Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: CIS
The dates are set for the 2026 CIS Annual Conference: Feb. 25–27 at the Salem Convention Center.
Each year, CIS brings together Oregon counties for three days of learning, networking, and collaboration. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a familiar face, this is your opportunity to connect with peers, explore new ideas, and gather practical takeaways for your county team.
Now in its 24th year, the conference focuses on what matters most to county government — relevant content, meaningful connections, and strategies that strengthen local operations and services across Oregon.
Attendees can expect sessions on employee benefits, risk management, pre-loss strategies, and other best practices designed to help counties manage risk, support employees, and enhance service to residents.
Flexible Attendance Options
The 2026 conference offers flexible ways to participate. County staff can attend in person in Salem, join virtually, or combine both. For example, you can take part in Wednesday’s Public Safety or Small Members Track on site, then participate in the rest of the event online.
All registrants — whether in person or virtual — will have access to every session on demand through the Attendee Hub, available within an hour of each presentation.
Register Now and Save
Conference registration is now open at cisoregon.org/conference. Attendees who register by Jan. 16 will receive a $50 early bird discount on their registration fee.
The event kicks off Wednesday with two specialized learning tracks — one focused on public safety agencies and another tailored for smaller members where funds are more limited — followed by two full days covering HR, benefits, legal updates, and emerging risks.
Mark your calendars for Feb. 25–27, 2026, and reserve your spot today for a conference that’s as practical as it is energizing.
Tailored Learning for Counties
Small Members Track
Managing county operations with a smaller tax base often means wearing many hats — and this track is designed to make that job easier.
Sessions will strengthen foundational knowledge across CIS programs and services, with topics such as:
- CIS Essentials: A Complete Overview of CIS’ Services
- Safety & Emergency Management 101
- Property & Liability Claims Basics
- What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: HR Essentials for Small Employers
- Cybersecurity Essentials: Affordable Resources for Small Members
- Maximizing Your CIS Benefits: Tools and Trainings for Small Employers
Whether you’re new to CIS or ready to make the most of your membership, this track offers practical tools and insights you can use right away.
Public Safety Track
Designed for city and county public safety professionals, including sheriffs, sheriff deputies, and jail commanders, this track focuses on risk reduction, leadership, and wellness in county public safety.
Sessions include:
- Fostering Effective Relationships — Learn strategies for strengthening communication and collaboration with elected officials, community members, and partner agencies to build trust and shared understanding.
- Fit to Serve: Fitness for Duty — Learn the legal and practical steps in evaluating and managing fitness for duty in law enforcement and fire agencies.
- Early Detection, Better Outcomes — Discover innovative tools and early-screening practices that help identify health and behavioral issues in custody before they escalate.
- Top 10 Ways to Get Sued — Explore the most common legal pitfalls facing public safety agencies — and how to avoid them.
- When the Call Comes In — Prepare for, respond to, and recover from critical incidents while supporting employee well-being and minimizing risk.
- Navigating Line-of-Duty Loss — Hear from the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation on how to support families, coworkers, and communities with compassion and care after a tragedy.
Both tracks take place Wednesday, Feb. 25, and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus full access to virtual and on-demand sessions through the Attendee Hub.
Member Grant Reminder
Each CIS member entity receives a fully paid Member Grant (scholarship) that covers:
- Conference registration fees
- Conference meals
- One night’s lodging
Use your grant to attend in person or apply it toward virtual participation. Visit cisoregon.org/conference to register and learn more.