Please scroll down for detailed registration, special-event and hotel reservation information and links.
Celebrate | Commemorate | Educate
2026 carries a special emphasis on reverence, patriotism, “extreme” search and rescue and first-responder appreciation. Join us in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of America, commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and continuing to educate ourselves by the unique knowledge, insight and experiences that help make Project Lifesaver members among the best in our field.
The Highest-Quality Event of Its Kind,
Brought to You by the Leading Force in Its Field
Since 1999, Project Lifesaver® International has provided special-needs training and search technology to tens of thousands of first responders. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that trains, certifies and equips law enforcement, public-safety agencies and others in expedited search and rescue (SAR) for people in their local communities who are prone to wandering due to autism, dementia, brain injury, Down syndrome and other cognitive conditions. As the pioneer and now leading force in our field, we are also known for educating policymakers on critical safety issues and fighting for the rights and funding for the special-needs community while supporting the families, caregivers and local public-safety agencies who protect them. Every year is a very special one for us and those we serve, and we intend to make the 2026 Project Lifesaver Annual Conference another extraordinary experience for all who attend. Regarded industrywide as the most impactful and highest quality event of its kind, the Project Lifesaver conference is open to member agencies* and non-members alike. Please join us in 2026! We look forward to meeting you in person and serving you for the long run.
*Please note that becoming a trained, certified and equipped Project Lifesaver member agency is in itself a separate event. However, for members’ convenience, aspects of the required training are offered at the conference. For more about becoming a member agency in your community, please visit our Become a Member page.
Who should attend?
We welcome first responders, educators, parents, caregivers, public-safety professionals, subject-matter journalists, and anyone seeking education, training, and deeper insight into caring for, working with, search-and-rescue for and simply better understanding people with autism, dementia and other cognitive conditions and how to best protect and assist them within local communities. (Please note that ESS courses are for members only.)
From inside the home or classroom to outside at the park to the dreaded wandering or elopement that requires a specially trained and equipped search team, when law-enforcement and others understand cognitive, mental-emotional and behavioral traits and manifestations of neurodivergence and how to navigate challenging situations within that context, positive outcomes prevail.
“Taking on the task to bring Project Lifesaver to my agency was a lot for me, and I appreciated learning everything I could about this special-needs search-and-rescue program. However, when I saw the look on the little girl’s face after she had wandered off and we found her, that was the icing on the cake for me.
I can honestly say that it was the highlight of my 20-year career. A 7-minute search made me feel a way that nothing else in my duties has ever made me feel.
I thank everyone from Project Lifesaver for your dedication to this program and allowing us to be a part of it. You guys are my heroes, for sure!”
~ Sgt. Johnathan Gilbert, Project Lifesaver Coordinator and Electronic Search Specialist, York County Sheriff’s Office, S.C.
See the full story of the YCSO’s rescue of 5-year-old client within one month of launching their Project Lifesaver program.
To witness the impact of Project Lifesaver programs throughout North America and beyond, watch (and share) a growing sampling of news coverage about the life-saving technology, methodology and rescues: www.youtube.com/@ProjectLifesaverInternational/playlists
Registration
Here’s the scoop: Early-bird pricing ends after 11:59 p.m. Eastern time July 24, 2026. Regular pricing (increase) in effect July 25 – Aug. 21, 2026. Final registration cutoff: 11:59 p.m. Eastern time Aug. 21. Hotel accommodations/rooms are separate, not included in conference price; registered conference attendees will be able to reserve a room at attendee-only discounted rates. First responders, public-safety professionals, parents, caregivers, educators and all, we hope to see you in 2026. We promise you a truly transformational experience among peers and some of the most knowledgeable and impactful first-responder, search-and-rescue and special-needs experts, leaders, practitioners and ambassadors in their respective fields. After registration opens Nov. 15, 2025, you may click an option below to register for the conference and your choice of Wednesday and Thursday workshops (please note that ESS courses are for members only).
Member
$700
per attendee
Registration opens November 15, 2025! Join our email list to get updates, reminders and more: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/RCBJr7A
Looking forward to seeing you!
Non-Member
$850
per attendee
Registration opens November 15, 2025! Join our email list to get updates, reminders and more: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/RCBJr7A
Looking forward to seeing you!
National Instructor
$600
per attendee
Registration opens November 15, 2025! Join our email list to get updates, reminders and more: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/RCBJr7A
Looking forward to seeing you!
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
We will be back in the beautiful Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace for the 2026 Project Lifesaver conference! Need a room? Receive our special group rate when it becomes available!**
**Important: PLI group rates will apply only to reservations for Project Lifesaver conference attendees. To be eligible, you must be registered for the conference by the deadline we will post when registration opens. Hotel reservations that do not meet these criteria will be cancelled. Discounted room availability may be limited.