Page 26 - WBG Dec 2025

FEATURE
FEA
TURE

My First World Association of Detectives Conference in Chicago:
A Journey of Connection, Learning, and Growth

This year, I had the privilege of attending my very first World Mike LaCorte held an International Investigations Panel, it was fascinating
Association of Detectives (WAD) Conference in the vibrant to see how the investigative profession adapts to different cultural and legal
city of Chicago. As someone still relatively new to civil, and contexts. While the tools and methods may vary, the shared commitment to
certainly international investigations, I wasn’t sure what to truth, integrity, and professionalism remains the same. That common ground
expect. Would it be formal and intimidating? Would I feel made even the most distant connections feel immediately relatable.
out of place among seasoned professionals?
Building Relationships That Last
What I found was the opposite: a welcoming atmosphere While the sessions were invaluable, much of the magic happened outside
filled with knowledge, camaraderie, and a shared passion the seminar rooms. Coffee breaks, networking dinners, and casual chats in
for our craft. By the end of the week, I had built new the Drake’s historic lounges created countless opportunities for genuine
friendships, gained invaluable insights, and discovered what connection.
it truly means to be part of a global investigative community.
The WAD community is built on trust, and by the end of the conference I didn’t
The Drake Hotel: A Venue Steeped in History just leave with business cards I left with a network of allies and friends I know
The conference took place at the iconic Drake Hotel, a Chicago I can call on in the future.
landmark with more than a century of history. Significantly,
it was also where the very first WAD meeting was held over A Farewell to Remember
100 years ago. The closing event was unforgettable: a yacht party on Lake Michigan, with
the Chicago skyline glittering behind us. As fireworks burst over the water,
Walking into its ornate lobby and grand ballrooms, I felt I reflected on the week, one filled with learning, laughter, and memories
a powerful sense of continuity. A century ago, pioneering that will last a lifetime. It was the perfect symbol of what WAD represents:
investigators gathered here to shape the future of the professional growth combined with human connection.
profession and this year, we carried that legacy forward.
The Power of Belonging
Lessons in Business: Jimmy Mesis Pre-Seminar Attending my first WAD conference gave me more than professional
Before the official program began, I joined a pre-seminar development, it gave me a sense of belonging to a global family of
with Jimmy Mesis, a highly respected figure in our field. investigators. Despite our different backgrounds and specialties, we are
His focus was on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of united by a mission: to seek truth, provide clarity, and serve with integrity.
investigative work: how to build a profitable, sustainable
business. I arrived in Chicago with curiosity and nerves, but I left with confidence,
friendships, and a renewed passion for my work. I’m already looking forward
Jimmy reminded us that clients don’t just pay for hours, they to the next WAD conference, knowing that each year offers new opportunities
pay for expertise. Too often, investigators undervalue their to learn, connect, and contribute.
services, forgetting the depth of knowledge and skill behind
each case. His practical advice on client acquisition, pricing, For anyone in the investigative or security field who has never attended: go. It
and efficiency left me not just inspired, but equipped with will change how you see your work and your place in the global community.
strategies I could immediately apply to strengthen my own
business. Thanks
Erika Morris
A Truly Global Network Assist Investigations, UK.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the WAD conference
was the chance to connect with investigators from across the
world. Conversations stretched across cultures, languages,
and legal systems but what united us was a shared
commitment to truth, integrity, and professionalism.

24 W.A.D Beyond Global