January 2027

2027 Valley of the Sun Regional Event

One Day Summit for Professional Staff in Public Safety

January 8, 2027

Hosted at Arizona State University
SkySong – Conference Center
1365 North Scottsdale Road,- Synergy I & II
Scottsdale AZ 85257

Register

Reserve your place at this Regional Leading Without a Badge Summit.

About

Something exciting is on the horizon for public safety professional staff leaders and members. The National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety is bringing a regional Leading Without a Badge event to the Valley of the Sun region. This is an opportunity to connect with peers, share best practices, and elevate the vital role professional staff play in advancing public safety missions. This upcoming gathering will feature engaging discussions, practical insights, and meaningful networking designed to strengthen collaboration, spark innovation, and highlight the leadership contributions of those working tirelessly to keep agencies running effectively. Stay tuned for details as you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and lead.

Venue

Hosted at Arizona State University
SkySong – Conference Center
1365 North Scottsdale Road,- Synergy I & II
Scottsdale AZ 85257

Airports

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) | 11 mi

Schedule

Time	Session	Speakers
8:00 – 9:00 AM	Registration & Networking Breakfast Light breakfast served. Meet and greet fellow attendees.
9:00 – 9:15 AM	Welcome Remarksss Welcome to the Leading Without a Badge – Valley of the Sun Regional Event by Executive Director Ben Haiman. Remarks about the goals of the Event and the importance of the professional staff in the public safety workforce.
9:15 – 9:30 AM	Reflections and Words of Encouragement on Leading Without a Badge Hear from senior professional leaders on thoughts and remarks for professional staff leaders and members from her remarkable career in public safety and based upon current opportunities and challenges for those serving as professional staff members today.
9:30 – 10:15 AM	Chiefs Panel: The Impact of Professional Staff in the Valley of the Sun region. Hear from distinguished law enforcement leaders about the role of professional staff leaders and members. Hear these Chief executives describe the unique challenges and opportunities confronting the Valley of the Sun region today, and ways that professional staff members are at the forefront of the fight to keep the Valley of the Sunregion safe.
10:15 – 10:30 AM	Networking Break
10:30 – 11:00 PM	Networking Activity Working across fields of discipline and agencies, this networking activity helps ensure that participants meet each other and learn about the critical work happening in public safety throughout the Chicagoland region.
11:00 – 11:50 AM	Keynote Panel: The Impact of Professional Staff Members in Public Safety Hear the impact from professional staff leaders serving in a range of capacities, describing the impact and operational involvement they have in their public safety organizations. This panel is designed to highlight the vital work underway by professional staff members.
11:50 - 12:00 PM	About the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety Learn more about the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety and the benefits of being a member through this growing national membership association.
12:00 - 1:00 PM	Lunch & Networking
1:00 - 1:50 PM	Breakout Session 1: (Participants Choose One)
	Option 1A (Building Your Career & Influence): Explore practical ways to build credibility, strengthen relationships, and prepare for your next professional opportunity—with or without a formal leadership title.
	Option 1B (Leading People & Change) Develop approaches to supporting your team, navigating challenges, and turning ideas into meaningful organizational improvements.
	Option 1C (Professional Practice & Innovation) Exchange ideas and practical approaches with peers to improve processes, address shared challenges, and strengthen the work of your professional specialty.
1:50 - 2:00 PM	Networking Break
2:00 - 2:50 PM	Breakout Sessions 2: (Participants Choose One)
	Option 2A (Building Your Career & Influence)
	Option 2B (Leading People & Change)
	Option 2C (Professional Practice & Innovation)
2:50 - 3:00	Networking Break
3:00 - 3:50 PM	Breakout Session 3: (Participants Choose One)
	Option 3A (Building Your Career & Influence)
	Option 3B (Leading People & Change)
	Option 3C (Professional Practice & Innovation)
3:50 - 4:00 PM	Networking Break
4:00 – 4:40 PM	Fireside Chat: Bridging the Badge: Lessons in Leading Together A conversation between a professional staff leader and a Chief of Police about leading.
4:40 – 4:45 PM	Closing Remarks & Farewell Concluding session, highlighting key items from the Summit. Opportunities for further networking and engagement.
4:45 – 6:30 PM	Networking Reception to Follow Informal networking reception.