Shaping the Future of Public Safety Pensions and Benefits
2026 Public Safety Conference
Shaping the Future of Public Safety Pensions and Benefits
Police officers, firefighters, and first responders face higher risks, earlier retirements, and unique pension realities, and this is where leaders gain the tools to meet those challenges.
As NCPERS celebrates its 85th anniversary, the Public Safety Conference—the only national event dedicated to the unique challenges of public safety pension systems—will bring together nearly 400 trustees, administrators and staff, state and local officials, service providers, union officers, and regulators from the U.S. and Canada biannually in October.
Since 1985, this conference has provided trusted education and insights for professionals managing the retirement security of police officers, firefighters, and other first responders, who face higher risks, earlier retirements, and distinct pension considerations compared to other public-sector employees.
- Register now for the 2026 Public Safety Conference. View registration details including fees and policies.
- View the schedule for a preview of sessions and continuing education opportunities. Looking to share your expertise? Submit your speaker proposal by July 31!
- Book your stay at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville.
- Join us for the two NCPERS University programs held directly before the conference: Fiduciary in Focus Workshop
& NCPERS Advanced Fiduciary Institute (NAF). - Explore sponsorship and exhibit hall opportunities to increase your brand visibility and show your support of the public pension community.
- Find answers to frequently asked questions.
Who Should Attend NCPERS Public Safety Conference?
As one of the largest gatherings in the public pension space, NCPERS Conferences help connect hundreds of professionals from across the U.S. and Canada, providing the ideal environment to expand your network and explore the latest issues affecting public safety pension systems.
- Pension Trustees seeking strategic guidance to support sound decision-making and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Administrators, Plan Staff, and Industry Stakeholders aiming to strengthen plan performance, ensure compliance, and address the unique needs of first responders.
- Plan Sponsors and State/Local Officials navigating complex policy, legal, and governance challenges.
- Service Providers looking to connect with decision-makers and showcase solutions tailored to the retirement security of police, firefighters, and other first responders.
Please note: While this event is geared towards public safety plans, all members of the public pension community are welcome. As a reminder, your organization must be a current member of NCPERS at the time of registration. Contact membership@ncpers.org to learn more.
Arrive Early: Advance Your Skills with NCPERS University
Make the most of your time onsite with our pre-conference programming October 24-25: NCPERS University is designed to give trustees and pension professionals the tools, confidence, and practical skills to excel—not just during our events, but in every decision that shapes your fund’s future.
NCPERS 2026 Fiduciary in Focus Workshop
Each fall, this program (formerly known as Program for Advanced Trustee Studies, or PATS) dives deep into two timely, high-impact topics, giving trustees and plan staff the expertise to tackle critical challenges.
NCPERS 2026 Advanced Fiduciary (NAF) Institute
Held in both the spring and fall, NAF is where pension professionals and experienced trustees go to become certified experts in the skills needed to strengthen their retirement systems.
2026 Public Safety Conference Agenda
As a leading provider of continuing education in the public pension industry, NCPERS conference agendas are carefully curated to cover key issues impacting our industry. View the most recent 2024 Public Safety Conference agenda for a glimpse of what's to come. If you'd like to participate as a speaker, be sure to submit your speaker proposal by July 31!
Join us for our two NCPERS University programs held October 24-25, directly before the Public Safety Conference: Fiduciary in Focus Workshop & NCPERS Advanced Fiduciary Institute (NAF). Participants in either program can earn Continuing Education (CE) hours with NCPERS.
"The NCPERS Public Safety Conference is an amazing opportunity for new, as well as experienced, public safety professionals to learn and understand the importance of public pensions and retirement security.” - David J. Harer, President, Professional Firefighters of Alabama; Vice Chair Pro Tempore, Retirement Systems of Alabama
Registration Information
NCPERS membership is required to attend the Public Safety Conference. NCPERS members save significantly on registration fees.
- Pension Fund/Stakeholder Member Early-Bird Registration Fee: $800 (prices will increase to $1000 after October 1, 2026)
- Service Provider Member Early-Bird Registration Fee: $1020 (prices increase to $1,220 after October 1, 2026)
- Guest Early-Bird Registration Fee: $115 (prices increase to $165 after October 1, 2026)
Register by October 1, 2026 to lock in your savings at the early-bird rate. Follow these instructions to create your account to register online, or contact registration@ncpers.org for assistance.
To register by mail, please download, complete, and mail the registration form to:
NCPERS
1201 New York Avenue, NW
Suite 850
Washington, DC 20005
Fund/Stakeholder Member Registration Form | Service Provider Member Attendee Registration Form
Sponsorship Registration Form | Exhibitors Registration Form
All requests to modify a registration must be submitted by emailing registration@ncpers.org or by calling 202-601-2445.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to registration@ncpers.org by [DATE]. Cancellations received by this date are eligible for a refund, less a $100 administrative fee.
Refunds will be issued only for written cancellation requests received by [DATE] and will be processed less a $100 administrative fee. All refunds will be issued to the original form of payment. No refunds will be issued after [DATE].
Substitutions are permitted at no additional cost at any time prior to the event. The original registrant is responsible for providing the substitute’s complete contact information. All substitution requests must be submitted in writing to registration@ncpers.org.
NCPERS prioritizes the well-being of attendees and staff. We encourage respect for personal choices regarding masks and physical contact, adherence to any local or venue guidelines, and staying home if unwell. Thank you for helping us create a safe and welcoming environment.
Hotel Information: Renaissance Nashville
The Public Safety Conference will be held at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel, located in the heart of downtown. The NCPERS room rate is $339 per night, with a reservation deadline of Thursday, October 1 at 11:59 PM Eastern time.
The hotel sits just steps from Broadway, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Nashville’s central business district, making it easy for attendees to explore the city before or after conference sessions. Attendees will have convenient access to conference sessions, networking events, and nearby restaurants and entertainment, all within walking distance. Don’t let the room rate sell out, book your stay early to secure the best rate.
Reservations: Book online or call 800-237-6618 and request the NCPERS 2026 Public Safety Conference room block.
Hotel Policies
Cancellation Policy: Reservations require a first night's room and tax deposit at the time of booking. Guests may cancel their reservation with 24 hour notice. Any guest who checks out prior to their confirmed departure date will be subject to an early departure fee equal to one night's room rate and applicable taxes. Guests are encouraged to confirm their arrival and departure dates carefully at the time of booking to avoid additional charges.
Check-In/Check-Out: Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is by 12:00 PM (noon)
Transportation
- Nearest Airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA) is approximately 8.4 miles from the hotel, typically a 15-minute drive depending on traffic.
- Rideshare: Uber/Lyft rides from BNA cost around $25-$35 and taxis cost $30-$40.
- Public Transit: WeGo Route 18 provides direct service from BNA to downtown Nashville. The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs approximately $2. The closest stop is a short walk from the hotel.
- Hotel Parking: Valet parking is currently $69 per day (oversized vehicles incur additional charges). Self-parking is available in nearby garages but is not operated by the hotel.
Partnering for Success: Public Safety Conference Exhibitors & Sponsors
Build brand recognition and connect with nearly 400 top public pension decision-makers at NCPERS Public Safety Conference. Dedicated exhibit hall breaks help to strengthen your existing relationships and showcase your products or services, while thoughtful sponsorship opportunities leave a lasting impression on attendees.
One Last Celebration in Our 85th Anniversary Year
As the final in-person NCPERS event of 2026, join us in Nashville for a milestone gathering celebrating 85 years of advancing public pensions. Connect with peers, celebrate the enduring strength of the public pension community, and help us toast to 85 years of leadership, education, and advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions: NCPERS Public Safety Conference
Questions about the 2026 NCPERS Public Safety Conference? Contact events@ncpers.org.