Start planning for PSWA’s next conference, July 9–12, 2026, at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Our theme, “Lucky 21,” promises an unforgettable lineup.
The conference committee consists of Thonie Hevron, Speaker coordinator; Barbara Hodges, Panel coordinator; and Kelli Peacock, Conference Chair and Workshop coordinator. We have prepared an awesome line up for the 2026 PSWA Conference to make this one of the best conferences ever. We are pleased to share the preliminary details for the 2026 PSWA Conference.
Conference costs:
- Early bird through March 31, 2026 – $350
- Full conference price on and after April 1, 2026 – $400
- Friday only includes lunch – $200
- Saturday only includes lunch – $200
- Sunday only – $160
- Friday and Saturday only – $300
- Saturday and Sunday only – $250
Featured Speakers
Your feedback matters. Based on last year’s conference surveys and our recent questionnaire, we’ve revamped our program. This year features eight expert speakers: three public safety specialists, three writing craft instructors, and two marketing professionals, each delivering hour-long presentations. We’re also restructuring our panel approach with seven discussions throughout the conference. Rather than accepting panel applications, we’ll be inviting attendees with relevant expertise to participate, with four panelists and one moderator per session. While most panel topics will be announced after January 2026, I can reveal that one fascinating session will explore the forensic details of autopsies.
Public Safety presentations—
- Allan Fox will discuss his Cold Case Analysis: A Woman Exonerated After 30 Years in Prison—In 1976, Michelle Mitchell was a nursing student at the University of Nevada, Reno . She disappeared one evening while running an errand for her father. Her body was found in a residential garage, her hands bound behind her back and her throat slashed ear to ear. Reno Police detectives were unsuccessful in investigating her murder until Cathy Woods, a schizophrenia patient in a Louisiana psychiatric hospital, confessed to the crime. Woods was tried twice for the crime, convicted both times, and sentenced to life in prison. In 2013, following a cold case investigation, the judge in a post-conviction hearing ordered a cigarette butt found at the original crime scene tested for DNA. This test was unavailable at the time of the original investigation. The cigarette tied Rodney Halbower to Mitchell’s murder. Halbower was an inmate in Oregon State Prison with a record of similar offenses. On the basis of the new evidence, Cathy Woods was exonerated and released from prison after 30 years of incarceration. This presentation by the lead cold case detective is the story of how a case most everyone had forgotten about was revived and partial justice was achieved for a woman wrongly charged and convicted.
- Ellen Kirschman and James L’Etoile will present –The Serial Killer Next Door — What’s with the public’s fascination with mass murderers and serial killers? The presentation will provide profiles of several well-known—and some not so recognizable serial killers along with a discussion about what makes the public want to know more about the lives of these notorious criminals. A discussion about what motivates them and how they are able to hide in plain sight might want to make you call the locksmith when we’re done.
- Joe Haggerty—What is prostitution like on the street and who is behind it. You’ll find out with Joseph Haggerty’s presentation of the prostitution culture.
Craft presentations—
- Mike Brandt – First draft – What are some of the tricks to perfecting a dynamite story and an ending that will knock the reader off the seat of their chairs? Retired LAPD detective and bestselling author Mike Brandt—also known as Brandon Michaels—will show you how to craft stories that captivate readers. Drawing on his years investigating gang homicides and directing a Health Care Fraud Department, plus marathons on every continent and mountain climbs worldwide, Mike’s insights will help you build a story that grips audiences from first page to final twist.
- John Gilstrap – Developing A Point of View Character–For years, we’ve been taught that the three elements of storytelling are plot, setting and character. In fact, they are not three elements, but rather three facets of a single element that defines “voice.” And voice is what makes Point of view characters resonate with readers. In this 60-minute session, NYT bestselling author John Gilstrap will share his methods to make characters’ voices sing.
- Kelli Peacock – What to look for in hiring an editor. Without an editor, your manuscript will never reach its full potential—period. Even literary giants rely on editors to save them from career-ending mistakes and transform good writing into unforgettable prose. Kelli Peacock, copy editor, will shatter your preconceptions about editing, reveal the brutal truth about what separates published authors from amateurs, and demonstrate why this critical partnership might be the only thing standing between your book and the rejection pile.
Marketing Presentations—
- Our own Jim L’Etoile will discuss The Author’s Toolkit — You’ve written the book—now the hard part begins. The road to getting your book on a bookstore shelf is lined with career-ending potholes, if you’re not careful. The publishing industry is a unique and complex business, and a successful author possesses the tools to put their book in the best possible position to succeed. The presentation will cover topics such as: editing, author branding, social media, what to look for in an agent, the query letter, the dreaded synopsis, pitching dos and don’ts, contract red-flags, sub-rights, distribution, and building relationships with booksellers. These tools apply equally to traditionally published and independently published authors.
- Allen Grimes – The Mystery of Advertising. Advertising your book is often as challenging as writing it. Allen will share his experiences with various platforms, including what worked, what didn’t work, and what worked for a limited time. He will begin with his first timid forays into Amazon Ads, which was a steep learning curve. He quickly racked up a $1,500 bill, with only a few sales. Furthermore, there was no way to determine whether his sales were a result of his ads or something else. After introducing an ad video with no further success, He hired an “expert,” believing that there was some formula he was missing. He had heard from various sources that Amazon Ads were the key to success. Allen discovered, however, that the expert, who all but guaranteed an increase in sales, produced even worse results than his nascent attempts. He finally abandoned Amazon Ads altogether and discovered Facebook Ads. He found Facebook to be much more user-friendly, and its algorithm is very adept at finding the right audience. He also honed my skills in creating ad videos, using Facebook features to compare the effectiveness of the various ads. From there, he expanded to Bookbub, as well as television, podcasts, and radio interviews, with varying degrees of success. If the audience is looking for someone with all the answers, he doesn’t have them. Allen discovered that different platforms work for other people. Advertising is a long process of trial and error, marked by failure, success, and a dose of luck. Through his advertising platforms, Allen attracts approximately 700 visitors per week to his website at a very low cost.
Hotel Reservations & More
For those who like to plan ahead, you can go directly to the special reservations page The Orleans has set up for us here. If you prefer to make reservations by phone, call 800-675-3267 and reference group code PSWG26C.
The Orleans has available special rates for 1 king or 2 queen rooms @ $40/night + resort fee of $40.99 for Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights: $80/night + resort fee $40.99 for Friday and Saturday nights. All rooms are non-smoking only.
Reservations must be made before June 8, 2026, to get the discounted rate. If any problems contact Kelli if hotel cannot help. Sometimes the treasurer needs to contact the hotel to open up more rooms and only the treasurer can do it. Thank you for your patience with this.
By popular demand, we’ll hold another costume contest at the Awards Ceremony. Get your ideas and costumes ready.
***Pre-Conference Workshop
On July 9, 9 am–4 pm, join Kelli Peacock, Colin Conway, and John Gilstrap for our Pre-Conference Workshop. We are working on the program as this goes to print. And don’t forget the manuscript review. You may submit up to 7,000 words (12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, Word format) for a free one-on-one critique by a published author. Feedback comes via Track Changes and an in-person discussion. Though complimentary, this service has an estimated market value of $350. Please RSVP your manuscript review to Kelli by May 1, 2025.
…more to follow regarding workshop
Package Deliveries
All incoming and outgoing packages incur handling fees. On-site contacts must schedule deliveries to the designated function room and arrange return shipping. Send shipments no more than one week before the event to:
The Orleans Hotel and Casino
ATTN: Catering Department
4500 W. Tropicana Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89103
RE: Public Safety Writers Association, 7/8/26
Name: [Your Name]
Email: [Your Email]
Telephone: [Your Phone]
All packages are subject to Orleans Business Center rates, which may change without notice. For quotes, call 702-365-7040.
What are you waiting for? Sign up today. PSWA conferences are known for being the friendliest and most welcoming—whether it’s your first or fifteenth, you’ll leave with new friends. See you in Vegas!
Our annual conference is a prime opportunity to showcase your name and books to an enthusiastic audience. Your advertising and sponsorships not only help keep registration fees affordable but also strengthen PSWA year after year. We’re excited to see the creative ways you’ll participate. If you have questions about any of the opportunities below, please contact Kelli at peacock.kelli3@gmail.com.
- Conference Sponsorships
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- Donate $75 or more in general support and have your name printed on the official conference bags.
- Because registration fees barely cover rising costs, voluntary sponsorship lets PSWA stay financially healthy without raising fees.
- Benefit from repeated name exposure while knowing you’re helping your organization.
- Payment: via PayPal to PSWAtreasurer@gmail.com by April 15, 2026.
- Program Advertising
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- Deadline: email your ad to peacock.kelli3@gmail.com by Sunday, May 31, 2026.
- Accepted file formats: .doc, .pdf, .jpg. All ads printed in color.
- Rates & sizes:
- Cover spots (inside front, inside back, outside back): $250 – 8.5 x 11″ trim; 8.875 x 11.25″ bleed
- Full inside page: $200 – 8.5 x 11″ trim; 8.875 x 11.25″ bleed
- Half inside page: $100 – 7 x 4.625″ (horizontal) or 3.5 x 9.25″ (vertical)
- Quarter inside page: $50 – 3.5 x 4.625″ (vertical)
- Payment: via PayPal to PSWAtreasurer@gmail.com.
- Note: We welcome unlimited inside-page ads; cover positions are limited—reserve early.
- Conference-Bag Swag
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- Each year we fill attendee bags with small, non-breakable crime-related or promotional items (pens, postcards, keychains, bookmarks, etc.).
- Guidelines:
- No mugs, cups, water bottles or other bulky items.
- Maximum of 50 units per item.
Mail by Sunday, May 31, 2026, to:
Kelli Peacock
8983 East Orchid Vine Drive
Tucson, AZ 85747
Questions? peacock.kelli3@gmail.com
- Refreshment Sponsorships
- $160 per sponsorship (you’re welcome to share the cost).
- Recognition in the conference program and on a tent card during your chosen time slot.
- Available 9 slots (first-come, first-served):
- Thursday workshop morning or afternoon
- Thursday cocktail party
- Friday morning or afternoon session
- Saturday morning or afternoon session
- Saturday evening awards party
- Sunday morning session
To reserve a slot, email Kelli at peacock.kelli3@gmail.com.
Payment: via PayPal to PSWAtreasurer@gmail.com by Monday, May 31, 2026.
Thank you for your support and participation. We look forward to making the 2026 PSWA Conference our best yet!
Kelli Peacock, PSWA Conference Chair