CrimeCon 2026

What does it really take to stay safe when danger doesn’t announce itself?

Patti Stewart, founder of Defense in Heels and a former celebrity bodyguard, brings more than 20 years of real-world experience in risk assessment, threat management, and personal protection to this high-energy, hands-on session. Blending expertise with humor and relatability, Patti will lead live, interactive demonstrations of practical, easy-to-use self-defense techniques you can practice in real time — and remember long after CrimeCon.

Note: This experience is available to VIP badge holders only. Sign-up is required—please reserve your time slot on-site through your VIP Concierge in the VIP Lounge. Please wear comfortable clothes. Attendees who choose to participate will be asked to sign a waiver.

What does it really take to stay safe when danger doesn’t announce itself?

Patti Stewart, founder of Defense in Heels and a former celebrity bodyguard, brings more than 20 years of real-world experience in risk assessment, threat management, and personal protection to this high-energy, hands-on session. Blending expertise with humor and relatability, Patti will lead live, interactive demonstrations of practical, easy-to-use self-defense techniques you can practice in real time — and remember long after CrimeCon.

Note: This experience is available to VIP badge holders only. Sign-up is required—please reserve your time slot on-site through your VIP Concierge in the VIP Lounge. Please wear comfortable clothes. Attendees who choose to participate will be asked to sign a waiver.

What does it really take to stay safe when danger doesn’t announce itself?

Patti Stewart, founder of Defense in Heels and a former celebrity bodyguard, brings more than 20 years of real-world experience in risk assessment, threat management, and personal protection to this high-energy, hands-on session. Blending expertise with humor and relatability, Patti will lead live, interactive demonstrations of practical, easy-to-use self-defense techniques you can practice in real time — and remember long after CrimeCon.

Note: This experience is available to VIP badge holders only. Sign-up is required—please reserve your time slot on-site through your VIP Concierge in the VIP Lounge. Please wear comfortable clothes. Attendees who choose to participate will be asked to sign a waiver.

What does it really take to stay safe when danger doesn’t announce itself?

Patti Stewart, founder of Defense in Heels and a former celebrity bodyguard, brings more than 20 years of real-world experience in risk assessment, threat management, and personal protection to this high-energy, hands-on session. Blending expertise with humor and relatability, Patti will lead live, interactive demonstrations of practical, easy-to-use self-defense techniques you can practice in real time — and remember long after CrimeCon.

Note: This experience is available to VIP badge holders only. Sign-up is required—please reserve your time slot on-site through your VIP Concierge in the VIP Lounge. Please wear comfortable clothes. Attendees who choose to participate will be asked to sign a waiver.

After a long day of laughs, tears, and everything in between, it’s time to step outside and wind down at the VIP Cocktail Hour — presented by A&E Crime Central. Join speakers, creators, and fellow VIP attendees on the pool deck for casual mingling, conversation, and a chance to recap what you’ve loved so far while looking ahead to Sunday.

Note: A VIP badge is required for entry.

Welcome to the fifth annual CrimeCon CLUE Awards banquet, the marquee evening event of CrimeCon weekend. Hosted by Chris Hansen, join us (and some of your favorite speakers and creators!) as we recognize outstanding projects across television, documentaries, podcasts, books, and more. A three-course dinner will be served before the show.

Once released, 2026 Nominees will be found on the CLUE website.

Please Note: This is a VIP-only experience and VIPs MUST register for CLUE in advance to select their dinner entrée. No accommodations for unregistered attendees can be made on-site.