2027 NSA Annual Conference Seminars
National Sheriffs’ Association | June 21-24, 2027 | Charlotte, North Carolina
The NSA Annual Conference brings together sheriffs, law enforcement professionals, public safety leaders, and industry experts from across the country for several days of education, networking, and collaboration.
We’re looking for knowledgeable, engaging presenters who can bring fresh ideas, practical solutions, and valuable insight to the issues facing sheriffs’ offices and the law enforcement profession. If you have experience, strategies, or lessons that can help agencies prepare for today’s challenges and what’s ahead, we encourage you to submit a proposal.
CHECKLIST | EDUCATION FORMAT & PRIORITIES | APPLY | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SPEAKER CHECKLIST
MATERIALS NEEDED TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL
SPEAKER INFORMATION
- Name
- Title
- Organization
- Phone number
SESSION INFORMATION
- Session title
- Description
- Learning objectives
- Track (Scroll down for track descriptions)
FILES
- Speaker biography
- Speaker headshot
- Signed speaker agreement (Find the 2027 NSA Annual Conference Speaker Agreement here)
EDUCATION FORMAT & TRACKS
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
NSA is seeking relevant, practical, and engaging educational content that addresses the challenges, opportunities, and changing needs of today’s sheriffs’ offices and public safety agencies.
Strong proposals should provide attendees with useful information, new perspectives, proven strategies, or actionable takeaways they can apply within their own agencies. Sessions should be educational in nature and should not serve as a sales presentation or commercial for a product, company, or service.
PRESENTATION FORMATS
Case Studies (60 minutes)
Real-world examinations of incidents, programs, initiatives, or agency challenges that highlight lessons learned, outcomes, after-action findings, and practices other agencies can apply.
Educational Sessions (60-90 minutes)
In-depth presentations that provide practical information, proven strategies, best practices, and takeaways attendees can bring back to their agencies.
Micro Sessions (30-45 minutes)
Focused presentations that address a specific issue, idea, strategy, or emerging topic in a concise format.
Panel Discussions (90 minutes)
Moderated conversations featuring multiple subject matter experts who bring different perspectives and experiences to a timely issue.
Roundtable Discussions (45-60 minutes)
Facilitated, interactive conversations that encourage attendees to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and learn from one another.
SEMINAR TRACKS
Applicants should select the track that most closely aligns with the subject of their proposed session.
Future of Law Enforcement & Innovation
Emerging trends and long-term shifts shaping the future of law enforcement, including evolving community expectations, workforce changes, new approaches to public safety, the future impact of AI and developing technologies, and strategic forecasting.
Investigations, Intelligence & Crime Trends
Criminal investigations, human trafficking, narcotics, organized crime, crime analysis, intelligence sharing, digital forensics, and current and emerging crime trends.
Jail Operations & Corrections
Jail administration, staffing, inmate management, healthcare, behavioral health, facility operations, reentry programs, and strategies to reduce recidivism.
Leadership & Organizational Excellence
Leadership development, succession planning, organizational culture, strategic planning, change management, ethics, accountability, and executive decision-making.
Legal Affairs & Public Policy
Current and emerging legal issues, legislation, court decisions, policy development, regulatory changes, and advocacy affecting sheriffs’ offices and the broader law enforcement community.
Officer Wellness & Resiliency
Physical wellness, mental health, stress management, family support, peer support, resilience, and programs that support the overall well-being of law enforcement professionals.
Public Safety, Emergency Management & Community Partnerships
Multi-agency response, disaster preparedness, emergency management, crisis response, community engagement, public-private partnerships, and interagency collaboration.
Recruitment, Retention, Training & Workforce Development
Hiring, onboarding, academy and in-service training, professional development, generational workforce issues, retention strategies, and succession planning.
Rural & Small Agency Solutions
Leadership, staffing, technology, partnerships, funding, and operational strategies designed to address the unique needs and challenges of rural and smaller agencies.
Technology & Cybersecurity
Current law enforcement tools and systems, including digital evidence, cybersecurity, data management, automation, drones, communications systems, AI applications, and strategies for successful technology implementation.
Traffic Safety
Traffic enforcement, impaired driving, crash reduction strategies, roadway safety, occupant protection, and technologies and programs that improve traffic safety.
For questions or clarification about seminar submissions, please contact Kamerin Collins at kcollins@sheriffs.org.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ANNUAL CONFERENCE SEMINAR FAQS
Q: What is the deadline to complete a submission?
A: The deadline to submit for the NSA Annual Conference will be November 1st.
Q: Do I have to submit my proposal online?
A: Yes. All proposals must be submitted through the online seminar portal.
Q: Do I have to have an email address to submit online?
A: Yes. Submission confirmations and future notifications will be sent by email.
Q: How will I know if my proposal was submitted successfully?
A: A confirmation screen will appear after your proposal has been successfully submitted.
Q: What information is required?
A: The online proposal must be completed with the following information:
- Seminar Track
- Nomination Person
- Point of Contact
- Title of Presentation
- Presentation Description
- Presenters*
*Presenter Information Required: Name, Title, Agency/Organization, City, State, Cell Phone, Email - Files: Speaker biography, speaker headshot, and signed speaker agreement.
Q: What tracks can I submit a proposal for?
A: NSA has the following 11 tracks for the Annual Conference:
- Future of Law Enforcement & Innovation
- Investigations, Intelligence & Crime Trends
- Jail Operations & Corrections
- Leadership & Organizational Excellence
- Legal Affairs & Public Policy
- Officer Wellness & Resiliency
- Public Safety, Emergency Management & Community Partnerships
- Recruitment, Retention, Training & Workforce Development
- Rural & Small Agency Solutions
- Technology & Cybersecurity
- Traffic Safety
Q: What topic should I submit for consideration?
A: We are looking for contemporary, relevant, and innovative educational content that provides value to sheriffs, deputies, command staff, jail administrators, and other public safety professionals. Proposals should focus on education and should not be used to promote or sell a product, organization, or service.
Q: What are the criteria for acceptance of proposals?
A: All submissions will be reviewed as part of the Annual Conference seminar selection process. Submitters will be notified of the final decision by email.
Q: When will I know if my presentation has been accepted?
A: All submitters will receive an email once the seminar review and selection process is complete.
Q: If my proposal is accepted, will I receive any compensation for presenting at an NSA conference?
A: No. NSA does not provide honorariums or cover presenter travel expenses.
Q: If my proposal is accepted, will I receive complimentary registration at NSA’s conference?
A: Selected presenters will receive complimentary limited-access registration, which includes access to seminars and General Sessions but does not include access to the Exhibit Hall.
Q: How are seminar rooms set up? What audio-visual equipment will be available for my presentation?
A: Seminar rooms are generally set in classroom-style seating and include a lectern, projector, screen, and standard audiovisual support.
Additional audio-visual requests will be considered at the discretion of the Director of Meetings and the availability of such resources. Costs of additional audio-visual requests may be passed on to the presenter (i.e. internet).
Q: Where should I go once I arrive on-site at the conference?
A: Please visit the conference registration desk to check in and obtain your conference credentials.
Q: What is expected of me as a presenter?
A: Conference attendees invest a considerable amount of time and expense to attend the conference. It is expected that presenters:
- Arrive prepared and ready to deliver their session within the allotted time.
- Have appropriate knowledge and experience in the subject area.
- Provide useful, educational content for attendees.
- Avoid excessive promotion of an organization, product, or service.
- Engage attendees and communicate the material effectively.
- Avoid simply reading from presentation slides or prepared statements.
