SMILE Conference

The Purpose of this Conference

Adoption of social media by law enforcement is in a stage of exponential growth. Some law enforcement agencies have already experienced tremendous successes; while others are ready but don’t know how to get started. The Social Media the Internet and Law Enforcement (SMILE) conference will arm you with the technical hands-on skills and the practical knowledge to navigate the social media world with confidence.

The SMILE Conference is the leading conference devoted to Social Media, the Internet and Law Enforcement initiatives. The SMILE Conference has pioneered the adoption of social media by law enforcement agencies across the world for public outreach, crime prevention, and forensics. In conjunction with the ConnectedCOPS™ blog, The SMILE Conference has become both the go-to and most trusted source by law enforcement agencies worldwide.

SMILE Conference in the Heartland

Chief Todd Schmaderer and the men and women of the Omaha Police Department will host law enforcement professionals from around the world at #SMILEcon #8 September 24th-26th, 2013. We will gather in downtown Omaha at the Old Market District.

Omaha is best known for its hospitality, as the home of the College World Series and the Henry Doorly world-class zoo, and as the birthplaces of both former President Gerald R. Ford and Malcolm X. 

Focus: Event Management

The first day of the conference, attendees hear from law enforcement and communication professionals on topics of social media strategy, reputation management, policy and other issues pertaining to community outreach. This (the eighth) SMILE Conference will also emphasize Event Management to include Crisis Negotiation.

Who’s Smile’n

We have a confirmed keynote from Peter Muyshondt from Antwerp, Belgium Police and a presentation on investigations from Officer Marko Forss of the Helsinki, Finland Police. We are working on an international mix of speakers who are the leading thinkers in this area. Our subject matter experts will lead delegates through three public-safety-specific and information-packed intense days of social media and Internet education.

Who Should Attend

From the Chief to the newest officer in the agency, Investigators, PIOs, SROs and Community Policing Officers, The SMILE Conference is appropriate for anyone who is interested in social media and its many applications in the field of law enforcement, community engagement and crime prevention.

The SMILE Conference will address social media as community media, investigative techniques and cases studies, officer safety, social media policy and strategy, legal issues, recruitment and retention and will also offer a SMILE bootcamp of hands-on training every morning from 7:30-8:45. Plenary sessions run from 9-5, 9-3 on the third day.

Something Different From the Typical Conference Format

The conference will also include one evening Town Hall meeting.

Wednesday Night – This Town Hall has proven to be one of the most popular events of the conference. It will provide everyone an opportunity to further explore and discuss at length issues concerning social media and law enforcement that could not be fully addressed during the plenary session. The Town Hall will be highly spirited, interactive and wrapped in a social media context.