APCO Show Daily

APCO 2024: Food for Thought Luncheon

August 13, 2024 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2024: Connect & Celebrate Dinner

August 13, 2024 -- Conference Coverage

Wednesday Wrap-up

August 13, 2024 --

APCO 2024: Distinguished Achievers Breakfast

August 7, 2024 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2024: Second General Business Session

August 7, 2024 -- Conference Coverage

Tuesday Wrap-up

August 7, 2024 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2024: Opening General Session

August 6, 2024 -- Conference Coverage

Monday Wrap-up

August 6, 2024 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2024: First General Business Session

August 5, 2024 -- Conference Coverage

Sunday Wrap-up

August 5, 2024 -- Conference Coverage

Connect With APCO’s Government Relations Team at APCO 2024

August 4, 2024 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2024 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)
APCO’s advocacy is driven by the needs of its members, and APCO’s Annual Conference & Expo provides a great opportunity for our government relations team to connect face-to-face. This year, there will be several opportunities to engage with APCO’s government relations team during APCO 2024.

APCO’s 90th Annual Conference & Expo Has Begun!

August 4, 2024 -- Sunday, August 4

Experience APCO 2024 In Orlando

August 1, 2024 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2024 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)
Attractions, shopping and fine dining are plentiful in America’s No. 1 theme park destination.

Meet the Hosts of APCO 2024: The Florida Chapter

August 1, 2024 --

(From the July/August 2024 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)

The Florida APCO chapter was founded on September 20, 1944, so 2024 marks the 80th year in service to our profession. We are excited to showcase what our state has to offer while serving as the APCO 2024 host chapter.

APCO 2023: Food for Thought Luncheon

August 14, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

On the final day of APCO 2023, the Food For Thought Luncheon in the Music City Center featured chapter membership awards, agency certification recognition, thanks to conference organizers and a preview of APCO 2024. Finally, the climax of the lunch came in a presentation by a pilot named Amelia Earhart.

But before all that, new APCO Executive Director Mel Maier expressed excitement about leading the nation’s largest law enforcement association after serving 33 years in public safety. Maier was the captain and chief of public safety communications for the Oakland County (Michigan) Sheriff’s Office before joining APCO in March 2022. He ascends to executive director after serving 18 months as APCO’s chief technology officer. Derek Poarch, who is retiring, remains CEO during the leadership transition.

APCO 2023: Connect & Celebrate Dinner

August 14, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2023 came to a close at the Connect & Celebrate Dinner in Nashville, Tennessee, where attendees were greeted with music from Michael Andrew and the Swingerhead Band. Once attendees got settled, outgoing President Angela Batey took the podium to thank everyone and followed that with presenting the 2023 APCO International President’s Award to Mrs. Kathy Poarch, wife of APCO CEO Derek Poarch. “Kathy has been a steadfast partner, walking side by side with Derek for his entire time at APCO,” said President Batey. “She has been his confidant, his refuge and his northern star. Now that his time as our CEO is drawing to an end, I could not let the opportunity to show our appreciation slip by.”

Batey continued to recap the past year, including the search for the association’s new executive director. “In January, we embarked on the most difficult task I have faced as a member of APCO – finding a successor to our incredible executive director and CEO, Mr. Derek Poarch,” she said. “We knew this would never be an easy job, but I am confident that our new executive director, Mr. Mel Maier, who I introduced on Monday, will continue to foster the culture of excellence and service that have been hallmarks of Derek’s tenure.”

Wednesday Wrap-up

August 14, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2023: Distinguished Achievers Breakfast

August 9, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2023’s Distinguished Achievers Breakfast recognized APCO members and contributors on Tuesday, and the Nashville, Tennessee, Music City Center audience heard from Olympic gymnast and business owner Dominique Dawes about the value of setting aside one’s ego. The first thing she told the APCO 2024 breakfast crowd is that now, at the age of 46 going on 47, she can’t do back flips anymore and that she is no longer striving for perfect 10s. Most importantly, she’s happier as a result.

Before Dawes spoke, APCO Chief Executive Officer Derek Poarch thanked corporate sponsors of APCO 2023 and introduced graduates of APCO’s Certified Public-Safety Executive Program. The Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), announced the 22 emergency communications centers (ECCs) that have earned accreditation from the program and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) recognized new member agencies of the Missing Kids Readiness Program.

APCO 2023: Second General Business Session

August 9, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

APCO International’s new second vice president is Mark Spross of the Oregon chapter, selected in a runoff election by the assembled membership at the second General Business Session of APCO 2024 held Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee.

Before the vote, APCO CEO Derek Poarch delivered the 2023 Annual Association Report, saying the state of the association is “overwhelmingly strong.”

APCO members also heard briefings from the Federal Communications Commission, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau; and the Department of Homeland Security.

Tuesday Wrap-up

August 9, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

Monday Wrap-up

August 8, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2023: Opening General Session

August 8, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

The Opening General Session of APCO 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee’s, Music City Center hosted hundreds of attendees who heard about the association’s progress and its work to elevate 9-1-1 professionals along with a lesson on teamwork and perseverance from the Navy Seal who shot Osama Bin Laden.

APCO CEO Derek Poarch began by affirming the vital work APCO members perform for society.

“You matter. You make a difference,” Poarch said. “The job that you have chosen is hard, the situations you manage are intense, and the world itself feels a little tougher to navigate every day. No matter what else is happening in your own lives, you go to work, you put on a headset – and you make this great country safer.”

First General Business Session Concludes Day 1 of APCO 2023

August 7, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

The first General Business Session concluded the first day of the 89th annual conference, APCO 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee, with candidates for the office of second vice president offering their visions of the association’s future. Vying for the job are Matthew Franke of the Ohio Chapter, Mark Spross of the Oregon Chapter and Maureen Will of the Atlantic Chapter.

Before their remarks, APCO President Angela Batey introduced new members on regional boards and the Commercial Advisory Committee.

APCO members also approved a resolution to amend the policy manual to approve a new category for students and educators. And Jeff Cohen, APCO chief counsel and director of government relations, delivered a 2023 regulatory update to the assembled APCO membership.

Sunday Wrap-up

August 7, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

A Preview of the APCO 2023 Cutting Edge Developments Track

August 6, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2023 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)
Every year, APCO’s Government Relations Office curates the Cutting Edge professional development track for APCO’s Annual Conference and Expo.

APCO’s 89th Annual Conference & Expo Has Begun!

August 6, 2023 -- Sunday, August 4

Welcome to the APCO Annual Conference & Expo Show Daily!

August 3, 2023 -- Pre-Show Edition

Welcome to Music City: Home of APCO 2023

August 3, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2023 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)
Nashville, Tennessee, welcomes attendees to the APCO Annual Conference & Expo August 6-9.

Meet the Hosts: The Tennessee APCO Chapter

August 3, 2023 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2023 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)

The Tennessee APCO Chapter was started in July 1970, according to the original constitution and by-laws, and in 2023 is excited to showcase some of what our state has to offer while serving as host chapter for the APCO International conference.

APCO 2022: Food for Thought Luncheon

August 15, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

It was the final day of APCO 2022 in Anaheim, California, and the Food for Thought Luncheon menu was loaded. It included recognition of thriving APCO chapters, agency certification, volunteer contributions to this year’s conference, and a look ahead to the 2023 conference. It concluded with insights of an American war hero on “Leadership Lessons From Blackhawk Down.”

APCO 2022: Connect & Celebrate Dinner

August 15, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2022’s Connect & Celebrate Dinner marked the end of the Anaheim, California, Conference and Expo. The association’s 2022-2023 officers were sworn in as the outgoing and incoming presidents laid out the past year’s accomplishments and plans for the next one. The night concluded with a comedy routine.

Wednesday Wrap-up

August 15, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2022: Distinguished Achievers Breakfast

August 10, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2022’s Distinguished Achievers Breakfast recognized APCO members and contributors on Tuesday and the Anaheim Convention Center audience heard from the first female NFL official about charting a path to success despite roadblocks.

Second General Business Session at APCO 2022

August 10, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

The General Business Meeting of APCO 2022 on Tuesday featured association accomplishments, federal progress on behalf of public safety communications, a film about telecommunicators and other first responders, and announcement of a new Executive Committee member.

Tuesday Wrap-up

August 10, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

APCO and NSA Announce Professional Development Partnership at APCO 2022

August 9, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2022: Opening General Session

August 9, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

The General Session of APCO 2022 in Anaheim, California, kicked off with announcements of association initiatives and awards for top public safety communications performers followed by a former Navy SEAL’s motivational speech on building teams that adapt and succeed.

Monday Wrap-up

August 9, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

First General Business Session Concludes Day 1 of APCO 2022

August 8, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

The General Business Session concluded the first day of the 88th annual conference, APCO 2022 in Anaheim, California. The session included the appointment of APCO members to positions on regional boards and to the Commercial Advisory Committee. APCO President Jason Kern introduced new regional representatives and CAC representatives.

Stephen Martini, candidate for Executive Committee second vice president, spoke to assembled members about his history as a public safety telecommunicator and his goals if elected to the executive committee. Jeff Cohen, APCO chief counsel and director of government relations, delivered an update on regulatory affairs.

Sunday Wrap-up

August 8, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

A Preview of the APCO 2022 Cutting Edge Developments Track

August 7, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2022 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)
Every year, APCO’s Government Relations Office curates the Cutting Edge professional development track for APCO’s Annual Conference and Expo.

Conference Attendance Top 10

August 7, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2022 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)

Count the ways that attending APCO 2022 can benefit your career.

APCO’s 88th Annual Conference & Expo Has Begun!

August 7, 2022 -- Sunday, August 4

Welcome to the APCO Annual Conference & Expo Show Daily!

August 4, 2022 -- Pre-Show Edition

Anaheim, Calif., Hosts APCO 2022

August 4, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2022 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)
The varied sights and sounds of Southern California will greet APCO International’s Annual Conference & Expo participants.

CPRA Welcomes You to Southern California

August 4, 2022 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2022 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)

The Southern California Chapter of APCO (The California Public-Safety Radio Association) is hosting APCO 2022 in Anaheim, bringing together thousands of public safety professionals from across the nation and across the world to share, research and explore the many facets of public safety communications.

APCO 2021: Connect & Celebrate Dinner

August 25, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

At the APCO 2021 Connect and Celebrate Dinner, the 2021-2022 Executive Committee was sworn in, new life members were introduced, president’s awards presented, and the top officers surveyed goals for public safety communications.

Food for Thought Luncheon Recognizes Chapter Achievers and Hears Keynote About Authenticity

August 25, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

The APCO 2021 Food for Thought Luncheon on Wednesday recognized individual chapter accomplishments and introduced next year’s Conference & Expo as members heard why “We’re All In This Together.”

Wednesday Wrap Up

August 25, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

Distinguished Achievers Breakfast Honors Excellence, Followed by Dynamic Keynote

August 18, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2021’s Distinguished Achievers Breakfast recognized APCO members and contributors on Tuesday, and the audience in San Antonio heard the inspiring keynote address by a champion adventure racer about overcoming obstacles and taking charge of change in life and work.

Second General Business Meeting Introduces New Officers and Provides APCO and Federal Briefings

August 18, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

Acting during APCO’s 2021’s Second General Business Session on Tuesday, association members passed a constitutional amendment, witnessed the elevation of the new APCO Executive Committee and heard briefings on the state of the association and on the federal outlook for public safety communications.

Tuesday Wrap-up

August 18, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

Monday Wrap-Up

August 17, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2021 Opening General Session Features Briefing, Awards, Motivational Keynote

August 17, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

The Opening General Session at APCO 2021 featured a summary of the state of public safety communications, awards for technical and operational public safety communications excellence, and a motivational talk by the commander of forces that captured Saddam Hussein and killed Osama Bin Laden.

Sunday Wrap-Up

August 16, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

First General Business Session Concludes Day 1 of APCO 2021

August 16, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

The First General Business Session concluded the first day of APCO 2021, APCO’s 87th Annual Conference & Expo, in San Antonio, Texas. The session included the advancement of an amendment to APCO’s constitution, the elevation of six members to Life member status and appointment of others to positions on regional boards and to the Commercial Advisory Committee.

Becky Neugent, candidate for second vice president, spoke to the assembled members about her goals. Jeff Cohen, APCO’s chief counsel and director of government relations, delivered an overview of public safety communications as it relates to the current government, regulatory and political environment.

A Preview of the APCO 2021 Cutting Edge Developments Track�

August 15, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2021 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)
Every year, APCO’s Government Relations Office curates the Cutting Edge Developments track for APCO’s Annual Conference and Expo. This track provides attendees with opportunities to learn about the latest issues and technologies that impact public safety communications.

APCO’s 86th Annual Conference & Expo Has Begun!

August 15, 2021 -- Sunday, August 4

Welcome to the APCO Annual Conference & Expo Show Daily!

August 12, 2021 -- Pre-Show Edition

�San Antonio Hosts APCO 2021

August 12, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2021 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)

Located in south-central Texas, where Interstate 10 meets Interstate 35, San Antonio is a city of 1.5 million, rich with history and culture. The popular tourist destination in Bexar (pronounced “bear”) County offers various restaurants, shops, amusement parks, live music, theater and outdoor activities.

APCO Membership to Consider a Bylaws Amendment

August 12, 2021 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2021 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)

At the 2021 Membership Quorum, the voting membership of APCO International will consider a proposal that adds Chapter offices of Treasurer and Secretary to a list of leadership positions within APCO that may only be held by voting-eligible members.

Remarks by FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel

August 20, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

Food for Thought Luncheon

August 20, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

The Food for Thought Luncheon on Wednesday in the Baltimore Convention Center gave APCO 2019 attendees a taste of the FCC’s role in emergency response and America’s first female jet fighter pilot delivered advice for managing a high stress work environment.

Connect & Celebrate Dinner

August 20, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2019 was gaveled to an end Wednesday during the Connect and Celebrate dinner at the Baltimore Convention Center. The outgoing and incoming presidents assessed lessons learned and their hopes for the future of the preeminent public safety communications association.

Wednesday Wrap-Up

August 20, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

Tuesday Wrap-Up

August 14, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

Distinguished Achievers Breakfast

August 14, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

The APCO 2019 Distinguished Achievers Breakfast on Tuesday morning in the Baltimore Convention Center recognized agencies and people who have completed accreditation and certification from APCO and partner organizations. It also featured updates from the FCC and FirstNet Authority Chairs followed by Super Bowl-winning former Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick who discussed the essential ingredients for making teams work together.

Second General Business Meeting

August 14, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

The next second vice president of APCO International is Jason E. Kern, CPE, RPL of Illinois, who won a contested election against Kimberly Burdick, RPL, CPE, of Montana. Meeting attendees also heard reports from APCO's Executive DIrector & CEO Derek Poarch regarding the association's Annual Report, from Department of Homeland Security officials, and from the FCC’s Public Safety Homeland Security Bureau.

Monday Wrap-Up

August 13, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

Opening General Session

August 13, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

The Opening General Session for APCO International’s 85th Annual Conference and Exhibition featured awards for excellence in the telecommunications industry as well as a keynote address by Bret Baier of the Fox News Channel.

Sunday Wrap-Up

August 12, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

Meet the 2019 PSAP Award Winners

August 12, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

The winners of APCO's 2019 Public Safety Communications and Technology Leadership Awards will be recognized today at the Opening General Session for APCO 2019.

First General Business Session

August 12, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

APCO 2019 concluded its first day with APCO International’s First General Business Session on Sunday as members heard a regulatory update, voted in a trio of new life members and considered pitches for the next second vice president of APCO.

Be Streetwise at APCO 2019

August 12, 2019 -- Monday, August 5

Tips and Tricks to Make the Most of APCO 2019

August 11, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2019 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)
Gain some insider knowledge on how to prepare and get the most out of this year's conference.

How the Conference Program Is Built

August 11, 2019 -- Conference Coverage

(From the July/August 2019 issue of APCO's PSC Magazine)
Hear from the PDEC Committee how they select and build the education program at the annual conference.