The annual Fire-Rescue International Conference and Exhibition will have interesting new features at this year's upcoming show in Dallas, says IAFC spokeswoman Gail Walters.
Walters said of all the new things happening this year, the biggest buzz so far is about the exhibits.
"Number one, the exhibit floor," she said. "It's bigger and better every single year." There is a new attraction in the exhibit hall called "Innovation Alley," where manufacturers and fire departments can show off their new products and services.
There is also a new outdoor demonstration area for presentations that involve elements such as live burns, foam and water, Walters said.
Another show innovation is that there will be three different general sessions this year on Friday, Saturday and Monday, celebrating the IAFC's 130th Anniversary.
The first session is a look back on 130 years of leadership and features a talk by Capt. Michael Abrashoff, author of "It's Your Ship." The second session is a look to the future featuring, via satellite, Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, one of the top supporters of the FIRE Act. There will also be a discussion of the National Fire Plan by Assistant Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett.
The final session is a celebration of the people who make up the fire service, Walters said. The keynote speaker will be author Amanda Gore giving a humorous presentation about stress and balancing your life called "Live Out Loud! How to Stay Sane Until the Psychiatrist Arrives."
"She is apparently hilarious," Walters said.
Another unusual presentation will be led by a real cowboy in a pre-conference workshop called "Horse Sense for Fire Service Leaders," about the methodology that made "The Horse Whisperer" famous. "He uses that methodology to teach you how to lead people by working with animals," Walters said.
Walters also said this year's workshops cover a wide range of topics including hazmat, EMS and Weapons of Mass Destruction. "It's a much broader perspective I think than it has been in past years," she said.
Conference sessions will cover topics including suicide bombing response, leading combination departments, the political environment, fire chief survival, staffing and diversity.
The Fire-Rescue International Conference and Exhibition, presented by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, will run from August 22-25 and will feature over 550 exhibits. Organizers expect an attendance of about 15,000 fire service professionals.
According to an IAFC press release, other show highlights will include:
