2026 AKC® National Detection Dog Conference
August 4 - 6, 2026
“Unleashing Potential – Building America’s Canine Defense, One Puppy at a Time” is the theme of the 2026 National Detection Dog Conference, celebrating our mission to strengthen detection dog programs through science, innovation, and collaboration.

Together, we’re securing the future—one puppy at a time. The conference will once again be held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park, providing a convenient and welcoming setting for professionals from across the detection dog community to collaborate, learn, and share best practices in the field.
Schedule at a Glance
Tuesday, August 4
4:30 PM -
6:30 PM
Registration Check-In
Location: Roberts Grand Ballroom C
5:45 PM - 
8:00 PM
Welcome Reception & Dinner
Location: Roberts Grand Ballroom C
Wednesday, August 5
7:30 AM -
10:00 AM
Registration Check-In
Location: Foyer
8:30 AM -
12:30 PM
Conference Sessions
Location: Roberts Grand Ballroom D
12:30 PM -
1:45 PM
​​​​Lunch
Location: Roberts Grand Ballroom C
1:45 PM -
5:45 PM
Conference Sessions
Location: Roberts Grand Ballroom D
Thursday, August 6
8:00 aM -
1:00 PM
Conference Sessions
Location: Roberts Grand Ballroom D
1:00 PM
Conference Conclusion
Location: Roberts Grand Ballroom D
The AKC Canine Health Foundation will hold their Canine Health in Motion Symposium, on August 6–8, 2026, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham, North Carolina. Directly after, the Detection Dog Conference concludes.

Together, these events create a cohesive, multi-day experience that brings together professionals, veterinarians, researchers, breeders, and enthusiasts engaged in detection, performance, training, and canine health. The program is designed for those interested in working and performance dog excellence, as well as the science that supports canine health, function, and longevity.

The coordinated schedule allows attendees to engage in both operational and scientific perspectives — from real-world deployment and training to health management, recovery, and long-term canine wellbeing. Across both events, programming will explore topics including:

  • Advancing the development of high-quality, domestically bred detection dogs
  • Supporting the professionals and organizations responsible for detection dog     training and deployment
  • Working and performance dog health
  • Emergency and critical care
  • Exertional and environmental stress
  • Rehabilitation, recovery, and longevity
  • Applying research insights to real-world training, care, and performance environments

By aligning these programs, AKC and CHF are creating a shared platform that connects government, law enforcement, veterinary medicine, research, and canine professionals around a common goal: advancing the health, performance, and sustainability of working and active dogs.

To support participation across the full program, a discounted registration option will be available for attendees who choose to attend both events. Additional details on registration, continuing education credits, and programming will be shared soon.
Location
Sheraton Imperial Hotel
RDU Airport

4700 Emperor Blvd, Durham, NC 27703 
DateS
August 6 - 8, 2026
Location
Sheraton Imperial Hotel - Raleigh - Durham Airport
4700 Emperor Blvd, Durham, NC 27703
Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park is located only four miles from RDU airport. We offer hotel guests a free shuttle to our property in Durham, NC, which places travelers near Chapel Hill and I-40.

Accommodations at the Sheraton Imperial
The nightly room rate is $165.00 plus applicable taxes and fees. You must book by Monday, July 15, 2026 at 11:59pm Eastern to qualify for this special rate.

Please contact the Sheraton Imperial with any questions related to booking or to request specific accommodations.
If you qualify to book at the Government Rate, book here. 
Contact Us
For general questions or concerns related to the conference,
 please contact us by phone or email at:

919-816-3720
[email protected] 
Sponsorship
We welcome your support. Click the button below to view and download our prospectus. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Mikki Larkin
[email protected]  |  919-816-3321
Thank You to Our Supporters

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