Call for Seminar Proposals for CFSI Annual Conference
2026 Dr. William F. Jenaway Seminar Program
National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner
March 18–19, 2026 | Washington, DC
The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) is pleased to announce the Call for Proposals for the 2026 Dr. William F. Jenaway Seminar Program, which will be conducted at CFSI’s annual conference, the National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner, on March 18–19, 2026, in Washington, DC.
CFSI is seeking seminar proposals that explore forward-looking challenges and opportunities for the fire and emergency services. In particular, we are encouraging submissions that focus on research and data and how evidence-based approaches can guide policy, practice, and innovation. In addition, we welcome open call proposals on other national-level topics that fit within the theme.
Note: Seminar submissions that are not selected for the 2026 Symposium may be considered for CFSI’s Virtual Mini-Symposium Series or Podcast Series.
The Topics
1. Research
Description: Research is critical to ensuring that the fire and emergency services community—fire departments, national organizations, and all levels of government—has the data needed to make informed decisions.
We encourage seminar submissions that highlight:
- Successful partnerships between fire departments and researchers.
- Projects that have had measurable impacts on firefighter health, safety, response, and community risk reduction.
- Lessons learned from research collaborations and their application to future challenges.
2. Data
Description: High-quality data is a vital foundation for advancing the fire and emergency services. We are seeking seminar submissions that address:
- Innovative methods for collecting, analyzing, and using fire service data.
- Data-driven initiatives that have improved operations, safety, or community outcomes.
- Challenges in data sharing, standardization, or application—and solutions that can scale nationally.
- How emerging technologies (AI, predictive analytics, etc.) can be applied to fire service data.
3. Open Call
Description: We welcome proposals outside of the research and data categories. Submissions under the open call should:
- Address a topic of national relevance.
- Demonstrate broad applicability across the fire and emergency services, including geographical, department type, etc.
- Provide clear metrics for measuring success.
- Identify actionable steps that others can take based on your experience.
For All Seminars
All seminar proposals must meet the following criteria to be considered:
Scope
Your seminar submission must:
- Be Relevant. Explain what your program, initiative, study, etc. is and how it is relevant to one of our topics.
- Be Current. Presentations should address issues that occurred over the last two years, are occurring now, or will occur into the future.
- Be Measurable. Your seminar submission should explain how you have measured the success of your program, initiative, study, etc.
- Be Actionable. How can other departments, organizations, etc. take what you have learned and implement it in their own work? Provide concrete suggestions and action items.
Seminars intended solely to promote for-profit programs and activities that benefit an organization will not be considered.
Presentation Format
- Seminar Length: Limited to 50 minutes.
- Presenters: May be individuals or panels. If a panel, please provide a list of panelists and moderator.
- Variety of Perspectives: We strongly encourage proposals that bring together a range of organizations, department types, geographical locations, and disciplines.
Submission Instructions
Deadline: October 24, 2025
Your proposal must include:
- Seminar Title
- Seminar Description – Objectives, metrics of success, and at least three takeaways.
- Presenter Information – Names, roles, and 200-word biographies.
- Organizational Information – 200-word description of affiliated organizations, including mission and website.
- Public Affairs Contact – Name, phone, and email for promotional coordination.
- Primary Contact – Name, phone, and email for the proposal submission.
Review and Selection
All proposals will be reviewed by CFSI staff and the Programmatic Subcommittee of CFSI’s National Advisory Committee. Incomplete proposals will not be considered.
Applicants must agree to work with CFSI to:
- Finalize participants.
- Provide materials in advance.
- Promote their session through organizational channels.
CFSI reserves the right to make changes to panelists and seminar content.
Speaker Benefits
- Complimentary Registration: Selected presenters will receive complimentary registration to the CFSI Conference (including full access to the Symposium and the Dinner)
- Not Provided: CFSI does not reimburse travel or lodging expenses, nor provide honoraria.
- Materials: Presentation materials may be shared by CFSI after the event with attendees and stakeholders.
Contact
Questions? Please contact [email protected] or (202) 371-1277.
Seminar Submission Form
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