NVFC Extends Proposal Deadline for 2026 Training Summit

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has extended the deadline for submitting presentation proposals for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit. Qualified instructors and speakers now have until Nov. 2 to submit their proposals for presentations that educate first responders about critical issues in the fire and emergency services. The extension will provide extra time for those who need it due to the government shutdown.

The NVFC Training Summit will take place June 26-27, 2026, in Arlington, VA. This annual conference provides an opportunity to share ideas and best practices, network, and participate in training regarding key topics in the fire and emergency services.

Breakout sessions will be offered in three tracks: responder health, safety, and training; volunteer recruitment and retention; and emergency service leadership. Sessions will be 90 minutes in length. Examples of relevant presentation topics include but are not limited to: effective training; fireground/response; physical health; behavioral health; fire and life safety education; working intergenerationally; department culture; mentorship; family engagement; work/life/volunteer balance; recruitment; communication; management; long-term planning; data for the fire service; technology/AI for fire departments; and finding funding and resources.

The NVFC values the different experience and perspectives of first responders nationwide. Find out more about the call for presentations, including more topic examples and how to write a successful proposal, in the Call for Presentations Guide.

Proposals must be submitted by Nov. 2, 2025. A peer review team will evaluate all presentation proposals. Selections will be made based on quality, relevance, focus, practical application, and the presenter’s experience and credentials. Selected presenters will be notified by early December. Find out more and submit your proposal here.

The NVFC will cover travel expenses and provide a stipend for selected presenters. Teaching teams are welcome to apply, but only one instructor per course can receive travel reimbursement/stipend. Please note, while organizations and companies are welcome to apply to share their subject matter expertise, all courses must be educational in nature.

Learn more about the NVFC Training Summit at www.nvfc.org/summit. Read about the 2025 Training Summit here. Questions? Contact Amanda Tegtmeyer, Training Coordinator, at 202-887-5700 or [email protected].

About the NVFC

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.