2026 ASARA State SAR Conference

Updated April 29, 2026

The Arkansas Search and Rescue Association Board is excited to announce that we will be hosting the 2026 ASARA State Conference June 6-7, 2026 with pre-conference training on Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5. The conference will be hosted at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR.

Conference Cost and Information

Pre-Conference Cost:

All Pre-Conference classes are both Thursday and Friday
Cost includes attendance to the class and includes breakfast, lunch, and supper both days.
Cost may not include required or recommended books or other supplies. Please see course description below for details
Worldwide Trackers – Fernando Moreira SAR Tracker 1 Course
- ASARA Member Teams: $280 per attendee
- Non-ASARA Members: $300 per attendee
NASAR Wilderness First Aid
- ASARA Member Teams:$200 per attendee
- Non-ASARA Members: $220 per attendee

Conference Cost:

Cost includes attendance on Saturday and Sunday and includes meals
- Breakfast, lunch, and supper on Saturday
- Breakfast and a boxed lunch on Sunday
ASARA Member Teams:
- Early Bird Registration: $110 per attendee
- Standard Registration (after May 10, 2026): $130 per attendee
Non-ASARA Member Teams:
- Early Bird Registration: $130 per attendee
- Standard Registration (after May 10, 2026): $150 per attendee
Students:
- Early Bird Registration: $80 per attendee
- Standard Registration (after May 10, 2026): $110 per attendee
ATU Students (does not include any meals):
- Early Bird Registration: $30 per attendee
- Standard Registration (after May 10, 2026): $60 per attendee

Please Note: Class days, cost, and other details are subject to change!

Please Note: Extra items such as books and ASARA merchandise will be available for purchase at the conference for additional fees.

Total cost for the Conference will vary depending on which classes you choose to attend, lodging, and any cost associated with optional extras such as ASARA merchandise purchases.

Deadline to register to get the Early bird discount is Sunday, May 10 by 23:59.

Any registrations on or after May 10 will be billed at the standard rate. On-campus lodging will not be available after May 10. No exceptions.

SCHEDULE as of April 29, 2026

Pre-Conference Course Information

Worldwide Trackers – Fernando Moreira SAR Tracker 1 course

20 hours
Cost:
- ASARA Member Teams: $280 per attendee
- Non-ASARA Member: $300 per attendee
Days: Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5
Lead Instructor: Fernando Moreira
- Phone: (775) 338-0882
- E-mail: training@worldwidetrackers.co
Equipment, Supplies, and Class Materials:
Course Description:

Training to prepare SAR members for urban, rural and night tracking under “ideal” conditions. This course is for the SAR or law enforcement person that has the desire to become a tracker for the purpose of Search & Rescue. It is an intensive course with 4 hours of classroom and 16 hours in the field. Based on Jack Kearney’s “Tracking: A Blueprint for Learning How” and developed with his consent, this course teaches all the basics.

This 20 hour basic class is the foundation to all of our classes.

NASAR Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course

16 hours (2 Days)
Cost:
- ASARA Member Teams:$200 per attendee
- Non-ASARA Members: $220 per attendee
Days: Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5
Lead Instructor: Chris Charles
- Phone:
- E-mail:
Equipment, Supplies, and Class Materials:
- NASAR Wilderness First Aid Book
  - Book is NOT included in the course fee
  - Book is available from NASAR bookstore, Amazon, and other sources
- Pen or pencil
- Notepad
Course Description:

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is a 16-hour course designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to medical emergencies and injuries in remote and outdoor settings. Students will learn how to assess, treat, and manage common injuries and illnesses that may occur in wilderness environments, where access to medical help is limited or delayed. This course emphasizes hands-on training, scenario-based learning, and practical application of first aid principles in challenging outdoor conditions.

https://nasar.org/page/WFA

Breakout Session Information

Saturday, June 6:

07:00-08:30

Breakfast and Networking

08:30-12:00

General Session
- General SAR Update
- National Guard/USAR Helo-Field Team
- New Tech with sUAS in SAR
- Field Team interaction with K9 resources
- Keynote Speaker – Chris Boyer, NASAR Executive Director

12:00-14:00

Lunch

14:00-15:30

Before the Call – Being Mission Ready
Patient Assessments
Tracking – Fernando Moreira
NASAR Instructor Development

15:30-16:00

Break

16:00-17:30

Map Reading 101
Enhancing Probability of Detection (POD)
Tracking – Fernando Moreira
NASAR Evaluator Development

17:30-19:00

Dinner

19:00-20:00

Recognition / Door Prizes

20:00-21:00

“SAR Fun Night” – Details to be determined

Sunday, June 7:

07:00 – 08:00

Breakfast

08:00 – 12:00

SAR Exercise – Details to be determined

Immediately following morning activities

Lunch & Debrief

Other Conference Features:

Thursday Evening: TBA
Friday Evening: Arkansas Search and Rescue Association General Membership Meeting and Election (Note: Must be a member of a current ASARA member team to attend)
Saturday Evening: “SAR Fun Night”

Lodging and Meals

On-campus lodging is available in Nutt Hall Wednesday, June 3 – Saturday, June 6: $40 per Night

Virtual Tour of a Nutt Hall Dorm Room – https://youtu.be/Wu-qpW6mn9s

Attendees will need to provide their own linens.
No alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or pets are allowed.
You may also secure your own lodging off-campus if you prefer.

Please Note: Couples that wish to lodge together will need to specify this on their registration form.

Please Note: The fees for lodging are in addition to pre-conference and conference fees and any other fees you may have.

Please Note: Class days, cost, and other details are subject to change!

Please Note: Extra items such as books and ASARA merchandise will be available for purchase at the conference for additional fees.

Total Cost for the Conference will vary depending on which classes you choose to attend, lodging, and any cost associated with optional extras such as books or ASARA merchandise purchases.

Registration Deadline is Sunday, May 10 by 23:59.

Any registrations on or after May 10 will be billed at the standard rate. On-campus lodging will not be available after May 10.

Thank you to our 2026 ASARA State SAR Conference Sponsors

Class Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Are you or your business interested in being a Conference Sponsor? Take a look at our Sponsorship packet or contact an ASARA Board Member

2026 ASARA State SAR Conference – Sponsor Packet

On-line Conference Registration Form

If your team enjoys having events such as our State Conference, please consider having your team join ASARA to help support our efforts. Please see the Membership page for information.

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