2026 Louisiana APCO/NENA Symposium
Annual State Symposium where over 400 Emergency Communication Professionals come to network
April 27 - 29, 2026  ·  LIVE! Casino & Hotel


The Louisiana Chapters of the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) are proud to present this annual Symposium where over 400 Emergency Communication Professionals come to network, expand their knowledge in our education sessions, and meet vendors who share and demonstrate their products and services.  Louisiana joins the rest of the nation as we work to implement Next Generation 9-1-1 technology and respond to the ever changing needs of our communities. 

Agenda
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Late Registration, Check-In, T-Shirt & Bag Pickup, Departmental Patch & Coin Drop-off
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Emcee: Tommy Mazzone | Caddo Parish 911
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Addicted to Chaos | Learning to be Comfortable in the Quiet
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Domestic-related calls are among the most dangerous and emotionally charged situations Telecommunicators face—yet they’re also some of the most common. Are you prepared to handle them with the insight and skill they demand?
Financial Statement Audits, Compliance, Statewide Agreed-Upon Procedures, and Internal Controls
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Tension in the radio room is inevitable—but conflict doesn’t have to be toxic, overwhelming, or even serious all the time.
Louisiana TERT is a joint Louisiana APCO and NENA Committee that is in the process of building trained teams that can be used to provide operational support to Communications Centers and their personnel, in the event of a man-made or natural disaster.
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Enhancing Map Accuracy: Updating Third Party Maps
Emergency communications professionals face repeated exposure to high-stress and emotionally charged incidents, often without closure or recovery time. This chronic exposure can impact mental health, sleep, decision-making, and job performance.
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Door Prizes to be given away! Hors d'oeuvres & beverages to be served. MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Welcome all new and first time Symposium Attendees. Stop by to network and meet other first time attendees just shortly before dinner is served.
7:00 PM - 11:55 PM
7:00 PM - 11:55 PM
The Eighties Experience Band
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
In the high-stress world of emergency response, your mental well-being is just as critical as your skills on the job.
Surviving The Aftermath Of A Critical Incident
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Grand Ball Room
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
A strong public-education program starts with a clear foundation and two essential pillars: education and recognition.
Stranded cars, blocked highways, and chaotic crash scenes — what happens next depends on you.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
From the Air Force Fire & Emergency Services perspective, this session details the communication needs for an off-base incident involving DOW assets.
To help participants recognize the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress and other mental health challenges in themselves and others, develop healthy coping strategies, and understand that they are not alone.
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
~Lunch~ Door Prizes to be given away! MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
LSP: NCIC Rules & Regulations LA Fusion Center: Suspicious Activity Reporting (LA-SAFE) & the RAVE Alerting
2:10 PM - 3:30 PM
2:10 PM - 3:30 PM
Vendor Speed Dating is the high-octane, corporate equivalent of blind dating, where decision makers and vendors skip the awkward small talk and jump straight into how can we accommodate your agencies needs. MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy | This course will help dispatchers with what questions to ask and how to describe that to responding fire companies.
Planning for Admin Calls and Alternate Routing in PSAPs
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
LA State APCO & NENA Chapters
5:45 PM - 11:55 PM
5:45 PM - 11:55 PM
Crawfish Boil - TBD - 5:45 - 7:00 Karaoke - PBR Lounge - 7:00-12:00
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
This session will examine the events of the Allen Outlet Mall active shooter incident on May 6th, 2023, from the perspective of a telecommunicator and supervisor on duty that day.
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Grand Door Prizes to be given away! MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!
5:00 PM
5:00 PM
Speakers
APCO-National President | 911 Director
Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office
Jack started his Public Safety career in 1986 as a firefighter and EMT. He progressed through various roles, becoming Chief of Communications and Dty Director. Now at Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Ofc, he oversees 911 operations and serves on the APCO Board
NENA President-National | Director of Emergency Communications
Monterey County
NENA President | Director of Emergency Communications, Monterey County | Executive Leadership in Policy, Data, and Technology for the Future of 9-1-1
NENA - Second Vice President
Director Rutherford County ECD/911
Lowery, represents NENA members from the Southeastern Region on the board, has worked in the 9-1-1 industry for twenty-five years and has volunteered at both the county and state level on multiple boards and committees.
Partner at TailorBuilt Solutions, LLC
TailorBuilt Solutions, LLC
A graduate of LSU earning a B.A. in English, Tommy has over 35 years experience as a professional communicator, trainer, and relationship builder.
CEO of LevelUp 911 Training | International Trainer | Retired Fire Chief | Marine Veteran | Retired Kentucky State Police Academy Instructor
LevelUp 911 Training
Jason, a seasoned Telecommunications Instructor, retired from the Kentucky State Police Academy as a Law Enforcement Instructor, Jason ensured that all agencies receive top-notch in-service training and certification.
Director of Client Relations, 2nd VP North Carolina NENA
911 Training Institute
Cassie Sexton is a retired Police Dispatcher with over 15 years of service and currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of North Carolina NENA and Co-Chair of the National NENA Wellness Committee.
Outreach Director
911 Training Institute
Ryan Dedmon is a retired Police Dispatcher with 12 years of service in law enforcement. He is a California POST Academy Instructor and certified CIT Coordinator, supporting 911TI's relationships with first-responders through outreach and engagement.
Communications Active Shooting Instructor
Chris Laymon has 13 years in emergency communications, recognized for his leadership during the Allen Outlet Mall shooting. He holds degrees in Fire Science and IT, is pursuing an MPA, and actively volunteers in disaster response efforts.
GIS/Addressing Manager
Baldwin County 9-1-1
Scott, is the GIS/Addressing Manager for Baldwin Co 9-1-1 in Alabama w/ 20 years of experience. He currently serves as the South Regional Director for GISAA , has served on the GIS Committee for AL 9-1-1, & former Past President of FL URISA (GPN)
LA-NENA President | Deputy Executive Director
Orleans Parish Communication District
Teresa Thompson, Deputy Executive Director of OPCD, has 24 years in public safety communications. She is President of the Louisiana NENA Chapter, State TERT Coordinator, and holds APCO’s RPL and CPE designations.
Partner
Kolder, Slaven & Company, LLC
To equip Louisiana local government officials and staff with a clear understanding of how audits and Statewide Agreed-Upon Procedures (SAUPs).
Lieutenant
LADPS – Troopers and Employees Assistance Program
Lieutenant Douglas W. Thompson is Director of the Louisiana State Police Troopers and Employees Assistance Program.
Adjunct Instructor LA-FETA
Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy
Capt. Haughton Fire Dept./ Adjunct Instructor LA-FETA. (Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy)
Assistant Chief for Fire Prevention
Barksdale Airforce Base
VP of Market Management
INdigital
Caleb Branch is the VP of Market Management for INdigital and oversees ESInet deployments, company positioning/marketing, and partner coordination.
Investigative Specialist
Louisiana State Police - Fusion Center
A fusion center is a collaborative effort of two or more agencies that provide resources, expertise, and/or information with the goal of maximizing the ability to detect, prevent, investigate, apprehend, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity.
NCIC/LLETS Access Unit
Louisiana State Police - BCII - LCJIS
Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
Investigative Specialist
Louisiana State Police - Fusion Center
A fusion center is a collaborative effort of two or more agencies that provide resources, expertise, and/or information with the goal of maximizing the ability to detect, prevent, investigate, apprehend, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity.
NCIC/LLETS Access Unit
Louisiana State Police - BCII - LCJIS
Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information

Jack Varnado

Jack started his Public Safety career in 1986 as a firefighter and EMT. He progressed through various roles, becoming Chief of Communications and Dty Director. Now at Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Ofc, he oversees 911 operations and serves on the APCO Board

Lee Ann Magoski, ENP

NENA President | Director of Emergency Communications, Monterey County | Executive Leadership in Policy, Data, and Technology for the Future of 9-1-1

Cassie Lowery, ENP, CMCP

Lowery, represents NENA members from the Southeastern Region on the board, has worked in the 9-1-1 industry for twenty-five years and has volunteered at both the county and state level on multiple boards and committees.

Tommy Alderman

A graduate of LSU earning a B.A. in English, Tommy has over 35 years experience as a professional communicator, trainer, and relationship builder.

Jason Long

Jason, a seasoned Telecommunications Instructor, retired from the Kentucky State Police Academy as a Law Enforcement Instructor, Jason ensured that all agencies receive top-notch in-service training and certification.

Cassie Sexton, CMCP

Cassie Sexton is a retired Police Dispatcher with over 15 years of service and currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of North Carolina NENA and Co-Chair of the National NENA Wellness Committee.

Ryan Dedmon, MA, CMCP

Ryan Dedmon is a retired Police Dispatcher with 12 years of service in law enforcement. He is a California POST Academy Instructor and certified CIT Coordinator, supporting 911TI's relationships with first-responders through outreach and engagement.

Chris Laymon, ENP

Chris Laymon has 13 years in emergency communications, recognized for his leadership during the Allen Outlet Mall shooting. He holds degrees in Fire Science and IT, is pursuing an MPA, and actively volunteers in disaster response efforts.

Scott Warner, GISP, FPEM

Scott, is the GIS/Addressing Manager for Baldwin Co 9-1-1 in Alabama w/ 20 years of experience. He currently serves as the South Regional Director for GISAA , has served on the GIS Committee for AL 9-1-1, & former Past President of FL URISA (GPN)

Teresa D. Thompson, RPL, CPE

Teresa Thompson, Deputy Executive Director of OPCD, has 24 years in public safety communications. She is President of the Louisiana NENA Chapter, State TERT Coordinator, and holds APCO’s RPL and CPE designations.

Matthew Margaglio, CPA

To equip Louisiana local government officials and staff with a clear understanding of how audits and Statewide Agreed-Upon Procedures (SAUPs).

Douglas W. Thompson

Lieutenant Douglas W. Thompson is Director of the Louisiana State Police Troopers and Employees Assistance Program.

Andy Bartlett

Capt. Haughton Fire Dept./ Adjunct Instructor LA-FETA. (Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy)

Caleb Branch

Caleb Branch is the VP of Market Management for INdigital and oversees ESInet deployments, company positioning/marketing, and partner coordination.

Ireka Pursley

A fusion center is a collaborative effort of two or more agencies that provide resources, expertise, and/or information with the goal of maximizing the ability to detect, prevent, investigate, apprehend, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity.

Shelly Scott

Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information

Kathryn Doss

A fusion center is a collaborative effort of two or more agencies that provide resources, expertise, and/or information with the goal of maximizing the ability to detect, prevent, investigate, apprehend, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity.

Kim Pierce

Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information

No records found.

Exhibitors
OTM Cyber Leading the way in Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity
Xybix is the leading provider of sit-to-stand ergonomic desks, workstations, and consoles specifically designed for the unique demands of 24/7 mission-critical environments.
GM | OnStar is committed to helping drivers and public safety through connected vehicle services including automatic crash response, emergency services, roadside assistance, crisis assist, and vehicle location assistance.
Drive Smarter Insights and Unified Collaboration With modernized geographic data and interactive maps.
Connect Your Data to 911 for Faster Emergency Response. RapidSOS is an intelligent safety platform that securely links life-saving data from 600+ million connected devices and buildings directly to 911, globally.
Emergency response is a high-stakes profession where the cost of a mistake can be catastrophic. For decades, the only way to "practice" was with cumbersome role playing or on live calls, with real lives in the balance. We believed that was unacceptable.
Your premier destination to connect with a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing you with exceptional support and service.
Providing trusted emergency medical care — ground, air, and beyond — to the communities that count on us.
Critical Alerts | Zero Delays | Total Control From emergencies to everyday enterprise operations, HipLink guarantees fast, reliable, and secure communication. As a result, your teams stay connected, compliant, and in total control
Bringing the truth to light | Truth builds trust. Industry trusts NiCE.
Dispatcher Pre-Employment Testing
Know more about us More Than Just IT Support. We Are Your Partners. Proudly serving Louisiana schools, government agencies, and businesses with integrity and expertise for over 20 years.
The global leader in control room solutions for mission-critical operation. Control rooms designed and engineered with an operator-centric approach for maximum comfort, functionality, and efficiency. Industry Expertise & Innovation Since 1980.
OUR VISION: That the communities we serve experience a responsive, high quality EMS service, provided by rewarded and committed professionals. OUR MISSION: To save and improve lives and livelihoods.
DSi has developed software to suit the mission of dispatch. This includes Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS all have benefited from tools developed by ADSi.
Helping dispatchers focus on emergencies, Aurelian reduces non-emergency workload so telecommunicators can stay focused on what matters most.
Digital Solutions Built to Scale with You At Avexon, we increase productivity and efficiency by bringing business automation and innovation together for a stressless digital transformation.
Ergonomic Home & Office Furniture Products
Caliber Public Safety provides Computer-Aided Dispatch, Mobile, Records Management, and Forensic Science related solutions to 1,000+ Public Safety agencies across North America.
CentralSquare proudly serves over 8,000 organizations across North America by providing public safety, corrections and administration solutions. Learn more about our dedication to your mission at CentralSquare.com.
911 dispatch furniture is specifically designed to accommodate the unique needs and demands of emergency dispatch centers where operators handle incoming calls for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
FirstResponse911 PaaS architecture provides a secure, scalable, resilient, and extensible environment to provide interoperability for public safety agencies.
Electronic Business Systems has been providing companies and businesses with the highest quality office equipment and products for over 51 years.
FirstNet now covers more first responders than any other wireless network. And thanks to you, it’s become the network first responders across the nation depend on most to stay mission ready.
A global leader in emergency communication services, we partner with first responders to ensure the right help reaches the right place quickly. Always there in an emergency, we are Intrado.
The Louisiana Crisis Hub is free and available 24/7. We are here to help anyone in Louisiana who is having a crisis. You get to decide what a “crisis” means for you. Our friendly specialists can:
Since 1982, Northland has been one of the most trusted names for voice and video recording solutions. Northland is dedicated to our clients’ mission-critical communication initiatives and putting them in control of their voice and video recording needs.
Ergonomic 911 Dispatch Consoles for Mission-Critical Performance
Serving Acadiana and the Gulf Coast Region for more than 25 years, Service Communications offers a diverse communications product line to match each client with the right communication solution for their business or lifestyle.
Emergency responders work to protect and save lives—and insurance professionals work to protect and restore them.
Our public safety solutions are designed to simplify your workflow, improve quality assurance, & help keep your information secure.
Furniture Solutions for Your Whole Center We design and manufacture workstations and furniture solutions for the unique demands of 24/7 environments and the health of its people.
As a full service public safety provider, we have developed advanced applications through research and development, planning, design and successful implementation including fully integrated ANI/ALI service, text-FOR-911, ESiNet and PSAP disaster recovery.
Safer communities are built on stronger partnerships
Your Trusted NG911 Vendors, Advanced ESInet, Call Handling, CAD, and Call Recording
Cloud-Native Critical Event Management and Public Safety Resource Deployment Software for E911 Communications Centers, Law Enforcement, Fire & Emergency Medical Services.

OTM Cyber

OTM Cyber Leading the way in Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

Xybix Systems

Xybix is the leading provider of sit-to-stand ergonomic desks, workstations, and consoles specifically designed for the unique demands of 24/7 mission-critical environments.

GM | OnStar

GM | OnStar is committed to helping drivers and public safety through connected vehicle services including automatic crash response, emergency services, roadside assistance, crisis assist, and vehicle location assistance.

GeoComm

Drive Smarter Insights and Unified Collaboration With modernized geographic data and interactive maps.

RapidSOS

Connect Your Data to 911 for Faster Emergency Response. RapidSOS is an intelligent safety platform that securely links life-saving data from 600+ million connected devices and buildings directly to 911, globally.

ThisGen 911

Emergency response is a high-stakes profession where the cost of a mistake can be catastrophic. For decades, the only way to "practice" was with cumbersome role playing or on live calls, with real lives in the balance. We believed that was unacceptable.

Virtual Academy

Your premier destination to connect with a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing you with exceptional support and service.

Pafford EMS

Providing trusted emergency medical care — ground, air, and beyond — to the communities that count on us.

Hiplink

Critical Alerts | Zero Delays | Total Control From emergencies to everyday enterprise operations, HipLink guarantees fast, reliable, and secure communication. As a result, your teams stay connected, compliant, and in total control

NICE Public Safety

Bringing the truth to light | Truth builds trust. Industry trusts NiCE.

Criticall

Dispatcher Pre-Employment Testing

Detel

Know more about us More Than Just IT Support. We Are Your Partners. Proudly serving Louisiana schools, government agencies, and businesses with integrity and expertise for over 20 years.

Evans

The global leader in control room solutions for mission-critical operation. Control rooms designed and engineered with an operator-centric approach for maximum comfort, functionality, and efficiency. Industry Expertise & Innovation Since 1980.

Acadian Ambulance

OUR VISION: That the communities we serve experience a responsive, high quality EMS service, provided by rewarded and committed professionals. OUR MISSION: To save and improve lives and livelihoods.

ADSI

DSi has developed software to suit the mission of dispatch. This includes Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS all have benefited from tools developed by ADSi.

Aurelian

Helping dispatchers focus on emergencies, Aurelian reduces non-emergency workload so telecommunicators can stay focused on what matters most.

Avexon, LLC

Digital Solutions Built to Scale with You At Avexon, we increase productivity and efficiency by bringing business automation and innovation together for a stressless digital transformation.

BodyBilt

Ergonomic Home & Office Furniture Products

Caliber Public Safety

Caliber Public Safety provides Computer-Aided Dispatch, Mobile, Records Management, and Forensic Science related solutions to 1,000+ Public Safety agencies across North America.

CentralSquare Technologies

CentralSquare proudly serves over 8,000 organizations across North America by providing public safety, corrections and administration solutions. Learn more about our dedication to your mission at CentralSquare.com.

Concept Seating

911 dispatch furniture is specifically designed to accommodate the unique needs and demands of emergency dispatch centers where operators handle incoming calls for police, fire, and medical emergencies.

DataTech 911

FirstResponse911 PaaS architecture provides a secure, scalable, resilient, and extensible environment to provide interoperability for public safety agencies.

EBS - Higher Ground

Electronic Business Systems has been providing companies and businesses with the highest quality office equipment and products for over 51 years.

FirstNet Built with AT&T

FirstNet now covers more first responders than any other wireless network. And thanks to you, it’s become the network first responders across the nation depend on most to stay mission ready.

Intrado

A global leader in emergency communication services, we partner with first responders to ensure the right help reaches the right place quickly. Always there in an emergency, we are Intrado.

Louisiana Crisis Hub

The Louisiana Crisis Hub is free and available 24/7. We are here to help anyone in Louisiana who is having a crisis. You get to decide what a “crisis” means for you. Our friendly specialists can:

Northland & Companies

Since 1982, Northland has been one of the most trusted names for voice and video recording solutions. Northland is dedicated to our clients’ mission-critical communication initiatives and putting them in control of their voice and video recording needs.

RussBassett

Ergonomic 911 Dispatch Consoles for Mission-Critical Performance

Service Communications

Serving Acadiana and the Gulf Coast Region for more than 25 years, Service Communications offers a diverse communications product line to match each client with the right communication solution for their business or lifestyle.

VFIS of Miss/Lou

Emergency responders work to protect and save lives—and insurance professionals work to protect and restore them.

Voice Products

Our public safety solutions are designed to simplify your workflow, improve quality assurance, & help keep your information secure.

Watson Consoles

Furniture Solutions for Your Whole Center We design and manufacture workstations and furniture solutions for the unique demands of 24/7 environments and the health of its people.

INdigital

As a full service public safety provider, we have developed advanced applications through research and development, planning, design and successful implementation including fully integrated ANI/ALI service, text-FOR-911, ESiNet and PSAP disaster recovery.

Motorola Solutions

Safer communities are built on stronger partnerships

AT&T

Your Trusted NG911 Vendors, Advanced ESInet, Call Handling, CAD, and Call Recording

TailorBuilt Solutions, LLC

Cloud-Native Critical Event Management and Public Safety Resource Deployment Software for E911 Communications Centers, Law Enforcement, Fire & Emergency Medical Services.

No records found.

Sponsors
Live! Casino Property Map
Live! Casino Property Map
Event Justification Letter
Event Justification Letter