We’re excited to be putting the finishing touches on FireFusion (Nov. 5–7, 2024), for the conference to bring together operations and department leadership with technology—whether it’s technological tools, software or programs that are designed to move the fire service along, understanding a department’s operational or logistics needs, offering a new view of an incident scene, or helping with in-house and on-scene accountability.
FireFusion is designed to bring a limited number of attendees together with speakers and vendors, to provide a more memorable experience by allowing you the time that you need to get answers about and understanding of new technology before you return to your department.
The Charleston Gaillard Center is where all of the FireFusion sessions will take place, and the building itself inspires from the moment that you see it.
Solutions & education
The FireFusion schedule is different compared with past Firehouse conferences. It’s designed to give you time to network with product and service providers and speakers and to engage in problem-solving discussions with other attendees. Sessions will provide unique insights and solutions that you can bring home to your fellow members and officers.
There will be a blend of interactive sessions; Tailboard Talks that are focused on tech; a town hall; breakout think tank sessions; an opening keynote that sets the stage for the event; and a closing keynote that ties together all of the aspects of FireFusion. So you don’t miss out on events throughout the day, select meals will be provided to attendees, to ensure that your focus is on the conference.
Among the topics that will be covered are incident command; accountability and personnel management solutions; artificial intelligence (AI) for training and daily operations; drones and robotics; high-tech tools and equipment; and how technology that’s outside of the fire service affects emergency scenes.
Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire
A special session on Nov. 6 will look at the Sofa Super Store Fire from the eyes of those who responded to the June 18, 2007, fire in Charleston that claimed the life of nine firefighters. The speakers who will participate will talk about the fire and how the implementation of technology in the aftermath is one step toward making the Charleston Fire Department (CFD) and the region a model to which others look for ideas and best practices.
There will be limited spots available for an interactive walk-through of the Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire site with Firehouse Contributing Editor and Leadership Lessons columnist, Dr. David Griffin. Griffin, who is an assistant chief with the CFD, was the driver of the first-due engine that responded that tragic day. He and other survivors will take you around the site, so you can learn about one of the most historical fire service incidents.
Hotels
Firehouse is working with numerous hotels that are within walking distance of the Gaillard Center in downtown Charleston. Room selection will be available under the “Hotels” tab at firefusion
conference.com.
Charleston: Come & Stay
The city of Charleston has historic roots, which make it a top destination city in the United States year after year. From the beautiful waterfront and celebrated sites to the foodie scene and unique shopping opportunities, Charleston has something for everyone. The area boasts more than two dozen must-see historic places, including Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Fort Moultrie, Boone Hall and the Old Charleston Jail. The rich history of the South comes alive just minutes from FireFusion.
