day 3 | Monday, October 26 | Full workshop day, Chiefs Night networking event, exhibit hall |
| Day 4 | Tuesday, October 27 | Final sessions, exposition hall closes, closing programs |
The exposition hall is open from Sunday through Tuesday. This gives attendees three full days to visit vendors and explore new products. Shuttle services run between select partner hotels and the convention center throughout the event. A detailed shuttle map will be available on the official IACP 2026 website and through the IACP mobile app.
Educational Sessions and Training Workshops
One of the highlights of the event is its deep and varied educational program. There are more than 200 educational workshops offered across the four days. Subject-matter experts and thought leaders present case studies, after-action reports, and engaging discussions. These sessions are designed to give real-world insights that attendees can bring back to their departments.
Key topics covered at the 2026 event include:
- Artificial intelligence in law enforcement
- Cybersecurity and cybercrime response
- Mobile policing strategies
- Digital asset management
- Autonomous vehicles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS)
- Technology strategy and digital transformation
- Information sharing across agencies
- Community policing and crime prevention
- Officer safety, health, and wellness
- Leadership development and management training
However, it is not just about sitting in lecture halls. The workshops are built to be hands-on and interactive. Attendees can expect panel discussions, live demonstrations, and peer exchanges. Twelve targeted workshops are specifically designed to provide actionable insights into improving operations, strategy, and technology in the policing profession. Additionally, speakers can receive a complimentary one-day pass for their assigned presentation day or a reduced-rate full conference registration.
Who Can Attend IACP 2026?
The event is not open to the general public. Attendance is limited to IACP members, qualified non-members, family members, and exhibitors. Qualified non-members include sworn officers, first responders, public safety personnel, civilians employed by government safety agencies, and members of the armed forces. A valid form of identification is required at the time of registration.
Eligible attendees include:
- Law enforcement officers and chiefs of police
- Sheriffs and their personnel
- EMS and fire service professionals
- Federal, state, city, county, campus, and tribal agency employees
- Park rangers from federal and state agencies
- Armed forces personnel
- Civilians working for qualifying government agencies
The IACP reserves the right to refuse ineligible registrations. Therefore, it is best to confirm your eligibility before completing the sign-up process.
Tickets and Registration Information
Registration for IACP 2026 is open. The full conference registration fee includes access to all general assemblies, educational workshops, the exposition hall, and the Chiefs Night networking event held on Monday evening.
Meals are not included in the standard registration. However, the event does feature specific meeting-related breakfasts and receptions depending on the sub-event you are attending. For example, the IACP State and Provincial Police Academy Directors Annual Meeting registration, priced at $550, includes breakfasts and a networking reception.
Annual Banquet ticket sales are scheduled to begin in September 2026. There are no refunds for Annual Banquet tickets once purchased. First-time IACP members are eligible for a discounted rate, but this discount must be applied at the time of initial registration. Refunds cannot be given for incorrect registration submissions.
Interested attendees should visit the official registration page at theiacpconference.org for current rates and policies.
The Exposition Hall: 600+ Exhibitors Under One Roof
The exposition hall is one of the most popular parts of the entire conference. It features more than 600 companies showcasing products and services that support the law enforcement and public safety industries. Attendees can climb on helicopters, explore mobile command units, try on tactical gear, and speak directly with company representatives.
Categories of products and services on display typically include:
- Tactical equipment and uniforms
- Law enforcement vehicles and mobile units
- Surveillance and intelligence technology
- Body cameras and digital evidence management systems
- AI-powered software for crime analysis
- Cybersecurity solutions
- Communication and information-sharing platforms
- Non-lethal weapons and safety tools
- Training simulators and VR tools
Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers plan to conduct in-person enrollment interviews for CBP’s Global Entry program for registered IACP 2026 attendees inside the Exposition Hall on Sunday, October 25, through Tuesday, October 27. This is an exclusive opportunity for attendees to take care of their travel credentials in one place.
Exhibitors can update their directory listings through the Exhibitor Resource Center. The IACP 2026 app pulls listing information directly from this directory. Companies can enhance their online presence by upgrading their listing to include logos, press releases, product photos, and videos.
Networking Opportunities
Networking is one of the most valued aspects of the annual conference. With more than 16,000 public safety professionals expected to attend from more than 120 countries, the opportunity to connect is unmatched anywhere else in the industry.
Chiefs Night is a Monday networking reception included in the full conference registration. It gives police chiefs, senior officials, and other attendees a relaxed setting to exchange ideas and build relationships. Beyond this flagship event, smaller receptions, roundtables, and informal gatherings take place throughout the four days.
For vendors and exhibitors, the event presents a direct line to the people who make procurement decisions. Meeting chiefs of police, senior law enforcement officials, and agency procurement officers in person is a major benefit that no online marketplace can replicate.
Accommodation and Housing in Orlando
onPeak is the official housing partner for IACP 2026. The organization works with onPeak to secure reduced-rate hotel rooms for attendees and exhibitors. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so booking early is strongly advised.
The Hyatt Regency Orlando, located at 9801 International Drive, serves as an official conference hotel. Several other hotels along International Drive and the surrounding area are within easy walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the Orange County Convention Center.
Some recommended hotel options near the venue include:
- Hyatt Regency Orlando
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive
- Hampton Inn Orlando International Drive
- Residence Inn Orlando Convention Center
- La Quinta Inn and Suites Orlando I Drive/Conv Center
Groups booking ten or more rooms should contact IACP directly through their designated group housing contact.
Exploring Orlando Beyond the Conference
Orlando offers far more than its famous theme parks. However, if you have extra time, the city has plenty to keep you busy before or after conference sessions.
International Drive, where the convention center sits, is home to dozens of restaurants, entertainment venues, and attractions. Visitors will find dining options ranging from Italian and Mexican to American and Asian cuisine. ICON Park, located on I-Drive, features a large observation wheel and several restaurants and entertainment spots.
For those who want to venture further, Universal Orlando Resort and its Wizarding World of Harry Potter are less than four miles from the convention center. Walt Disney World is also nearby and accessible by shuttle from many area hotels. Notably, MICHELIN Guide inspectors have recognized 61 Orlando restaurants, making the city a surprisingly strong destination for food lovers.
Visit Orlando also offers discounted attraction tickets specifically for convention delegates attending IACP 2026. This is a great way to extend your stay and enjoy everything the city has to offer at a lower cost.
Conclusion
The IACP Annual Conference and Exposition 2026 is shaping up 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, the conference brings together more than 16,000 professionals for four days of training, networking, and technology exploration. With over 200 educational workshops, 600 plus exhibitors, and networking events like Chiefs Night, there is something of value for every attendee. Additionally, Orlando itself is a world-class destination with exceptional dining, accommodation, and entertainment options to enhance your visit. Whether you are attending to learn, to exhibit, or to connect, IACP 2026 is an unmissable event on the 2026 public safety calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is IACP 2026?
IACP 2026 takes place from October 24 to 27, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center, located at 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 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 employed by qualifying government agencies, and armed forces members), family members, and exhibitors. It is not open to the general public.
What is included in the full conference registration fee?
Full registration covers access to all general assemblies, educational workshops, the exposition hall, and Chiefs Night, the Monday evening networking reception.
How do I book a hotel for IACP 2026?
onPeak is the official housing partner. Visit the IACP 2026 Housing site through the official conference website to book at a reduced group rate. Groups of ten or more rooms should contact IACP directly.
Can non-law enforcement vendors and companies exhibit at IACP 2026?
Yes. Companies offering products and services relevant to the law enforcement and public safety sectors can apply to exhibit. The exposition hall features more than 600 exhibitors. Interested companies can contact IACP Exhibits at exhibitsemail@theiacp.org for details.
