WSTA 2027 Annual Conference: Integrating AI and Human Expertise
Annual Conference 2027

The Industry Is Changing. Come join us to discuss what's next.

January 27–29, 2027 · The Signature at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV

AI is reshaping our industry, but technology is only part of the conversation. Three days of education, honest discussion and connection on how AI, technology and human expertise can work together to strengthen operations, service and the future of our businesses.

AI + Live Agents

Where automation works, where people remain essential, and how the two can work together.

Tools + Technology

A practical look at AI platforms, voice technology, integrations, and what owners should understand before investing.

The Human Advantage

How to position judgment, empathy, experience and dependable human service as competitive advantages.

Real-World Operations

Practical lessons from people who understand answering services, call centers, customers, staffing, sales and implementation.

2027 Agenda

WSTA Las Vegas · The Signature at MGM Grand

Wed, Jan 27

Annual Meeting of the Western States Telemessaging Association

Opening Reception

Thu, Jan 28

BreakfastSponsor to be announced.
Voice AI and the Future of Answering ServicesPractical look at voice AI, hybrid AI/live-agent models, providers, integrations, costs, handoffs, and where answering services should start.Rider Harris
Break
AI Today, Not Someday: A Practical Playbook for Answering ServicesDiscover how AI agents can streamline everyday business operations, from inboxes and scheduling to sales, contracts, and security, while maintaining human oversight and protecting HIPAA compliance.Rob VanBuskirk
Ask the Experts Panel DiscussionGives members an opportunity to bring real-world questions.
Lunch
AI in the Real World: Owner & Operator PanelPanel discussing what companies are actually doing with AI, what’s working, challenges, client reactions, marketing, billing, staff impact, and lessons learned.Moderator: Kurt Duncan
Break
WSTA Exchange: What’s Keeping You Up at Night?Fast-paced facilitated discussion on issues beyond AI. Members identify challenges and share ideas/resources.
Meet Our VendorsEach vendor gives a brief introduction to share who they are, what they offer, and how they support our industry.Vendor Presentations
Vendor Happy HourSponsored by Amtelco.

Fri, Jan 29

BreakfastSponsor to be announced.
The Race to the Top!Discover how AI can enhance human connection, improve customer experience and operations, and help answering services position and sell higher-value solutions that drive growth.Matthew Ferrara
Break
WSTA Going ForwardEmbracing the future.Marla Duncan, WSTA President
WSTA Business MeetingMarla Duncan, WSTA President

Registration

WSTA Member$459First attendee from a member company
Additional Member$439Each additional attendee from your team
Non-Member$499Join WSTA ($360/yr, less than $1.00 a day) and save on every event
  • All educational sessions
  • Wednesday Opening Reception
  • Thursday breakfast & lunch
  • Friday breakfast
  • Networking & WSTA Exchange
  • Conference materials

Early-bird rates through November 15, 2026. Member savings apply to active WSTA members.

The Signature at MGM Grand
The Signature at MGM Grand ↗

A quiet, all-suite, casino-free resort. Each tower has its own private pool, with family-friendly and adults-only options. Book in the WSTA room block ↗ by the cut-off, Monday, December 28, 2026.