Safety and Health Conference

The annual Safety and Health Conference is geared towards awareness and sharing information about the hazards and risks inherent in the firefighting profession to collectively strategize on how to change, improve or curb those issues so first responders can live the healthiest and longest lives possible. Topics include but are not limited to: hazards exposure, contamination, mental health, risk of cancer, injury prevention, nutrition, physical fitness and resources available to first responders to address these various concerns.

The educational program is two full days concluding with a half-day featuring topics and speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. For a subject that may at times seem daunting, we strive through positive interaction, support and enthusiasm to emphasize firefighter well-being in the Fire Service.

The vendor opportunity at this event is a 2.5 day vendor showcase of six foot tables in the public meeting space.

 

2026 Safety and Health Conference

 

October 19 - 21, 2026

We’re excited to announce that the 2026 Safety and Health Conference has been scheduled! Mark your calendars for Monday, October 19, 2026, through Wednesday, October 21, 2026,  at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Florida, 8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34747.
Stay tuned - more details will be coming soon! We look forward to seeing you there for valuable sessions, networking, and discussions that will shape our industry's future safety and health.
 

 

OCTOBER 19-21, 2026

Margaritaville Resort Orlando 
8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34747

Hotel Information & Booking

Program Schedule
Exhibitor/Sponsorship Opportunities
Pricing
Safety, Health and Wellness Award of Excellence
Fees and Cancellation

Hotel Information & Booking

Margaritaville Resort Orlando
8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, Florida, 34747

FFCA has secured a discounted nightly rate of $199 plus tax at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando for the conference. This rate is available through Friday, September 25, 2026, or until the room block sells out. Space is limited and subject to availability. To book, call +1 855-995-9099 or use the link below. Be sure to mention the 2026 Safety & Health Conference if booking by phone. We encourage early reservations.
BOOK HOTEL

Please note that the hotel booking page may display marketing messages such as "Only 2 rooms left!" These notifications are generated automatically by the hotel's reservation system and may not accurately reflect the number of rooms remaining in the FFCA conference room block.

While we do anticipate that the conference room block will sell out, these messages should not be considered an indication of the availability within our reserved block. We do encourage attendees to book their accommodations as early as possible to ensure the best availability.

Unfortunately, these automated marketing messages are part of the hotel's reservation system and cannot be modified or removed by the hotel.

 

Registration

 
REGISTER TODAY!

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Pricing


Attendee Registration

 
By September 25
After September 25
$200 $250

 

Pre-Conference Opportunity:
Kick off the conference by attending the Designated Infection Control Officer Class on Sunday, October 18. This pre-conference class is available as a $25 add-on during registration. Upon completion of the class, attendees will receive a $25 Margaritaville gift card, effectively returning the cost of registration.

 

REGISTER TODAY!


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Safety, Health and Wellness Award of Excellence
Nominations close August 15, 2026

This award recognizes an individual, group, department (career or volunteer), or other agency within the state of Florida who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Safety, Health, and Wellness within the fire, rescue, and/or EMS service, or who has made significant and valuable contributions to Safety, Health, and Wellness within their organizations and service as a whole.

The winners must represent themselves by going above and beyond to improve the safety, health, and wellness of their members and organizations. Initiatives may include any or all the following areas of Safety, Health, and wellness:

  • Cancer Prevention
  • Mental Wellness
  • Health and Physical Fitness
  • Safety at Emergency Incidents

The Safety, Health, and Wellness Award of Excellence presentation will take place at the Opening Ceremony of the Safety and Health Conference.
Click here for additional information

SUBMIT NOMINATION


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Schedule (subject to change)
*All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time

 

Sunday, October 18                                                                                                      

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.     

Infection Control Pre-Conference Class    
Presented by: Tom DiBernardo & Jason Massa

 

 Monday, October 19
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Registration Desk Open 
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.  Opening Ceremonies & Award Presentation 
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Opening Keynote Presentation

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Thriving, Not Surviving 
Speakers: Frank Leto and Dan DeGryse

2:10 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.

UM FCI Update

3:10 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

National Firefighter Cancer Registry 
Speaker: Julie Downey

3:20 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Surviving the Fireground
Speaker: Joel Richardson

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Networking Reception


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Tuesday, October 20
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. First Call Warm Up
Speaker: Ken Miller
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Presentation Title Coming Soon!
Speaker: Dr. Aimee Green
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Success Stories Panel
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Presentation Q&A
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.   

The Firefighter of 2036: A Future Ready Vision for Wellness,
Performance, and Longevity
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Higuera

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. UCF Restores/ 2nd Alarm Update
Speaker: Dr. Deborah Beidel and Dr. Kellie O'Dare
3:40 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. EV Firefighting: Health Hazards and your PPE 
Speaker: Richard Kesler

 

 

Wednesday, October 21
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Redefining Operational Readiness
Speaker: Jeff Orrange
9:10 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. The Silent Killer: Firefighter Suicide, PTSD, and Changing
the Culture of the Fire Service
Speaker: Brian Twiss

10:20 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.

Presentation Title Coming Soon!
Speaker: Michael Torino
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  Closing Keynote
Speaker: Billy Goldfeder
1:00 p.m. - 1:05 p.m. Closing Remarks
Speaker: Chief John Whalen


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Fees and Cancellation

Please note all fees must be paid in full prior to the first day of the conference. Cancellations received in writing to the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association at least thirty (30) days prior to the first day of the conference may receive a full refund in the original form of payment. Cancellations received in less than 30 days prior to the first day of class may only be able to transfer their registration to another person in place of the original registrant.

Hosted by the Florida Fire Chiefs' Foundation
This event is brought to you by the Florida Fire Chiefs' Foundation (FFCF), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that develops and implements public education programs in partnership with members of the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association (FFCA).

 

Next:

 2027 Safety and Health Conference | October 18-20, 2027 - Margaritaville Resort Orlando 


Margaritaville Resort Orlando
8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, Florida, 34747