June 3, 2026
An Open Letter to the members and participants of the Central States Communications Exercise and others in the COMU/ICT Community:
As most of you are aware; the dates that we had locked in for the 2026 Central States Communications Exercise for Sept 21-25, 2026 – were locked in with the Downstream Resort Complex – where we have enjoyed a long history - back in September 2025.
In late April, the Downstream Resort Complex advised us that they “bumped” our event – so that they could have a poker tournament. After holding the event at this facility for many years, and being one of the few mid-week events that sold out their property; we were disappointed by this action.
As you can imagine this was very troubling; and led us to immediately start reaching out to other venues to make these dates work.
To pull off this event; we need three main items:
- Lodging space for the attendees in close proximity to the exercise field.
- Banquet / General Session space for up to 400 attendees.
- Hard surface area for vehicles for the exercise field.
To that point; we’ve been working on venues in Rogers, AR; Springfield, MO; Branson, MO; Tulsa, OK; Durant, OK; Shawnee, OK; Kansas City; and many others.
Unfortunately, many venues are already booked on these dates – which makes a “short fuse” rebook somewhat challenging.
However, one venue is available during our established dates AND meets all of our criteria for being able to conduct the event.
The 2026 Central States Communications Exercise has been relocated to the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs, AR for September 22-25, 2026!
Both venue hotels on property are in the process of setting up room blocks at Government Rates currently; and we hope to open registration (and distribute block code links) within the next 10 days.
We realized that this change in venue may be a challenge for your agencies participation; and understand the complexities involved.
If you have any additional questions or concerns; please feel free to contact us.
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Are you ready to participate in the largest Public Safety Communications Exercise in the US?
Do you want to test your capabilities?
Ready to learn new methodologies and find out about new equipment?
Want to hear lessons learned from true emergency communications professionals during real world incidents?
Then you need to be at the 2026 Central States Communications Exercise!
This event is held every 2 years, so don't miss out!
Meet with your peers, vendors, and other partners in the industry! Learn about new technology!
Attendance at the 2024 event was over 300 participants from 29 states!
TEAM REGISTRATION
(Coming Soon)
Inidviduals that are participating as part of a team MUST STILL COMPLETE THE INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION
INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION
(Coming Soon)
SPONSORS / VENDORS
Interested in a sponsorship opportunity?
Take a look at our Prospectus here! To register, send an email to sponsors@central-states-comms.org
More information and event registration will be available on this page in early 2026.