2026 Western Interstate Region (WIR) 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 seventeen Western states – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, 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.
This year, Maui County will host county leaders in disaster-focused workshops and tours emphasizing response, recovery and resilience.
Registration
Registration includes access to all workshops, general sessions, Thursday mobile tours, and conference-wide receptions. Pre-Conference mobile tours will require an additional fee.
All correspondence regarding registration will come from either nacomeetings@naco.org or naco@naco.org. Please add these email addresses to your safe sender list. Should you receive false correspondence, please report it via email at nacomeetings@naco.org.
Registration Rates
Registrant Type | Early Bird | Advance | Onsite |
|---|---|---|---|
County – Member | $525 | $585 | $750 |
State Association | $525 | $585 | $750 |
Corporate – Member | $600 | $650 | $900 |
State, Federal, Gov't & Non-Profit | $525 | $525 | $750 |
Guest Registration | $200 | $300 | $350 |
Haleakalā National Park Pre-conference Mobile Tour | $100 | $150 | $200 |
Registration Policies
Guest Registration
Registration includes access to the conference-wide reception event and optional activities designed to highlight the unique heritage and culture of Maui County. Information about experience options and how to sign up will be shared as details are confirmed.
For travel companions only. Not valid for colleagues and those with related job functions.
Payment is due at the time of registration. Exceptions can be made to allow for payment by check on a case-by-case basis. All fees must be paid in full prior to arrival in order to obtain your badge and registration materials at the conference.
Contact nacomeetings@naco.org with any questions or to pay with a check.
To transfer a registration, please contact nacomeetings@naco.org and provide the name and email of the person whose registration you are transferring and the name and email address of the person to whom the registration should be reassigned.
Registrations cancelled by April 1, 2026, will be refunded minus a $50 administration fee. Cancellations made between April 2, and May 1 will receive a 50% refund. After May 5, no refunds will be issued, including unused registrations or no shows. This policy applies to all registration types, including guest fees.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to cancellations@naco.org; telephone cancellations are not accepted.
Schedule at a Glance
Optional Pre-Conference Mobile Tour of Haleakalā National Park | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Registration is at capacity Join us for a full-day, pre-conference mobile tour through Haleakalā National Park, where participants will learn about collaborative efforts to protect Maui’s unique natural and cultural resources. The tour will highlight ongoing conservation initiatives, the park’s partnership work with local communities, and the challenges and opportunities of stewarding fragile ecosystems in a high-visitor environment. Throughout the day, participants will visit key sites within the park and hear from National Park Service staff and local partners about habitat restoration, visitor management strategies, and the cultural significance of Haleakalā’s landscapes. Participants can expect the tour to include scenic viewpoints, interpretive stops, and opportunities to learn about intergovernmental collaboration supporting long-term sustainability. Please note that this tour involves a long drive to and from the summit area, as well as a small amount of walking at select stops. *Separate registration required. Boxed lunches provided. |
WIR Board of Directors Meeting | 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
|
National Center for Public Lands Counties (NCPLC) Advisory Council Meeting | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | |
Opening Ceremony & Welcome Remarks | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | |
Educational Workshops | 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | |
WIR and NACo Board of Directors Reception | 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
NACo Board of Directors Meeting | 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | |
Educational Workshops | 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | |
Mobile Tours to tentatively include Lahaina Post-Disaster Recovery, Community Land Trust, and Water Treatment Site | 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | This year’s mobile tours will offer participants a chance to learn directly from Maui County leaders, community organizations, and on-the-ground experts working to address pressing local priorities. While specific itineraries are still being finalized, tours are expected to focus on topics such as disaster recovery, community development, cultural initiatives, coastal and environmental restoration and essential infrastructure management. *Subject to change and expansion |
All-Conference Reception | 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
Hawaii County Officials DOD Listening Session | 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Invite Only |
WIR Business Meeting | 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | |
Closing Session & Final Remarks | 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
Housing Information
NACo’s negotiated housing block is now open. Upon registering, attendees will receive information in their confirmation email on how to book housing directly with the Hyatt Regency at NACo’s contracted rates. Discounted rates are available until the hotel cutoff date of Friday, April 10, 2026, but availability could be depleted prior to this date, so register and reserve your room now. Discounted hotel rates are $349 per night before taxes.
If a reservation is cancelled within 72 hours of arrival one applicable room night will be charged to the individual card used to guarantee the guest room.
Venue
Perfectly situated on Maui’s Ka’anapali Beach, the Hyatt Regency Maui offers versatile meeting and conference spaces designed to support collaboration, planning, and recovery efforts. Located near Lahaina, the venue provides a meaningful setting for discussions on disaster relief and community resilience in Hawai’i.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Onsite Rate is the final pricing tier for the 2026 Western Interstate Region Conference and applies from March 31 – May 8. Even though it’s called “onsite,” you can still register online during this period—no need to wait until you arrive. Simply visit our registration page to complete your signup. Upcoming Conferences | NACoShape
Guests, such as a spouse, partner, or family member, can be added during the registration process for a fee. Not valid for colleagues and those with related job functions.
Please note: Guest registration typically includes access to designated social events and meals, as well as sessions.
Login to our member portal using this link.
Once logged in, navigate to the "Events" tab, select “Conferences” from the dropdown menu and then select the conference in which your guest will be attending. From there, click "Purchase AddOns", and indicate the number of guests being added to your registration, then click “Continue”. It will then navigate to the Event Questions page where you can update any dietary restrictions as well as the name of your guest(s). Then click “Continue”, and then “Confirm Registration.”
If you’re having trouble accessing your registration to make changes, please email meetings@naco.org with your name and the full name of your guest, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Please email cancellations@naco.org with the full name of the registrant and the name of the event. Our team will assist you with the cancellation process.
Hotel information and the reservation link are included in the confirmation email sent after registration payment is received. This ensures that only confirmed attendees reserve rooms, helping us manage hotel capacity more effectively.
The Hyatt is not currently sold out over the conference dates (May 5-8). We have requested that additional room nights be added to the front end of the room block and will share an update via email once they become available.
Pre-Conference Mobile Tour:
Thank you for your interest in the Haleakalā National Park Pre-conference Mobile Tour. We’ve had an overwhelming interest in the tour and, unfortunately, it is now at capacity.
If you would still like to visit Haleakalā National Park during your stay, you are welcome to do so independently via rental car. You can find more information and resources on the National Park Service website.
Thursday Mobile Tours:
This year’s mobile tours will run concurrently on Thursday, May 7 and offer participants the opportunity to choose a tour topic that resonates and learn directly from Maui County leaders, community organizations, and on-the-ground experts working to address pressing local priorities. While specific itineraries are still being finalized, tours are expected to focus on topics such as disaster recovery, community development, cultural initiatives, coastal and environmental restoration and essential infrastructure management. Registration for these tours will be announced once itineraries have been finalized.
Tuesday, May 5 – Boxed lunches provided during Pre-Conference Mobile Tour.
Wednesday, May 6 – Coffee and refreshments provided throughout the day. Meals on own.
Thursday, May 7 - Boxed Lunches provided during Mobile Tours. Meal provided during All-Conference reception.
Friday, May 8 – Coffee and refreshments provided. Meals on own.
Honoring Hawaiian Language and Culture
At NACo, we are deeply committed to respecting, preserving and celebrating Hawaiian culture. The Hawaiian language features unique elements such as the ‘okina (ʻ), a consonant, and the kahakō (ō), a macron that lengthens and emphasizes vowels.
In some digital formats, these marks may not display correctly or can cause formatting issues. To ensure a smooth online experience, you may not always see them used throughout our website and digital materials.
We honor their importance and encourage their proper use wherever possible. Mahalo.
Additional Information
Waiver of liability link
Click here to view the waiver of liability.
Code of conduct
Click here to view the conference code of conduct.
Questions?
We are happy to help. Contact nacomeetings@naco.org or call 202-942-4292.