For 90 years, The Fire Department Instructors Conference has maintained the commitment to the mission of training the fire service. FDIC 2017 consists of hundreds of classroom sessions, intense hands-on training evolutions and workshops, plus the fire service’s largest exhibition showcasing more than 1,000 companies. There isn’t one other event in the world that provides more serious training and resources for firefighters.

FDIC 2017 will be held April 24-29 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Below is just a snippet of what will be offered.

Classroom Sessions

Much of the educational opportunities available at FDIC involve classroom sessions. There are literally hundreds of programs to choose from that cover all levels of experience. What makes the classroom sessions so beneficial? The FDIC International website explains that one of their most distinguishing aspects is the the world-renowned instructors. The event organizers bring together the largest gathering of both well-known instructor icons and new instructors from around the world to present groundbreaking topics. There are also many international classroom sessions that will be presented in Spanish.

Let’s take a featured session from professor David Woods, for example, called ‘Resilience in Action: Proactive Safety in a Changing World.’ Woods will discuss findings gathered from many settings and organizations, including firefighting and disaster response. He will demonstrate how to build proactive safety management and sustain the capability put resilience in action, even in an uncertain and changing world.

Pre-Conference Workshops

These are dynamic, in-depth presentations on the leading training topics for firefighters. Each four-hour session includes intense discussion and training within a classroom environment. The pre-conference workshops will be highlighted by “Responding to and Preparing for Acts of Violence” and “21st Century Command and Control.”

FDIC is proud to host a Blue Card IC Certification Simulation Evaluation Session. Check the website for more information.

Hands-On Training Evolutions

Today’s firefighters require constant improvement and training, which is why so many appreciate these programs at FDIC. Instructors will cover the latest technology and techniques in the fire service, instructed by leaders within the industry. The goal is for attendees to not only become better firefighters, but also to take the information they learned back to their departments, creating a significant impact on their community’s safety.

iWomen Leadership Conference

More and more women are becoming firefighters, which is why this conference got started in the first place. From topics such as taking command to preventing workplace discrimination, those interested can register for these sessions put on by the International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services.

Special Events

In addition to the working sessions, there are also a handful of special events during FDIC, including:

  • Battle of the Bands featuring a performance by Mountain Road
  • Firefighter Throwdown - An event created to address health, wellness, nutrition, and exercise as it relates to a firefighter. The Firefighter Throwdown will showcase elite firefighter athletes from all over the world who prove that fitness is a requirement for survival on the job.
  • Courage & Valor Fun Run - A 5K run/walk with competitive and noncompetitive races, those who register will help sponsor the Ray Downey Courage and Valor Medal and Award presented each year.
  • 9/11 Stair Climb - We all know the impact that first responders had on September 11, 2001. In this stair climb, each participant pays tribute to a firefighter by climbing or walking the equivalent of 110 stores of the World Trade Center. Proceeds go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundations.

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