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Building More Than a Conference: Strengthening the WSORCA Network

Coming out of our recent WSORCA Conference, it’s hard not to reflect on just how far this partnership has come.

With over 500 attendees joining us in Seaside, what stood out most wasn’t just the size of the event—but the strength of the relationships and the solutions being built in real time.

We now represent 13 ORCAs across 10 states—and we’re still growing. That growth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about bringing together the right people, perspectives, and expertise to take on Organized Retail Crime in a meaningful way.

This year’s conference leaned heavily into interactive panels and open dialogue. We made a deliberate effort to ensure voices were heard—from seasoned leaders to those newer to the space. Because if we’re truly going to succeed as a coalition, it has to be built on shared ownership and collective input.

Some of the most impactful moments came from simply creating space—space for conversation, for collaboration, and for others to step forward and lead. That’s where real buy-in happens. That’s where ideas turn into action.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that what we’re building together is more than a conference. It’s a network of professionals committed to making a difference, grounded in trust, collaboration, and a shared mission.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, contributed, and continues to push this work forward.

Our Conference Vision

Our Seaside conference represents more than just another gathering, it reflects the continued growth of a truly grassroots movement. With 13 ORCAs across 10 states and expanding, this event brought together the people doing the real work every day. Built on the idea that we are stronger together, the Seaside conference was designed to create space for collaboration, shared learning, and practical solutions to the evolving challenges of organized retail crime.

The conference was a great experience. Attendance was strong, and it was incredibly valuable to connect with law enforcement and retail professionals from multiple states—all in one place. That kind of networking really helps build stronger partnerships and share insights across regions.
I also appreciated the range of topics covered. The sessions were diverse and engaging

Retail Attendee

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Our Speakers and Presentations 

What sets our speakers apart is their direct connection to the work. These aren’t just subject matter experts speaking from theory, they are investigators, prosecutors, and industry professionals actively engaged in combating organized retail crime. Their insights come from real cases, real challenges, and real successes. By prioritizing voices from the field, we ensure the content remains relevant, actionable, and grounded in the realities our attendees face every day.

The conference featured solid speakers and a strong lineup of topics. I appreciated the range of perspectives and the relevance of the content, especially the sessions that touched on emerging technologies like AI. 

Retail Attendee

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Solution Providers as Part of the Discussion

Our solution providers play a critical role in bridging the gap between challenges and innovation. Rather than simply showcasing products, they engage directly with ORCAs and investigators to better understand the complexities of organized retail crime. This collaboration fosters meaningful partnerships and ensures that the tools and technologies being developed are aligned with the real-world needs of those on the front lines.

I liked that they came to the Mixer and just joined right in.  They were actually really one of the most friendly vendor groups I had experienced and I have been to LOTS of conferences with vendors.

Law Enforcement Attendee

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Parternships and Collaboration

At the heart of the conference is networking, but not in the traditional sense. This is where relationships are built, trust is established, and collaboration begins. Investigators connect across state lines, retailers share intelligence, law enforcement strengthens partnerships, and solution providers are part of those conversations every step of the way. By bringing everyone to the same table, we create an environment where challenges are discussed openly and solutions are developed collectively. These connections don’t end when the conference does, they continue to drive investigations, innovation, and long-term impact across the ORCA network.

I’d rate the networking opportunities positively overall. The ability to connect with law enforcement, retailers, and vendors from different states in one location is incredibly valuable. 

Retail Attendee

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© 2026 by Western States Organized Retail Crime Alliance

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