AEP will be here before you know it. Before the busy season begins, take two days to get up to speed, connect with carriers and industry experts, explore new tools and strategies, and prepare for the months ahead.
WAPCON 2026 is happening on September 9 and 10 at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. With training sessions, insightful presentations, career updates, and plenty of networking opportunities packed into two days, a little advance planning can help you make the most of every minute.
The Venue
Talking Stick Resort is located at 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, Arizona. This beautiful venue features a spa, a casino, restaurants, and more.
The conference will occupy two floors. The main stage and exhibitors are on the main floor, called the Casino level. The breakout sessions are on the bottom floor, called the Garden level.
The resort has stairs and elevators. Signs and a floor map will help you find your way.
The Schedule
The WAPCON 2026 schedule is filled with speakers, carrier rollouts, breakout sessions and other events. This year’s Wild West theme is more than boots and cowboy hats. We will explore how trailblazers use GRIT to succeed: Growth, Retention, Integrity, and Technology.
Some sessions are designed for everyone to attend, like expert presentations by Mike Allton from The AI Hat and George Dippel from Deft Research. Other events run concurrently. To make sure you don’t miss the events that matter most to you, we recommend planning your personal schedule in advance. It’s easy to do with the Cvent app.
- Download the Cvent app from Google Play or Apple’s App Store.
- Once you’re in the app, search for and select “WAPCON 2026.”
- Log in by entering your name and email. You can click the profile icon in the bottom menu to log in.
- Start exploring the agenda and exhibitors.
- Add sessions to your schedule. Access your schedule by clicking the calendar icon in the bottom menu. Then use the top menu to switch between “All Sessions” and “My Sessions.”
- Make sure to participate in the Exhibitor Passport Challenge. Complete the challenge for a chance to win a prize. More details will be shared during the conference.
- There’s a lot to choose from, so don’t wait until the last minute to build your schedule. Download the app and start exploring everything now. When setting up your schedule, start with sessions most critical to your business, like certain carrier rollouts you need to see. Then fill in the rest of your schedule with sessions that support your other priorities and interests.
The Food
With two busy days of sessions and networking, you’ll want to stay fueled.
- If you’re staying at the resort or are bringing a backpack to keep your laptop and other items with you, we suggest bringing a water bottle and a few snacks to help keep your energy up.
- Lunch is included and will be served on the casino (main) level, where you’ll find a buffet in the main ballroom.
- You’re on your own for breakfast, but there will be coffee, tea and water available. The resort’s Blue Coyote Café opens at 7 a.m. It’s located on the Garden (lower) level and has a wide array of breakfast options, including eggs, breakfast street tacos, pancakes, avocado toast, and Benedicts.
- Happy hour at the end of Day 1 is your chance to relax, socialize and network. Each attendee receives one free drink ticket. There will also be complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Additional drinks will be available for purchase.
- Discover additional restaurants to explore at Talking Stick here.
- Note: The Cvent app provides all of the food options at the venue.
The Dress Code
This is a professional event with networking opportunities, so dress business casual – keep it professional. Some may be a little more adventurous and dress on theme: The Wild West. Just remember, you have a busy two days ahead, so comfort is important.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking from one part of the resort to another.
- Wear layers so you can adjust to different room temperatures.
- Bring a bag, backpack, or briefcase so you can carry everything you need throughout the day and stay organized.
Other Tips
- The hotel provides Wi-Fi, but public Wi-Fi is not secure, so you may prefer to use your phone as a hotspot.
- Bring business cards so you can exchange while networking.
- If you lose anything, check the lost and found at the resort front desk. If you find anything, you can turn it in there, too.
- If you haven’t purchased your ticket yet, walk-in registration will be available. Payment is required at registration; billing arrangements will not be available.
- A separate WAP Tech Intensive is scheduled for September 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at Talking Stick Resort. If you live in the area or can extend your visit for an extra day, this interactive, hands-on training event is a great opportunity to learn about the tools that can support your business. However, it’s a separate event, so make sure you register. Don’t forget your laptop!
We’re looking forward to seeing you at WAPCON 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Western Asset Protection.