REGISTRATION OPENING SOON FOR 2027
We look forward to welcoming you to the 37th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner in Washington, DC.
Registration is not yet open. Please check back soon for updates and additional details.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact the CFSI Main Line at 202-371-1277 or email [email protected]
On February 17-18, 2027, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) will host the 37th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner in Washington, DC. Once again, the annual tribute to the nation’s fire service is expected to draw over 1,500 of your colleagues from the fire and emergency services. By registering, you can attend educational seminars, conduct meetings with your member of Congress, and network with your colleagues. At the conclusion of the two-day event, you will join together in the Marriott Marquis ballroom to hear national political leaders paying tribute to the dedication and commitment of our nation’s firefighters and emergency services personnel. CFSI invites you to participate in this important event.
The National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner is an event like no other in the fire and emergency services. You will develop a better understanding of the federal government’s role in addressing the challenges and concerns of our firefighters, emergency services personnel, and the fire service industry. Opportunities abound to interact with members of Congress and federal agency officials to discuss both national issues and local concerns. The knowledge you will acquire will increase your understanding of federal programs and legislation, while emboldening you to take a stronger interest in advocating for fire and emergency services on Capitol Hill.
The seminars program is something you can only experience in our nation’s capital. Featuring federal policymakers and national fire service leaders, the program covers a broad array of national issues – issues being considered by Congress and implemented by federal agencies, as well as issues being addressed collectively by national organizations and distinguished fire service officials. Your registration fee will allow you full access to the seminars program and the Dinner.
Capping off the two-day event, the 37th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner will feature leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and the Administration who will pay their personal tributes to the men and women of the fire and emergency services. The program will also include four award presentations for individual and organizational leadership in advancing the readiness and response capabilities of our nation’s fire and emergency services.
If you have any questions, please give us a call at 202-371-1277 or reach us online.
Three Important Reasons Why CFSI Offers This Program Are:
Educate
To learn about current and future critical national issues, legislation, and policies that impact the entire fire and emergency services community.
Engage
To meet with members of Congress and their professional staff, as well as leaders of federal agencies and other key Administration representatives.
Network
To build relationships with a diverse assembly of leaders from throughout national fire and emergency services organizations.
Refund Policy
Please carefully review our refund and payment policy below before purchasing your ticket. We understand that plans can change, which is why we want to make you aware of these policies.
Refund Eligibility
- Full Refund: Available for cancellations made 30 days or more before the first day of the symposium and dinner.
- Partial Refund (50%): Available for cancellations made between 15–29 days before the first day of the symposium and dinner.
- No Refund: Cancellations made 14 days or less before the event start date are not eligible for a refund. No shows to the symposium and dinner are not eligible for a refund.
How to Request a Refund
To request a refund, please email [email protected] with the following information:
- Full name
- Organization Name
- Copy of receipt
- Reason for cancellation
Refunds will be processed within 7–10 business days.
Individual Registration Payment Policy: If you register without making a payment, you must make the payment no later than one week before the symposium; otherwise, we will cancel your registration.
Schedule of Events
*Schedule is Subject to Change
Wednesday, March 18
Will Call
1 PM - 5 PM
Will Call will be located in the Marriott Marquis, in the level M2 lobby, where attendees can claim their tickets to the National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner.
Tickets will allow entrance to all seminars and the dinner program on Thursday.
Fire Service Day on the Hill
All Day
Your presence is powerful. Congress wants to hear YOUR story to help shape policy on Capitol Hill.
Join the effort today! Click here to learn how to schedule meetings with your members of Congress when you’re in town.
Capitol Hill Group Photo
2 PM
Join us on the East front steps of the Capitol (Google pin here).
This is the part of the Capitol that is across the street from the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress.
Fire and Water Mixer
5 PM - 7 PM
Kick off your experience in Washington DC for #CFSI2026 at one of the most popular networking events – the Fire and Water Mixer sponsored by LION and DuPont. Connect with fire service leaders and colleagues in a fund, energetic atmosphere.
Tickets sell quickly – purchase your today to secure your spot!
Thursday, March 19
Will Call
7 AM - 7:30 PM
Will Call will be located in the Marriott Marquis, in the level M2 lobby, where attendees can claim their tickets to the National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner.
Tickets will allow entrance to all seminars and the dinner program on Thursday.
CFSI Seminar Program
9 AM - 4 PM
Featuring federal policymakers and national fire service leaders, the program covers a broad array of national issues being worked on by government, as well as issues being addressed by national organizations.
CFSI General Reception
5 PM - 6:30 PM
Don’t miss your chance to connect with friends and colleagues at the General Reception held in the beautiful Mezzanine Foyer at the Marriott Marquis!
36th Annual National Fire & Emergency Services Dinner
7 PM - 10 PM
The 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner will feature tributes from leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and the Administration, award presentations for individual and organizational leadership, and much more!
CFSI After Hours Reception
10 PM - 11:59 PM
Join us after the Dinner to grab a drink, relax, and chat with friends and colleagues just steps outside the Marquis Ballroom!
Seminar Schedule
Thursday, March 19, 2026
9 AM - 9:50 AM
University of DC/Catholic Room, Marriott Marquis
EV Firefighting: Research and Testing Based Tactical Consideration
Description:
Vehicle fires are a common response for the fire service, but the increasing presence of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) has introduced new challenges related to high-voltage battery systems, cooling demands, and the risk of reignition. This seminar examines whether traditional firefighting tactics remain effective for EV incidents and explores both optimized water-based strategies and alternative tools such as additives, fire blankets, specialized suppression devices, and controlled burnouts. Participants will learn the advantages and limitations of these approaches, how different tactics affect stranded energy and responder risk, and how current research from the NFPA Research Foundation and UL FSRI can be applied to improve safety, decision-making, and resource management during EV fire incidents.
Presenters:
- Robin Zevotec, NFPA Principal Engineer, Technical Services
- Adam Barowy, Principal Research Engineer, UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute
- Sean DeCrane, Director, Fire Fighter Health and Safety Operational Services, International Association of Fire Fighters
- Lieutenant John Cassidy, Fire Department of the City of New York
10 AM - 10:50 AM
University of DC/Catholic Room, Marriott Marquis
The Future of Fire Service Funding
Description:
This seminar provides an analysis of how federal funding programs may shape the capacity, readiness, and resilience of fire departments over the next decade. Attendees will learn how AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grants are evolving, how national priorities, AI, and data modernization may affect future funding, and how to better align planning and grant applications with those trends. The session provides actionable strategies for using performance data, strengthening grant narratives, and building partnerships to improve funding success and support long-term operational stability.
Presenters:
- Cathie Patterson, formerly with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grants Directorate
- Lance Harbour, Senior Research Administrator, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, formerly with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 1
11 AM - 11:50 AM
University of DC/Catholic Room, Marriott Marquis
Fire Service Advocacy: Influencing Policy at Every Level of Government
Description:
This seminar will focus on how fire service leaders can build effective advocacy partnerships with the publicly elected officials who govern and fund their departments. While reaffirming the essential role fire service leaders play in providing operational expertise, the discussion will center on how and why engaging elected board members, council members, commissioners, and legislators as active advocates can amplify the fire service message, improve legislative outcomes, and reduce the burden on the fire service to carry advocacy alone. Relevant to departments of all sizes and at every level of government, the seminar explores practical ways to align roles, leverage political accountability, and turn elected officials into informed partners who help advance fire service priorities.
Presenters:
- Moderator – Michaela Campbell, Executive Director, Congressional Fire Services Institute
- Garry Briese, Senior Advisor, Colorado State Fire Chiefs
12 PM - 1 PM
University of DC/Catholic Room, Marriott Marquis
Lunch Break
1 PM - 1:50 PM
University of DC/Catholic Room, Marriott Marquis
Prevention by Design: Transforming Suicide Prevention for First Responders
Description:
Mental health is a growing priority for the fire service and other first responders, making it essential to address suicide prevention and promote upstream mental wellness. This course introduces a proactive, systems-based approach that focuses on creating supportive environments to reduce stress, build resilience, and address issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorder before they escalate into crisis. Participants will learn how upstream strategies—such as preplanning for personal emergencies, reducing access to lethal means during periods of crisis, strengthening connection, and fostering gratitude—can support mental wellness across the organization. Designed for all levels of the fire service, this course emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments that encourage help-seeking behaviors and build resilience across the first responder community.
Presenters:
- Frank Leeb, First Responder Center for Excellence
- Battalion Chief Dena Ali, Raleigh (NC) Fire Department and First Responder Center for Excellence
2 PM - 2:50 PM
University of DC/Catholic Room, Marriott Marquis
The Future of Firefighter Learning: Staff Rides and Immersive Technology
Description:
Enhancing firefighter safety and well-being requires training that is both technically sound and deeply impactful. This seminar explores the value of staff rides as a powerful training platform for firefighter survivability, using real-world fatality incidents to examine human factors, decision-making, and operational practices that are often absent from traditional line-of-duty death reports. Participants will review key findings from the NFFF 2024 Survey on Firefighter Behaviors and Viewpoints, learn how staff rides support a unified “one-voice” message on training, tactics, and SCBA use, and examine examples from notable NFFF-sponsored events. The session also introduces how immersive technologies—including augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence—can enhance staff rides, while addressing ethical considerations, to elevate firefighter education and create lasting behavioral change across the fire service.
Presenters:
- Moderator – Chief/Dr. Daniel T. Kistner, DLS, Director of Fire Service Programs, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
- Dr. Marcus E. Hendershot, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Texas-Arlington
- Ken Willette, Executive Director, North American Fire Training Directors
- Scott Burnette, Deputy Line of Duty Death Outreach Coordinator, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
3 PM - 3:50 PM
University of DC/Catholic Room, Marriott Marquis
AI Use and Attitudes in the Fire & Emergency Service: Insights and Opportunities
Description:
This session presents findings from the CPSE Center for Innovation’s Strategic Scan on artificial intelligence in fire departments. Attendees will explore how AI is currently used in operations, administration, and training, review concerns and policies, and discuss opportunities for future adoption. Through interactive discussion, participants will analyze five actionable takeaways, consider their feasibility, and explore how collaboration between departments, researchers, and nonprofit partners can guide the successful implementation of AI strategies in the fire and emergency service.
Presenters:
- Alex Fisher, Director, CPSE Center for Innovation
need a room?
CFSI Hotel Room Blocks SOLD OUT!
The CFSI Hotel Room Blocks at the Marriott Marquis and Courtyard Marriott are sold out. There are a number of hotels just steps away to the Marriott Marquis that have available rooms. Please see list of hotels below:
NEED A ROOM?
CFSI Hotel Room Block OPEN!
Be sure to take advantage of CFSI’s discounted hotel block before rooms sell out. Booking through the hotel block ensures the best rate and keeps you close to all the action – reserve your room now while availability lasts!
If you are booking for a group, please contact Emily Griffin at [email protected] to coordinate your booking.
need to park?
Available Alternate Parking
The Marriott Marquis has an attached parking garage. If the parking garage is full, please consider using one of the parking garages below: