Description

WACOPS invites leadership teams and all members to gather in Wenatchee, September 10–12, for our Fall General Membership Meeting. This no-cost, members-only event brings together officers from across Washington for two and a half days of essential updates on public safety and labor issues, expert-led training sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities. Make sure your organization has a voice at the table and is represented at this important meeting. Full agenda coming soon—mark your calendar today!

When: September 10-12, 2025

Where: Hilton Garden Inn

 25 N Worthen St, Wenatchee, WA 98801

What to Expect:
The Fall General Membership Meeting will feature key updates, training, and discussions, including:

• WACOPS Executive Board Elections
• Strategic Planning Update & Year-in-Review Reports
• 2026 Legislative Session Preview
• Interim Projects & Reports
• WACOPS Business Meeting
• Featured training: Winning the Battle Between the Ears: Strategies for Resilience, Purpose, and Peak Performance for the Present and Future with Michael Laidler

Plus: Stay tuned—agenda details, guest speakers, and additional training announcements coming soon!

Register Here 

Hotel Accommodations

Guest rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn starting at $169/night, make your reservation by the cut-off date of August 16th. Guest room scholarships available! Inquire with Teresa Taylor, ttaylor@wacops.org.

Phone: (509) 662-0600

Make a Reservation

Featured Training

Winning the Battle Between the Ears: Strategies for Resilience, Purpose, and Peak Performance for the Present and Future

Presenter: Michael Laidler 

This interactive keynote is designed for law enforcement and union leaders who are expected to lead through uncertainty, influence without authority, and perform at a high level, without losing their sense of self.  Blending 20 years of law enforcement leadership with personal stories from life-and-death moments, Michael walks participants through three invisible battles every leader fights—and how to win them. This session equips leaders with the mental strategies to lead when morale is low, trust is fragile, and the pressure feels unrelenting.  This keynote isn’t just about performance, it’s about sustainability. It’s about creating leaders who thrive under pressure, not just survive it. 

Participants will walk away with actionable tools to: 

•    Lead through low morale and shifting team dynamics using the six laws of influence. 

•    Delegate with purpose to reduce burnout and develop the next generation of leaders. 

•    Give and receive feedback in a way that builds trust and strengthens team performance. 

•    Build a culture of resilience and retention through intentional succession planning. 

•    Stay mentally present at home while carrying the weight of leadership at work. 

•    Reset their influence when identity has been tied to a badge, rank, or role. 

About Michael

After 20 years in law enforcement, including roles as a police officer, border patrol agent, federal prison leader, and business owner, Michael Laidler has learned that overcoming challenges fuels growth, resilience, and leadership. Through his Failure Fuels Growth philosophy, he has developed the Winning the Battle Between the Ears framework— a proven system that transforms adversity into success, helping organizations boost productivity, elevate engagement, and build strong, accountable teams.

Presented by WACOPS Labor Defense Group 

Public Safety Union Leadership

Presenters: Erica Shelley-Nelson, Attorney at Vick, Julius, McClure, Dave Dunkin, President, Spokane Police Guild, and LDG Consultants

This full-day training will take place the day before the WACOPS Fall General Membership Meeting, and is a great opportunity to sharpen your knowledge of labor rights, strengthen your role in the union, and hear directly from a respected legal expert in the field.

When: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Where: Hilton Garden Inn - 25 N Worthen St, Wenatchee, WA 98801

Learn More and Register Here