5 Worthwhile Conferences for Firefighting Professionals
- FDSOA Fire Apparatus, Safety and Maintenance Conference
- Firehouse Expo
- Fire Department Instructors Conference International
- ARFF Leadership Conference
- NFPA Conference and Expo
When it comes to fighting fires, regular training is a must to stay up to date on the latest safety strategies — and that’s where conferences for firefighters come in. These events provide lectures and educational sessions on topics ranging from technology to equipment. Conferences gather all of these sessions are available in one place, making them an efficient option for busy firefighters or fire chiefs.
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1. 2020 FDSOA Fire Apparatus, Safety and Maintenance Conference
Gear is one of the most important aspects of fire fighting; that’s why the 2020 FDSOA Fire Apparatus, Safety and Maintenance Conference focuses solely on using and caring for equipment. With a variety of hands-on sessions, including testing, pump teardown, and maintaining electrical systems, this conference helps firefighters learn to keep a safe station. Other sessions at this firefighting conference tackle the administrative side of the equipment, including writing specs and building vendor relationships. This conference takes place in January of 2020 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
2. Firehouse Expo
One of the top conferences for firefighting professionals, the Firehouse Expo brings together people from across the industry. Fire chiefs and administrators can head to the exhibitor hall to find everything from truck vendors to the latest in fire-resistant apparel. For firefighters, there are hands-on training classes and more than 100 educational sessions designed to build skills and communicate the latest in fire safety. Networking is also a big component of the conference; these gatherings are a good place to meet other fire professionals and find new opportunities. In 2020, Firehouse Expo takes place in July in Nashville, Tennessee.
3. Fire Department Instructors Conference International
With more than 35,000 attendees, the Fire Department Instructors Conference International is one of the biggest firefighting professional conferences. It’s open to everyone in the fire and rescue industry, including fire marshals, fire academy students, and volunteer firefighters. This conference offers a mix of sessions, including lectures, an exhibit hall, classroom sessions, hands-on training opportunities, and workshops. One of the main draws is the Hands-On Training Evolution series, which provides an active education in topics such as active shooter response and vehicle extrication. FDIC International happens in April of 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
4. ARFF Leadership Conference
For aviation firefighters, the ARFF Leadership Conference is a major annual event. Operated by the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Working Group, this event covers skills such as FAA inspections, airport management, and more. Because of its high-level focus, this conference is best suited to fire chiefs, shift commanders, and other aviation fire leaders. With a range of educational presentations and networking breakout sessions, attendees have the opportunity to learn from instructors and other industry professionals. The ARFF conference is held in Las Vegas in February of 2020.
5. NFPA Conference and Expo
Each year, the National Fire Protection Association holds the NFPA Conference and Expo; in 2020, it’s scheduled for June in Orlando, Florida. This conference focuses on all of the safety issues that firefighters face, including active shooter situations and the use of technology to manage and fight fires. Choose from sessions such as strategic planning for emergencies, leadership strategies, and more.
A conference is a perfect opportunity to refresh crucial firefighting skills and get updated on new equipment and technology. The right firefighter conferences can be a great investment that makes a firehouse safer and more effective.