What Not to Miss at This Summer’s Tradeshows

Your guide to getting the most out of NENA, APCO, and everything in between.

Whether it’s your first show or your fifteenth, conferences like NENA and APCO are packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Here’s what we’re most excited about, and why you should add them to your list too.

Continuing Education

Expand your knowledge in ways that directly improve your day-to-day work.

Why it matters: The best sessions aren’t just informative, they’re applicable. Whether you're in leadership or on the floor, you’ll find classes that help you think differently and solve real-world problems. With sessions covering everything from wellness and resilience to data, cybersecurity, and facility planning, there’s something for every interest.

Pro tip: If you're attending with a group, divide and conquer. Make a plan to participate in a mix of sessions: one that’s practical, one that’s strategic, and one that pushes your perspective. Bring notes back to the team so everyone benefits.

Fresh Ideas from the Field

ECC tours let you see how other teams work, how their spaces are laid out, how they’re staffed, and how they flow.

Why it matters: Sometimes the best ideas come from seeing something done differently. Even if you’re from a high-volume, large-scale center, a lean operation might reveal efficiencies worth adopting. And if you're from a smaller center, these tours can introduce tech or workflows that help bridge gaps and strengthen your capabilities.

Pro tip: Ask questions. Every center has a story, and the biggest takeaways often come from behind-the-scenes decisions, not just the floor plan. Don’t assume size or scale dictates value—perspective is everything.

Tools That Change How You Work

From software to console furniture, live demos let you experience the tools that can change your workflow.

Why it matters: You can’t fully understand the feel, functionality, or fit of a product from a catalog or a website. Being there in person means you can interact, ask questions, and see how things actually perform. And where else are you going to find AI tools, dispatch software, ergonomic consoles, and K9 demos all in one place?

Pro tip: Seeing how different tools stack up live, not just in theory, makes all the difference when it comes to making the right call for your team. Look for real ways these tools can change your center. And be sure to swing by our booth for a first look at Apollo, our newest console, and talk with our team about what’s possible when your space is built around you.

Real Talk, Real People

From hallway chats to roundtable forums, the connections at NENA go deeper than networking, they’re about community, candor, and feeling understood.

Why it matters: Public safety comes with challenges no one else fully understands, but here, everyone does. Whether you’re trading shift hacks, talking burnout, or figuring out your next step, the insights and encouragement you gain from others in the field can be game-changing. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, new energy, and people in your corner.

Pro tip: Prioritize at least one roundtable or social event. The best conversations often happen when the PowerPoint slides are put away.

The Swag

Yes, it’s fun—but it’s also how you remember who made an impression. Plus, we’ve got our “In My Dispatcher Era” badges and a few new surprises.

Why it matters: Sometimes, that perfect lanyard or badge sparkles up your day—and reminds you who to call when you need something down the road.

Pro tip: Carry a tote. The good swag adds up fast.

Seeing Watson Consoles (Yes, It’s Worth It)

Let’s face it: you can’t just walk into a store and test drive a dispatch console.

Why it matters: This is your first chance to get hands-on with Apollo, our newest console. Seeing it in person means you can experience how it feels, functions, and fits into your space, not just how it looks online. Also, take time to explore how Mercury has met the needs of centers across the country and stood the test of time.

Pro tip: Come by the booth ready to kick the tires and ask questions. Whether you're years out from a remodel or figuring out what you need right now, this is the place to start.