Conference News
Check back regularly to see daily highlights, news and select session write-ups!
Press/media contact: Lisa Inkley, Marketing Director, APCO International
APCO 2026: Connect & Celebrate Dinner
August 5 -- The Connect & Celebrate Dinner in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Wednesday, Aug. 5, featured award presentations, the swearing-in of the Board members and of the 2026-2027 Executive Committee. It also featured the farewell and inaugural addresses from outgoing President Jack Varnado and incoming President Michael O’Connor.
APCO 2026: Food for Thought Lunch
August 5 -- APCO 2026’s Food for Thought Lunch on Wednesday at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center honored chapters for membership growth, recognized agencies for training accreditation, presented individual honors and looked to next year’s conference in Anaheim. A confidence coach and bestselling author closed with a pitch for why personal confidence pays off for you and those around you.
APCO 2026: Second General Business Session
August 4 -- The Second General Business Session on Tuesday in the Henry B. González Convention Center selected a new executive committee, reviewed the association’s annual progress, passed a bylaws amendment and featured five federal and industry public safety communications partners.
APCO 2026: Distinguished Achievers Breakfast
August 4 -- The APCO 2026 Distinguished Achievers Breakfast on Tuesday at the Henry B. González Convention Center recognized corporate partners, Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) graduates and agencies achieving national accreditation. It was capped by a keynote address from Olympic hurdler and Pan American Games silver medalist Sarah Wells on building a culture of excellence.
APCO 2026: Opening General Session
August 3 -- APCO 2026 attendees filled the San Antonio Convention Center ballroom Monday for the Opening General Session, where a Bexar County sheriff, the APCO CEO and the APCO president welcomed the membership before a mental health expert urged telecommunicators to make six daily choices to build a less anxious life.
First General Business Session
August 2 -- APCO 2026 kicked off officially Sunday with the First General Business Session as attendees heard the platform of the second vice president candidate, considered a bylaws amendment to add at-large seats to the Board of Directors, and got an update from APCO’s chief counsel on the association’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
Show Daily
For those attending APCO 2026, the Show Daily (a special edition of PSC eNews) will give you a review of what’s happening each day as well as provide important updates and reminders. Make sure to check your inbox each morning of the conference to stay in the know!
Photos
Articles & Sessions
Articles
Sessions
- “Mean Girls” – Cliques in Dispatch
- APCO & iCERT: Advancing AI for Emergency Response
- Behind the Sirens: How Louisville 911 Managed UPS Plane Crash Messaging
- Defending ECCs Against Swatting: Guidance from APCO & PSTA
- Tik Tok the Time to Start Community Engagement Is Now
- The Wizard & I: AI Use in Public Safety Communications and Law Enforcement
- Building Successful Teams, the Ted Lasso Way
- Social Media Made Simple for 9-1-1: Real Examples & Tools
- Capitol Insights: From the Desk of Government Affairs
- Building the Next Generation of 911 Professionals
- Fix Your Face (and Your Attitude)
- Marketing Your 9-1-1 Center
- From the Ground Up: Rebuilding a Training Program
- Think Tank: The Myth of Work-Life Balance
APCO News
New APCO International Chapter Established at APCO 2026
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, August 2 — Today at the Executive Council Meeting at APCO 2026, the Executive Council official affirmed the establishment of the APCO International Colombia chapter. The chapter's mission will focus on advancing public safety communications through education, professional development, standards, advocacy, collaboration and support for NG9-1-1 implementation in Colombia. The charter was officially signed by APCO leadership during the meeting.