International Association of Emergency Managers - IAEM 2026
Event Date
November 6–12, 2026
Location
Long Beach, CA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe IAEM 74th Annual Conference & EMEX is the premier annual gathering of the International Association of Emergency Managers, taking place in Long Beach, California. It stands as the foremost gathering for professionals in emergency management, uniting leaders from government, private industry, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, education, and public safety for a week dedicated to education, networking, and collaboration.
The event is a conference and exhibition dedicated to the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security. Attendees include emergency managers, homeland security officials, first response coordinators, private industry risk managers and contingency planners from government, the private sector, public health and related professions.
The 2026 edition is organized around the theme "Charting through Preparedness: Anchored in Resilience." The event showcases sessions led by experts, an engaging exhibit hall, and chances to delve into the most recent trends, technologies, and strategies that are influencing the future of emergency management, making it worthwhile for anyone seeking professional development and connections across the field.
Show Highlights
The conference pairs an educational program with the co-located EMEX exhibition. Highlights include:
- A trade exhibition dedicated to the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security.
- Expert-led sessions exploring the most recent trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the future of emergency management.
- A forum to discuss current trends and topics, share information about the latest tools and technology, and encourage stakeholders at all levels of government, the private sector, public health and related professions to exchange ideas and collaborate.
- Networking functions including a Sunday/Monday-night welcome reception and a Wednesday-night banquet.
- Pre-conference education (Nov. 6-8) followed by the core conference program (Nov. 9-11).
Attendance
According to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the IAEM Annual Conference draws stakeholders including emergency management professionals in all levels of government, private sector, public health and related professions, with nearly 2,000 participants. IAEM itself has over 5,000 members in more than 58 countries.
Registration
Registration for the IAEM 74th Annual Conference opens in June 2026. The program is split into pre-conference education dates (November 6-8, 2026) and core conference dates (November 9-11, 2026).
For exhibitors at the co-located EMEX exhibition, key deadlines include:
- Full payment and cancellation date: June 5
- Exhibitor kits available: July
- Exhibitor Guide deadline: October 1, 2026
- Exhibitor Booth Personnel Registration cutoff: October 10, 2026
Each 10' x 10' booth entitles the exhibiting company/organization to two booth personnel passes, with additional badges available for purchase.
History
The conference is produced by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), a non-profit professional association. IAEM was founded in 1952 as the U.S. Civil Defense Council, becoming the National Coordinating Council of Emergency Managers (NCCEM) in 1985, and the International Association of Emergency Managers in 1997. The organization is headquartered in Falls Church, VA.
The 2026 gathering marks the association's 74th Annual Conference. Recent editions have been held in Long Beach, CA (2023), Colorado Springs, CO (2024), and Louisville, KY (2025). Upcoming editions are scheduled for Long Beach, CA (Nov. 6-12, 2026), Colorado Springs, CO (Nov. 12-18, 2027), and Savannah, GA (Nov. 10-16, 2028).
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the IAEM 74th Annual Conference & EMEX 2026 held?
The conference takes place November 6-12, 2026, at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, 300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA. Pre-conference education runs November 6-8 and the core conference program runs November 9-11.
Who should attend the IAEM Annual Conference & EMEX?
The event is designed for emergency managers, homeland security officials, first response coordinators, risk managers and contingency planners from government, the private sector, public health, healthcare, education, nonprofits and related professions.
How do I register for the conference?
Registration for the IAEM 74th Annual Conference opens in June 2026 via the official IAEM conference website. Exhibitors should note that full payment for EMEX booths is due by June 5 and booth personnel registration closes October 10, 2026.
What is EMEX and when is the exhibit hall open?
EMEX is the co-located exhibition featuring the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security. The exhibit hall is open November 9-11, 2026, beginning with an opening reception on Monday, November 9.
What are the parking and transportation options at the venue?
The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center offers over 4,000 parking spaces across four lots and garages. Long Beach Airport (LGB) is about 4 miles away, and the Metro A Line connects to Downtown Long Beach, a roughly seven-minute walk from the venue entrance.
From the blog
Recent guides and industry insights for exhibitors and planners.
August 6, 2026Trade Show Lead Capture: What Actually Works
Why scan counts mislead, the three questions that qualify a visitor in thirty seconds, and the 48-hour follow-up window where trade show ROI is won or lost.
Read more
July 30, 2026Drayage Explained: The Trade Show Cost Nobody Warns You About
What material handling actually pays for, why it is billed per hundredweight, the surcharges that double estimates, and six decisions that genuinely reduce it.
Read more
July 23, 2026How to Choose the Right Trade Show for Your Business
Attendance numbers are close to useless on their own. Five questions that tell you whether a show will work, and how to build a portfolio instead of a list.
Read more
July 16, 2026The 12-Month Trade Show Planning Timeline
Every deadline that matters, counted backwards from show open — including the advance-order deadline that saves 20–40% and the 48-hour window that decides your ROI.
Read more
July 9, 2026Trade Show Booth Sizes Explained: 10x10 to Island
What each booth size actually gives you, the height and setback rules that catch first-timers, and how to size a booth from your staffing rather than your budget.
Read more
July 2, 2026What Does It Actually Cost to Exhibit at a Trade Show?
A line-by-line breakdown of the nine costs of exhibiting — including drayage and staff time, the two that blow up budgets and never appear in the quote.
Read more
June 10, 2026Top Trade Shows in Las Vegas in 2026
A guide to the biggest trade shows and exhibitor opportunities in Las Vegas through 2026 — dates, industries, exhibitor counts, and what each show is best for.
Read more- September 2, 2025tradeshows.fyi
Trade Shows Demystified: Your Ultimate Guide to Exhibiting, Attending, and Everything in Between
Introduction to Trade Shows Trade shows serve as significant events in various sectors, acting as a focal point
Read on tradeshows.fyi 
November 14, 2024tradeshows.fyi10 Essential Tips for Successfully Attending Trade Shows
10 Essential Tips for Attending Trade Shows Attending trade shows offers a unique platform to showcase products, network,
Read on tradeshows.fyi- November 13, 2024tradeshows.fyi
The Ultimate Trade Show Exhibitor Checklist: Planning, Preparation, and Execution
Trade Show Exhibiting Checklist Trade shows present a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, network with
Read on tradeshows.fyi
Advertisement