Young Professionals

Make new connections, share bold ideas, and expand your professional reach.

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Level Up Your Career at APCO 2026

APCO 2026 is more than a conference; it’s where the future of public safety communications takes shape. Whether you’re looking to master new technical skills or build a circle of mentors, this is your home base for growth.

Expand Your Network by connecting with peers and industry leaders who will support your career for the next 20+ years.

Share Innovation by exchanging ideas that solve today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow's.

The Young Professional Committee has allowed me the opportunity to network with other young professionals across the country, and bring quality ideas back to my agency for possible implementation to retain young professionals like myself. It has also given me the unique opportunity to serve in committee leadership, which has helped me develop better interpersonal and leadership skills.”
~ Kyleah Carruthers, Current Member of APCO’s Young Professional Committee

Roadmap for Making the Most of the Conference

1. Hit the Young Professional Events

APCO has a social calendar specifically for you. These are the best places to meet peers who understand the unique stresses of the job.

Young Professional Mixer

This is the flagship event for your demographic. It’s high-energy and much less formal than the general sessions and allows time to network with peers in your industry and have some fun!

Monday, August 3, 2026
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Texas River Bar
Must have badge for entry.

A must-attend event for those ages 35 years or younger. This reception brings together young professionals who are passionate about the public safety communications industry. It is an ideal opportunity to network and socialize with fellow young professionals. Invitations will be sent via email in June.

Young Professional Meet Up

A special Meet Up will be held at the APCO Pavilion inside the Exhibit Hall during conference. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the committee, a welcoming space to network, exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and learn how APCO’s programs, resources, and communities can provide support to Young Professionals with their career path, and more!

2. Focus on Career Advancement & Leadership Tracks

While technical sessions are great, the Career Advancement Center in the Exhibit Hall and Leadership Development tracks provide the "soft skills" that lead to promotions.

  • CEUs: Ensure you track your Continuing Education Units for any certifications (like CPE or RPL) you may be pursuing.
  • Wellness Sessions: Public safety has a high burnout rate. Prioritize at least one session on mental wellness or stress management to build long-term career resilience.

3. Navigate the Exhibit Hall Like a Pro

The Expo floor can be overwhelming with over 200 vendors.

  • APCO Pavilion: Here you can meet our keynote speakers, engage with APCO staff, learn more about membership benefits, certifications, frequency coordination and more. Don’t miss sessions occurring here in the APCO Theater and a designated Young Professional meetup at the Pavilion.
  • Professional Headshots: Upgrade your LinkedIn profile with free professional headshots in the exhibit hall.

4. Strategic Networking

  • The "Ribbon" Wall: Pick up a "Young Professional" ribbon for your badge. It acts as a conversation starter; seasoned veterans often go out of their way to welcome those wearing them and you can start up a conversation with other young professionals.
  • The "Two-Person" Rule: Try to meet two new people at every lunch or social event. Ask them about their agency's biggest challenge; it's the fastest way to learn about the industry landscape outside your hometown.

See what 2025 Young Professional attendees had to say about their time at conference.

  • “My favorite moment at conference was the young professionals mixer. I valued being able to network with individuals of my own age and rank.”

  • “Networking with peers, the young professional service project and the young professional mixer were my favorite parts of conference. “

  • “My favorite parts of conference were a lot of the sessions were very helpful and provided a lot of good information. The young professionals mixer was also a lot of fun and the exhibit hall had a lot of different companies that don't always show up to our local conference, so it was nice to see other options for new technology that we are looking for face to face.”

  • “I enjoyed the Young Professionals Mixer and attending classes that taught me about different aspects of the job.”

  • “My favorite moment was meeting some new people and connecting at the young professionals mixer”

  • “The Young Professional Mixer was the highlight of conference”