2026 Project Lifesaver Conference: Training and Support for Special-Needs, Search & Rescue and More
Schedule
Mon, 24 Aug, 2026 at 07:00 am to Thu, 27 Aug, 2026 at 03:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace - Disney Springs Area (1900 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL) | Lake Buena Vista, FL
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Registration open now! Join us at one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations for four days of sun, fun, and life-changing life-saving education, training and networking among peers, special guests and a variety of distinguished speakers and experts from all aspects of our profession. Billed as “the highest-quality event of its kind, brought to you by the leading force in its field,” the 2026 Project Lifesaver® conference will dive deep into current trends, policies, best practices, behavioral insights, and game-changing methodologies/approaches and technologies in the fields of safety, search-and-rescue, and care and understanding involving to individuals with autism, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Down syndrome, brain injury and other cognitive conditions, as well as support for LEOs and others affected by frontline trauma and first-responder PTSD.WHAT IS PROJECT LIFESAVER?
Project Lifesaver Inc., DBA Project Lifesaver International, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the world leader in training and equipping first responders, public-safety agencies and others in expedited search and rescue (SAR) for people prone to wandering due to cognitive disorders. Currently more than 1,800 active certified member agencies run the Project Lifesaver program within their local communities, “bringing loved ones home” as specialists in locating participating special-needs children and adults quickly and efficiently when they go missing. By implementing Project Lifesaver, they save their communities precious time, tremendous resources and collectively thousands of lives using the proven technology and methodologies that address the unique challenges that traditional SAR and alternative technologies simply cannot.
TELL ME ABOUT THE CONFERENCE …
Each year, members and nonmembers gather for an impactful week dedicated to sharing and gaining actionable knowledge and perspective germane to their roles, goals and relations as law-enforcement officers, search teams, caregivers, educators, advocates, leaders and protectors in their communities. The 2026 event will be held at the beautiful Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, only a short distance from Disney Springs and nearby Walt Disney World.
2026 will also include special emphasis on America's 250th birthday, the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and the topic of "extreme search and rescue." Currently scheduled topical speakers, presenters, panels and activities** include but are not limited to:
• Keynote speaker Chief Master Sgt. Derek Anderson, U.S. Air Force, rescue-operations specialist well known for his critical role as part of a global volunteer rescue effort to save 12 boys and their athletic team’s coach who were trapped inside a flooded cave deep inside a mountain in Thailand's Chiang Rai province in 2018. The haunting event and its “impossible” rescue operation lasted nearly 3 weeks. It engaged thousands of international volunteers and captivated the attention of prayerful citizens worldwide. Its dangerous mission was unprecedented, its success historical, and its incredible story the subject of multiple movies, including "Thirteen Lives."
• Peter A. LaPorta, former leader at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, 11-time international best-selling author, iconic motivational speaker and the father of a son with autism, with more than 40 years’ experience leading some of the world’s top companies.
• Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA: In multiple presentations, Snow will cover the impact of neurodiversity, dementia and brain change in search-and-rescue, law-enforcement encounters and everyday life. As founder and CEO of Positive Approach to Care®, Snow develops education, training strategies and more for understanding the progression of dementia and supporting those living with brain change. Her presentation will enhance attendees’ understanding of brain changes and effective techniques and approaches that will help reduce distress, encourage the acceptance of assistance and improve SAR and interactional outcomes.
• Official Project Lifesaver ambassadors, with special performances by rock-‘n-roll patriot Dave Bray (Dave Bray USA) to celebrate this milestone year in history. You'll love meeting them in person, and you'll enjoy all they have to share as passionate presenters, panelists and guests.
• Doug White, veteran, retired law-enforcement officer, author and speaker dedicated to breaking the silence around frontline trauma and resilience in the first-responder community. His 30+ years of experience include having trained more than 1,500 first responders and executives in leadership, decision-making and high-risk operations, and his keynote will address mental health and well-being for first responders and caregivers.
• Knowledge and expertise delivered by leaders from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Autism Society and others will include dementia, water-and-wandering, and autism and Alzheimer’s emergency-response training and education.
• Project Lifesaver International electronic search specialist (ESS) and instructor trainings and re-certifications for members.
• Search competition, book signings/sales, merch tables, silent auction, raffles and more.
**For registered attendees only. Due to the potential for unforeseen circumstances, agenda may be subject to change or adjustments.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The annual conference is open to member agencies and non-members alike, including first responders, law-enforcement agents, caregivers, educators, public-safety professionals, members of the media and others seeking deeper insights into how to engage, protect, search for and better understand and interact with people with autism, dementia and other cognitive disorders.
Consider bringing someone you love! While registered attendees are involved in conference activities, their loved one(s) who are not registered for the conference can relax and enjoy the general hotel amenities and nearby attractions, including Disney Springs and Walt Disney World.
COST, REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION
Conference fee (early-bird pricing through July 24): $700/member; $850/nonmember; $600/national instructor.
Fee covers conference only; group discount rate available for optional hotel room reservations.
For details, registration and group-rate hotel reservations, visit: https://www.projectlifesaver.org/conference
Questions? Great! Contact us at https://projectlifesaver.org/conference/contact-us
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Where is it happening?
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace - Disney Springs Area (1900 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL), United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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