In less than two weeks, Firehouse World kicks off with hands-on training and pre-conference programs in San Diego.
On Jan. 27, Los Angeles County Battalion Chief Derek Alkonis will give the keynote address, "Change is in the Wind."
"The adjustments we are talking about has nothing to do with traditions, so let's get over finding reasons we can't change," Alkonis says.
Alkonis will share how his fire department has adapted many of the findings from research by groups like NIST and UL over the last few years, and changed their response policies.
"For those who think change is tough to accept, take a minute and look around...I'm confident that there's not a firefighter who wants to experience the consequences of refusing to innovate or modify an operation to be safer or more efficient."
"Chief Alkonis has demonstrated that even the biggest of departments can change the way they fight fires without compromising their reputation as an aggressive fire department," according to Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach.
"He has walked the path with the members of his department and knows the dos and don'ts of implementation. Come learn first hand how to make the chance and navigate the barriers of change."
Sendelbach will also address the crowd that morning as he discusses why "it's not your father's fireground."
"Our sacred traditions bring great pride and we don't have to compromise our traditions to support the change process," says Sendelbach.
After the opening ceremonies are over, the show floor opens and attendees can browse products at more than 250 exhibitors.
There are a number of 30-minute sessions around the exhibit floor that provide tips on training, health and wellness and leadership.
Adjacent to the exhibit hall is the return of the Firefighter Throwdown. The two-day event pits firefighters from across the country in four grueling CrossFit WODs, with the top finalists competing Wednesday.
New this year will be two moderated panel discussions, including Battalion Chief Derek Alkonis and retired FDNY Battalion Chief John Salka on Tuesday.
On Wednesday afternoon, the panel will feature retired LA County Fire Chief Brian Cummings, FDNY Deputy Chief George Healy, San Francisco Assistant Chief Tom Siragusa and Charleston, S.C., Deputy Chief of Operations John Tippett.
The show exhibit floor is open Tuesday, from 12 - 5 p.m. and Wednesday, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
After the exhibit floor closes Wednesday, all attendees are invited to Ballroom AB for a free concert from country music star Aaron Tippin.
