Station Design: A Win-Win Opportunity for Everyone

April 5, 2019
Janet Wilmoth reflects on how Firehouse's Station Design Conference can serve as a win-win for everyone involved.

For over 14 years, I have been involved in organizing conferences to build better fire stations, and I have repeatedly said the goal of each conference was to be a “win-win.” I meant that we wanted the fire chiefs, officers, project managers, commissioners and those tasked with building or renovating a fire station to learn as much as possible to help them efficiently and effectively build the best facility and meet the needs of their department, their personnel and the community they serve.

At the same time, in order to have an affordable conference for the fire departments, we wanted to provide an opportunity to those companies offering services and products targeting fire and public safety facilities to be able to educate and share their knowledge with the end-users. Companies investing in an affordable conference would also have the opportunity to learn the needs of today’s ever-changing first responder community.

That’s why the 2019 Station Design Conference is a targeted, niche conference. We bring together fire/rescue, EMS and now law enforcement personnel who are planning or building new facilities. Each year, there are basics of design to be covered, but also new trends, innovations and new voices to learn from. We offer case studies that offer lessons on “how to” and what not to do. We offer a range of programs for metro departments and volunteer departments alike, for chiefs building their first station or their 50th.

In 19 years of being involved with fire station and public safety building designs, I have seen rapid changes in the past 5 years. The awareness and concern for firefighter, EMS, emergency vehicle technicians and police safety and physical and mental health in building design is enormous and critical. Cancer, PTSD and suicides are now shadowing and consuming the protectors of our communities.

At the Station Design Conference, we offer breakfasts, lunches, breaks and a networking reception because we believe keeping people together will encourage talking and sharing, whether attendee or exhibitor. Share and learn.

Every year, at the end of the conference, someone will tell me about the many pages of notes they have taken! You won’t learn everything in three days, but you will certainly be better prepared for your project than if you stayed home.

I, too, learn at every conference. I learn about your plans and challenges. I learn about trends, innovations and companies working hard to design, build and service America’s first responders.

It really is a win-win-win for all of us.

Learn more and register at fhstationdesign.com

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