Edward Ajaeb on NCISS Turning 50: Why This Year’s Annual Meeting in Nashville Matters

Edward Ajaeb on NCISS Turning 50: Why This Year's Annual Meeting in Nashville Matters

By Edward Ajaeb, CLI

This August marks a milestone half a century in the making. The National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS) will celebrate its 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Cambria Hotel in downtown Nashville. As Chair of the NCISS Board, I could not be prouder to help lead the organization into this celebration, and into its next fifty years.

Fifty Years of Advocacy

Since 1976, NCISS has served as the unified voice of the investigation and security professions in Washington and in statehouses across the country. When legislation threatens the tools licensed investigators rely on to serve attorneys, businesses, and everyday citizens, NCISS is the organization in the room making sure lawmakers understand the real-world impact.

That work has never been more important. From data privacy legislation moving through Congress to evolving state licensing requirements, the regulatory landscape for professional investigators is shifting faster than at any point in the organization's history.

What to Expect in Nashville

The 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting brings together investigators and security professionals from across the country for full days of programming, including:

  • The NCISS Board Meeting, which is always free and open to members
  • An awards luncheon recognizing excellence across the profession
  • A welcome reception celebrating five decades of advocacy
  • Networking with leaders from every corner of the investigation and security industries

The Cambria Hotel sits just around the corner from Broadway in the heart of Music City, so attendees can expect a memorable setting to match a memorable occasion.

A Note on Conference Season

Events like this one are also a reminder of how much of our profession happens on stage: presenting techniques, teaching peers, and representing the industry. If you have a conference on your own calendar this year, I recently put together a step-by-step guide to preparing for a conference presentation, along with practical skills for becoming a better public speaker and public speaking tips for professionals who want to stand out. Many of Edward Ajaeb's past conference presentations are available on SlideShare, I keep a running board of investigative resources and conference takeaways that I add to throughout the year, and you can find a recent announcement about Edward Ajaeb's upcoming CLI conference appearances here.

A Personal Note

Serving as Chair of the NCISS Board has been one of the great honors of my career in professional investigations. The investigators I have met through this organization represent the best of our profession: ethical, rigorous, and committed to getting it right. If you are a licensed investigator or security professional and have never attended an NCISS event, the 50th anniversary is the year to start. And if we haven't met yet, you can learn more about Edward Ajaeb here.

I hope to see you in Nashville on August 20th. Registration and discounted group hotel rates are available now at nciss.org.