Schedule
Registration Opens
Please visit the registration tables in the Kokepelli Trail Hallway (the main hallway of the venue) to pick up your name badge and conference swag.
COTAK Fundamentals: iTAK
This course is designed for new users and for individuals with prior experience using the iTAK application who would benefit from a comprehensive refresher. Participants will develop a foundational understanding of the COTAK system and mobile application while gaining practical skills for operational use in tactical, strategic, and emergency management environments.
Throughout the course, students will learn to navigate the COTAK interface, configure user settings, and effectively use map layers, marking tools, and real-time location-tracking capabilities. Instruction will also cover the creation and sharing of digital markers, notes, and mission updates to support situational awareness and team coordination.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to share critical operational information with team members and command staff, enhance accountability and personnel safety through improved location awareness, and support cross-agency collaboration through a unified operational picture.
Presented by: COTAK Support Liaison, David Mahan
COTAK Fundamentals: ATAK
This course is designed for new users and for individuals with prior experience using the ATAK application who would benefit from a comprehensive refresher. Participants will develop a foundational understanding of the COTAK system and mobile application while gaining practical skills for operational use in tactical, strategic, and emergency management environments.
Throughout the course, students will learn to navigate the COTAK interface, configure user settings, and effectively use map layers, marking tools, and real-time location-tracking capabilities. Instruction will also cover the creation and sharing of digital markers, notes, and mission updates to support situational awareness and team coordination.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to share critical operational information with team members and command staff, enhance accountability and personnel safety through improved location awareness, and support cross-agency collaboration through a unified operational picture.
Presented by: COTAK Support Liaison, Bryce Boyer
Break
Take a break—stretch your legs, network, and treat yourself to a coffee!
COTAK Fundamentals: iTAK (Continued)
Join us for part two of the COTAK Fundamentals iTAK training session. We’ll cover additional key concepts and answer your questions to help you get the most out of the pre-conference training session.
COTAK Fundamentals: ATAK (Continued)
Join us for part two of the COTAK Fundamentals ATAK training session. We’ll cover additional key concepts and answer your questions to help you get the most out of the pre-conference training session.
End of COTAK Summit Pre-conference Day
Thank you for joining us at the COTAK Summit pre-conference workshops!
Registration Opens
Please visit the registration tables in the Kokepelli Trail Hallway (the main hallway of the venue) to pick up your name badge and conference swag. Our team will be there to greet you and answer any questions you may have.
Breakfast Buffet Opens
Start your day with our classic breakfast buffet, which includes breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, orange juice, and your choice of regular or decaf coffee. If you listed a dietary restriction during your event registration, please let a COTAK Summit team member know, and our staff will be happy to assist you.
Welcome, Honor Guard & Opening Remarks
Join us for the official kickoff of the summit with opening remarks from the COTAK leadership team, followed by a special honor guard ceremony led by Summit County Sheriff Jamie FitzSimons.
Opening Keynote Presentation
Explore the critical challenges faced by responders when communication systems break down and essential tools are unavailable. This keynote, led by retired Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis, will provide real-world insights and practical lessons on staying effective during communications challenges.
Break
Take a break—stretch your legs, network, and treat yourself to a coffee!
Setting the Foundation of COTAK: A Brief History of the Program and our Mission
The COTAK program took a long and winding road to go from an idea to an operational statewide system, and this session will detail our history and how it shaped core elements of the current system. This session will also introduce the COTAK team and explain the mission of the COTAK program: who we see as our customers and the capabilities we build to support them.
Presented by: COTAK Program Leader, Brad Schmidt
Lunch
Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring a classic trio: tomato bisque soup and a fresh garden salad with grape tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and ranch dressing. Enjoy our deli sandwich table, offering smoked turkey breast, honey-glazed ham, cheddar and Swiss cheeses, a full condiment bar, and fresh-baked breads. Refreshments include iced tea, lemonade, and water. If you listed a dietary restriction during your event registration, please let a COTAK Summit team member know, and our staff will be happy to assist you.
CloudTAK Introduction
Understanding web-based operation for new users, including markers, basic map editing and drawing tools, standard icon selection, overlays, base maps, and map item selection for Data Packages/DataSync. Concludes with basic familiarity in commonly used tools for planning and managing dynamic, real-time incidents. A laptop is helpful for this session as attendees may like to follow along.
Presented by: COTAK Support Manager, Ben Lawrence
Your COTAK Dashboard: Essential Tools, Tips, and Troubleshooting
Get a complete walkthrough of your user dashboard at cotak.gov and the essential tools available to all COTAK users. This session ensures you leave knowing how to handle any technical issues, from quick, do-it-yourself fixes to the most efficient ways to request support when you need extra help.
Presented by:
Deputy Director of Science and Research, Bob Gann
COTAK Support Liaison, Lizzy Depew
CloudTAK Introduction (Continued)
Understanding web-based operation for new users, including markers, basic map editing and drawing tools, standard icon selection, overlays, base maps, and map item selection for Data Packages/DataSync. Concludes with basic familiarity in commonly used tools for planning and managing dynamic, real-time incidents. A laptop is helpful for this session as attendees may like to follow along.
Presented by:
COTAK Support Liaison, David Mahan
COTAK Support Liaison, Bryce Boyer
Senior Geospatial Engineer, Nicholas Ingalls
Spatial Technologies Project Manager, Adrien Hoff
Agency Administrators: How to Manage and Support Your Team
As an agency administrator, you have control over how your agency is set up and access to additional tools. You are probably the first person your team turns to when they have questions about COTAK. In this session we'll cover the COTAK user management system, best practices for your agency settings, and how to troubleshoot the most common issues your users will have.
Presented by:
Deputy Director of Science and Research, Bob Gann
COTAK Support Liaison, Lizzy Depew
Break
Stretch, recharge, and connect before the day's afternoon sessions.
CloudTAK Deep-Dive
Basics of data integrations, including trackers, satellite devices, vehicle feeds, fire perimeters, and related live data sources. Covers layer visibility management, advanced icon set selection, and importing files into the map such as GeoPDFs, imagery, and GeoJSON files (no prior knowledge required). An overview of the Features menu, including how to restore deleted items, and an introduction to line snapping concepts. The session concludes with a sample complex incident package for later reference.
Presented by: COTAK Support Manager, Ben Lawrence
Agency Administrators: Channels Management and Introduction of the New Parent Agency Admin Tool
Channels are the foundation of how data is shared in the COTAK system, and this session will detail how agency administrators can create and manage access to channels within your agency. This session also showcases a new tool of cotak.gov which allows a single person to administer multiple sub-agencies. This new parent agency admin tool allows you to transfer users between sub-agencies and perform other advanced functions when deploying COTAK at scale.
Presented by:
Deputy Director of Science and Research, Bob Gann
COTAK Support Liaison, Lizzy Depew
CloudTAK Deep-Dive (Continued)
Basics of data integrations, including trackers, satellite devices, vehicle feeds, fire perimeters, and related live data sources. Covers layer visibility management, advanced icon set selection, and importing files into the map such as GeoPDFs, imagery, and GeoJSON files (no prior knowledge required). An overview of the Features menu, including how to restore deleted items, and an introduction to line snapping concepts. The session concludes with a sample complex incident package for later reference.
Presented by:
COTAK Support Liaison, David Mahan
COTAK Support Liaison, Bryce Boyer
Senior Geospatial Engineer, Nicholas Ingalls
Spatial Technologies Project Manager, Adrien Hoff
Setting up Mutual Aid and Interoperability in the COTAK System
One of COTAK's key strengths is interoperability between agencies, whether they are neighbors or coming from across the state to help during complex disasters. In this session you will learn about the main options for establishing and managing interoperability with other agencies, and the tradeoffs between security and ease-of-use with these. Real world examples of interoperability in action with COTAK will be shared during this session.
Presented by: COTAK Program Leader, Brad Schmidt
Break
Take a break—stretch your legs, network, and treat yourself to a coffee!
Texas TAK Kerr County Flood Response
Hear directly from the Texas Department of Public Safety as they share their firsthand experience deploying TAK technology during the Kerr County flood response. This session will highlight practical strategies, key takeaways, and lessons learned that are especially relevant for Colorado agencies.
Presented by:
Texas TAK Program Manager, Brandon Alberd
Sr Application Service Architect, Paul Brown
Closing Remarks
Please join us for the closing remarks of the first day of the COTAK Summit, featuring special guest Mike Morgan, Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
Evening Reception
Join us for an evening reception featuring a delicious assortment of hors d’oeuvres and refreshing beverages. It’s a wonderful chance to unwind, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy the evening together after a full day of sessions.
End of Conference Day 1
Thank you for making the first day of the 2026 COTAK Summit such a memorable experience! We look forward to seeing you bright and early tomorrow for the second day of the conference.
Registration Opens
Stop by the registration tables in the Kokepelli Trail Hallway (the main hallway of the venue) to pick up your name badge and conference swag if you haven’t already done so. Our team will be there to welcome you, help you get settled, and assist with any questions you may have.
Breakfast Buffet Opens
Start your morning with our hearty breakfast burrito buffet, featuring scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, hashbrowns, and sausage. Pair your burrito with a glass of orange juice and your choice of regular or decaf coffee. If you listed a dietary restriction during your event registration, please let a COTAK Summit team member know, and our staff will be happy to assist you.
Opening Remarks and COTAK Ambassador of the Year
Begin the second day of the Summit with opening remarks from Stan Hilkey, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety. Following his address, join us as we celebrate this year’s COTAK Ambassador—an individual whose outstanding dedication and leadership have made a significant impact on advancing the COTAK mission throughout Colorado.
How Are We Connected: TAK Product Center Foundations & Futures
Nathan Frantz from the TAK Product Center will break down the core architecture of the TAK ecosystem and provide insights into exciting new developments and future directions for the platform at the national level.
Future Trends and Capabilities for COTAK Users
The technology landscape is shifting more quickly than ever before, and this session will detail how the COTAK program is approaching these changes and where our priorities are for the future of the system.
Presented by: COTAK Program Leader, Brad Schmidt
Break
Take a break—stretch your legs, network, and treat yourself to a coffee before our user feedback panel.
COTAK User Feedback Panel
Join COTAK Support Manager Ben Lawrence and public safety partners from the FBI, Kit Carson Emergency Management, Arvada Fire Department, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife for an interactive discussion focused on real-world experiences using COTAK in the field. Panelists will share operational insights, lessons learned, implementation strategies, and feedback on how situational awareness technology is supporting their missions.
Panel Members:
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Nathan Eaton
Kit Carson County Emergency Management, Nathan Gramm
Arvada Fire Department, Jamie Denison
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Brent Lounsbury
Lunch
Enjoy a taco bar buffet for lunch, featuring seasoned ground beef, corn taco shells, salsa fresca, grated cheese, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and red beans. Refreshments include iced tea, lemonade, and water. If you listed a dietary restriction during your event registration, please let a COTAK Summit team member know, and our staff will be happy to assist you.
Data Sync for TAK
This course provides participants with a comprehensive overview of TAK Data Sync capabilities and operational applications. Data Sync is used to synchronize multiple TAK devices involved in the same exercise or event. This course is designed to familiarize users with the purpose, functionality, and practical implementation of Data Sync workflows.
Participants will explore system requirements, operational considerations, and best practices for deploying and managing Data Sync feeds. Instruction will include real-world use cases demonstrating how agencies and teams utilize Data Sync to improve collaboration, maintain situational awareness, and streamline information sharing across TAK devices.
By the end of the course, students will understand how to effectively configure, manage, and utilize the Data Sync tool to support mission-critical operations.
Presented by:
COTAK Support Liaison, David Mahan
COTAK Support Liaison, Bryce Boyer
Spatial Technologies Project Manager, Adrien Hoff
UAS Integration with COTAK: Connecting Your Platforms to Your Common Operating Picture
This session covers how unmanned aircraft systems can be integrated directly into COTAK using UAS-Tool, giving operators real-time position, video streaming, and sensor data on their TAK device. Attendees will learn how UAS-Tool bridges the gap between the air and ground picture, what it takes to get a UAS platform feeding into COTAK, and how public safety agencies can leverage the integration to improve situational awareness on any incident. Whether you're new to UAS or already flying and looking to import your data into TAK, this session will provide a practical foundation.
Presented by: Uncrewed Systems Project Manager, Jeff Singer
Data Sync for TAK (Continued)
This course provides participants with a comprehensive overview of TAK Data Sync capabilities and operational applications. Data Sync is used to synchronize multiple TAK devices involved in the same exercise or event. This course is designed to familiarize users with the purpose, functionality, and practical implementation of Data Sync workflows.
Participants will explore system requirements, operational considerations, and best practices for deploying and managing Data Sync feeds. Instruction will include real-world use cases demonstrating how agencies and teams utilize Data Sync to improve collaboration, maintain situational awareness, and streamline information sharing across TAK devices.
By the end of the course, students will understand how to effectively configure, manage, and utilize the Data Sync tool to support mission-critical operations.
Presented by:
COTAK Support Liaison, David Mahan
COTAK Support Liaison, Bryce Boyer
Spatial Technologies Project Manager, Adrien Hoff
Eyes in the Sky: Gilpin County's Real-World UAS Experience in COTAK
Gilpin County shares firsthand lessons from deploying UAS in both law enforcement operations and wildland fire response. In addition, it explains how COTAK has been central to the success of those missions. This case study walks through what integration looks like in the field, the operational value it has delivered, and Gilpin County's emerging counter-UAS work to protect personnel and assets on the ground. A candid look at what's working, what took effort, and what other agencies can take back to their own programs.
Presented by: Joshua Snyder, Gilpin County
TAK and ArcGIS for Wide Area Blood Delivery & Tracking to Treat Trauma in Colorado
Since late 2024, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control has maintained a local instance of the Team Awareness Kit software for use by response agencies statewide ("COTAK"). Around the same time, the new Colorado Whole Blood Coalition (CWCB) was rolling out an approach to field delivery of whole blood for trauma that had potential to allow for more cooperative and fluid use of blood products across disparate jurisdictions and emergency medical service (EMS) systems. Third, the North Central All-Hazards Region, one of nine Colorado emergency management and homeland security regions and the one responsible for the Denver Metro area, has a longstanding ArcGIS-based situational awareness system called the NSAS.
The talk will detail novel development to allow for bidirectional information flow between the NSAS ArcGIS system and COTAK to efficiently support all phases of implementing the CWCB's approach to making blood available to bleeding patients across a wide swath of urban, suburban, rural, and frontier areas in Colorado spanning many different EMS systems and delivery models. The approach should be interesting to many audiences because it combines the strengths of each of two standardized and relatively open systems to create a unified approach that is both strong in the tactical (COTAK) and strategic (NSAS ArcGIS) phases of incident management.
Presented by:
Spatial Technologies Project Manager, Adrien Hoff
Homeland Security Planning and Exercise Support Analyst at Colorado North Central All-Hazards Region, Ezekiel Peters
Field-Ready Mapping on a Budget: Building Ortho Mosaics with UAS and WebODM
High-quality aerial mapping doesn't require expensive software. This session demonstrates how public safety agencies can use UAS to collect imagery, process it into ortho mosaics with WebODM — an accessible, low-cost solution — and then push those maps directly into COTAK for field use. Attendees will see the full workflow from flight to finished map layer, with a focus on practical, repeatable methods that work within tight agency budgets. If your agency has an uncrewed aviation asset and wants better maps in TAK, this session is for you.
Presented by: Uncrewed Systems Project Manager, Jeff Singer
Integrations: Bringing All Your Data to One Screen
One of the major benefits of COTAK is its ability to bring together numerous data sources onto a single screen. We'll demonstrate existing integrations, including Axon body cams, covert trackers, WildCAD fire data, and pager systems. We'll also cover how you can bring your team's data into COTAK.
Presented by:
COTAK Support Liaison, Lizzy Depew
Senior Geospatial Engineer, Nicholas Ingalls
See It Live: UAS Flight Demonstration and COTAK Integration in Action
Take outside for a live flight demonstration showcasing UAS integrations with COTAK in real time. Watch UAS position and video streams appear on ATAK, iTAK, and other TAK-enabled devices, and see how the common operating picture changes when you add an eye in the sky. This hands-on capstone session brings together everything UAS covered at the Summit — demonstrating what a fully integrated UAS-COTAK operation can look like from liftoff to landing. A great opportunity to ask questions, see the tech in action, and leave with a clear picture of what's possible for your agency.
Presented by:
Uncrewed Systems Project Manager, Jeff Singer
End of Conference
We can't wait to see you next year! Thank you for joining us for the 2026 COTAK Summit.
FirstNet Authority Technical Facility and NIST Public Safety Immersive Test Center Tour
The NIST Public Safety Communications Research Division (PSCR) and the FirstNet Authority are pleased to host 2026 COTAK Summit attendees at the FirstNet Authority Technical Facility and NIST Public Safety Immersive Test Center in Boulder, CO, for a tour on July 10, 2026, from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Attendees will hear a program overview from the NIST PSCR, the primary federal laboratory conducting R&D on technology for use on the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network and see cutting-edge technology demonstrations from research projects in our key portfolios of Mission Critical Services, Location-Based Services, User Experience, and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems.
The FirstNet Authority will provide a programmatic overview of FirstNet, the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network, and a tour of the Boulder FirstNet Lab, including demonstrations of deployable cell sites. Additionally, for public safety visitors, the tour will include live demonstrations of Quality of Service, Priority, and Preemption (QPP) on the network.
If interested in attending, please register by June 19, 2026 using this registration form.
