2025 Western Interstate Region Conference
About the Conference
The NACo Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference brings together county officials from across the nation to focus on pressing issues facing Western counties and our residents. Each year the conference is hosted by a county within the fifteen Western states – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai'i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming – and provides attendees with the opportunity to interact with federal, state and regional policymakers, participate in educational sessions and take home tools to address challenges.
Register Today
Access our registration portal to register for the conference.
For questions or assistance with registration contact us via email or phone at 202.942.4292 or nacomeetings@naco.org and indicate “WIR Conference 2025” in the subject line.
Registration Rates
| Early Bird | Advanced | Onsite | |
|---|---|---|---|
Postmarked by 4/4 |
5/2 |
5/20 |
|
NACo County Member |
$475 |
$515 |
$645 |
NACo Corporate Member |
$475 |
$530 |
$660 |
County Non-Member |
$565 |
$615 |
$745 |
Corporate Non-Member |
$610 |
$660 |
$790 |
Spouse/Guest |
$140 |
$140 |
$140 |
Registration fees include all sessions and functions that are part of the official program, including the Thursday all-conference luncheon and reception. Registration fees do not include hotel accommodations or transportation to/from the hotel.
Paid registrations cancelled by April 20 will be refunded less a $50 administration fee. Refund requests made after April 20 will not be honored. Unused registrations will not be refunded.
All cancellations must be made in writing by emailing cancellations@naco.org. Telephone cancellations are not accepted.
Conference Schedule
For purposes of travel planning, check out the daily summaries below. Click here to explore full schedule of events and workshops.
Conference Days
Tuesday
May 20 (Pre-Conference Tour)
Attendees who arrive early will have the option to visit Badlands National Park. This ancient native hunting ground is home to a unique landscape of pinnacles, buttes and the largest undisturbed grass prairie in the United States.
Wednesday
May 21
Day one of the conference features the WIR Board of Directors meeting, followed by mobile tours visiting unique sites in Pennington County.
Thursday
May 22
Day two kicks off with a general session and all-attendee luncheon. Workshops will focus on natural resource management, public lands policy and regulations. The evening will conclude with a conference-wide reception at the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Friday
May 23
The last day of the conference opens with WIR’s annual business meeting, where members will vote on WIR leadership and consider proposed bylaws changes. The Intergovernmental Forum on Public Lands will also convene. The day will end with a NACo Board of Directors Orientation.
Travel & Housing
All conference activities (except for off-site evening receptions and mobile tours) take place at The Monument Convention Center. Discounted housing rates have been established at the conference hotels. Details on booking a hotel can be found in your registration confirmation email.
The Monument Convention Center
444 N Mt Rushmore Rd
Rapid City, SD 57701
Hotels
| Hotel Name | Rate |
|---|---|
$139 |
|
$139 |
|
$199 |
|
$162 |
|
$239 |
Negotiated hotel rates will be available until April 28, 2025, or until the negotiated blocks at each hotel sell out.
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
Located about 15 minutes from downtown Rapid City, Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) has daily direct flights from Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver and Dallas. Rideshares are available at the airport as well as taxis and on-location rental cars.
About Pennington County, S.D.
Pennington County is rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. From Black Elk Peak, the highest point in North America east of the Rockies, to the cultural importance of Mt. Rushmore, it's clear that this area is steeped in both Native American and American history. The story of the region's development, from Custer's expedition to the establishment of Ellsworth Air Force Base, illustrates a blend of exploration, conflict and innovation.
Health & Safety
NACo is offering in‐person attendance at its 2025 WIR Conference pursuant to local government orders and public health guidance on such gatherings. NACo is committed to hosting a safe event for all participants and to this end requires all members, guests, staff and supplier personnel to comply with safety precautions specified by local and state officials.
Learn More: 2025 WIR Conference Waiver of Liability and Code of Conduct.
NACo's Western Interstate Region
The Western Interstate Region (WIR) advocates for public policy issues affecting counties in the West.