2026 NTOA National Negotiator's Challenge Registration

October 25th, 2026, Chandler Arizona

The NTOA is hosting its second annual National Negotiator's Challenge, a unique opportunity for crisis negotiation teams to work together and challenge themselves and their teams against other teams nationwide. Teams will participate in a challenging scenario-driven competition. Up to 10 teams (8 negotiators each) may register. The NTOA will provide judging criteria to teams upon registration. The National Negotiator's Challenge is a realistic stress-based training opportunity. It allows participants and observers to witness how other teams each address the same scenario in their way, depending on resources, team size, experience, and much more. Additional negotiators may attend for observation and training purposes.

ALL National Negotiator's Challenge attendees must register for the NTOA CNT Conference (1-day, 2-day, or whole week) before registering for the competition.
groupsTEAM
Register a team of between 4 to 8 members to participate in the National Negotiator's Challenge.
NOTE: You must register a minimum of 4 team members!

COST
$90
Per
Team Member
gavelJUDGE
Register to be a judge for the National Negotiator's Challenge.

COST
FREE
speaker_notesFACILITATOR
Volunteer facilitators play an essential support role in making the NTOA National Challenge a success. Working alongside senior facilitators, they help manage the flow of scenarios, coordinate with role players, track time, and ensure teams follow event guidelines. Facilitators may assist with the distribution of intelligence, scenario prompts, logistics, and communication between judges, role player coordinators, senior facilitators, and competing teams.

This is an excellent opportunity for new or developing negotiators, as well as those interested in the complexities of running scenarios, to gain a behind-the-scenes look at how a major training event is conducted. Volunteers gain exposure to multiple teams, scenario formats, and evaluation practices, making it both a learning experience and a way to contribute to the professional negotiation community.

Volunteer facilitators must be available for the table read on Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m.


COST
FREE
visibilityOBSERVER
I want attend the National Negotiator's Challenge to watch the competition.

COST
$85