Last Updated on July 10, 2024
Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies is important for any industry, but it’s especially crucial for professionals in law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire fighting. Their ability to perform the job well means the difference between life and death. That’s why attending expos and conferences can provide invaluable opportunities for networking, discovering cutting-edge equipment, and taking up educational sessions to enhance skills. Here’s a rundown of the top police, fire, and EMS expos and conferences for 2024.
Top Police, Fire, and EMS Expos and Conferences for 2024
National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) Annual Meeting
Date: January 8-13, 2024
Location: Austin, Texas
The NAEMSP Annual Meeting is where emergency medicine intersects with EMS personnel. EMS physicians, medical directors, and other professionals attend to discuss the latest research, policies, and clinical practices in prehospital emergency care. This annual event includes specialty workshops, trade shows, and plenty of chances for networking. Topics range from resuscitation science to EMS system design.
View NAEMSP info.
Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) International
Date: April 15-20, 2024
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
FDIC International is one of the largest firefighting conferences in the world. Those who attend find a show floor of the latest firefighting equipment and apparatuses combined with hands-on training and classroom learning. Naturally, participants include EMTs, firefighters, and other similar workers, some of whom are volunteers. From thermal imaging cameras to advanced extrication tools, FDIC International is the place to experience the future of firefighting technology.
View FDIC info.
Fire Expo
Date: May 17-18, 2024
Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Fire Expo is an annual event hosted by the Lancaster County Firemen’s Association. It is a regional event that caters to firefighters, EMS personnel, and rescue workers. Featured are a wide array of fire apparatus, rescue vehicles, and firefighting equipment. The expo also includes educational seminars covering fire service leadership, technical rescue, and fire prevention strategies.
View Fire Expo info.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Conference & Expo
Date: June 17-19, 2024
Location: Orlando, Florida
The NFPA Conference & Expo is a key event that brings together fire safety professionals to discuss subjects related to fire safety and prevention. The professionals in attendance include engineers, firefighters, government officials, and so many more. There’s also plenty to do at the conference with over 100 educational sessions available and over 300 exhibitors. Educational sessions cover topics like fire codes and emerging technologies. Likewise, the expo showcases a wide range of fire safety products and services from advanced sprinkler systems to the latest in personal protective equipment.
View NFPA info.
National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) Annual Conference
Date: June 24-27, 2024
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
If there were a hub for all the sheriffs in America to gather, that place would be the NSA Annual Conference. There, these leaders get to partake in exhibits, seminars, receptions, and an awards ceremony. This conference even has a designated event for the spouses of sheriffs. If you visit the exhibit, you will get to see various products and services that sheriffs can buy for their respective counties.
View NSA info.
Police Security Expo
Date: June 25-26, 2024
Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey
Photo Credit: Jameel Farruk
Photo Credit: Jameel Farruk
Photo Credit: Jameel Farruk
The Police Security Expo takes place in the northeast and is designed to be an informational hub for law enforcement. It features hundreds of exhibitors displaying the latest in police equipment, technology, and services. Attendees get to explore everything from body cameras and less-lethal weapons to vehicle equipment and forensic tools. The expo also offers training sessions on current law enforcement topics and techniques. Industry professionals get to partake in the expo for free.
View Police Security Expo info.
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International Conference & Expo
Date: August 4-7, 2024
Location: Orlando, Florida
More than 200 vendors are exhibited at the APCO International Conference & Expo, showcasing some of the newest products to those in EMS, fire service, law enforcement, and beyond. The expo floor features communications hardware, software, and services for emergency response agencies. Aside from the exhibits, participants can also get involved with both career advancement and educational sessions. Classes cover topics such as leadership development, technology, frontline telecommunicators, and Next Generation 9-1-1. In addition to the main program, there are four extra events for networking, which include keynote speakers for each.
View APCO info.
1st Responders Conferences
September 5-6, 2024 (Bellingham, WA)
October 7-8, 2024 (Houston, TX)
November 7-8, 2024 (Sacramento, CA)
Photo Credit: 1st Responders Conferences
These conferences are built to support the mental, spiritual, and physical health of those in the public workforce. First responders are the target audience, and they come in from across the country. Attendees include active military and veterans, police, firefighters, EMS, and more. At these conferences they can partake in seminars and networking to learn about more resources to mitigate suicide, addiction, depression, and other problems. Though these conferences take place multiple times during the year, each one is advertised as unique.
View 1st Responders Conferences info.
National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Conference and Trade Show
Date: September 8-13, 2024
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
The NTOA Conference and Trade Show includes incident debriefs and informative seminars for attendees. Those who come consist of law enforcement, military, federal agents, and EMS professionals. Around 2,000 people in total show up and there are about 100 seminars to choose from. The trade show portion of the event offers a great opportunity to check out the latest trends in technology and other important products while networking with other professionals.
View NTOA info.
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Annual Meeting
Date: September 9-13, 2024
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
The NAEMT Annual Meeting is a premier event for EMS professionals. This function allows association members and leaders to come together and network, drawing attendees from all across the world. Once in session, participants recap the year, talk about goals, discuss learning opportunities, and present awards. The meeting is free for all NAEMT members.
View NAEMT info.
EMS World Expo
Date: September 9-13, 2024
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Emergency medical service providers like paramedics, physicians, first responders, and more come from across the globe to attend this expo. There, they find many opportunities for networking and educational sessions with over 300 continuing education credits available and over 300 exhibitors on display. The expo prides themselves on offering useful training and learning to “every member of your EMS team.”
View EMS World Expo info.
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Expo
Date: October 19-22, 2024
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
The hosts of the IACP fashion themselves as “shaping the future of the police profession.” Unsurprisingly, this is one of the largest expos for law enforcement professionals each year, boasting over 16,000 attendees. Networking, training, and an extensive exhibition hall are all a part of the event. There are around 600 vendors who display services and new products to assist police officers, plus 200 classes are available for those seeking educational opportunities.
View IACP info.
EMS and Fire Pro Expo
Date: October 24-26, 2024
Location: Mashantucket, Connecticut
This regional expo brings in participants from the New England area and beyond. The first responders who come are firefighters, paramedics, EMRs, EMTs, and others. At a glance, the event hosts over 90 world speakers, over 100 exhibitors, and over 300 classroom opportunities for those looking to learn. The educational units include hands-on demonstrations involving equipment and at times, vehicles.
View EMS and Fire Pro Expo info.
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Annual Conference
Date: November 15-21, 2024
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Emergency medical professionals often cite the IAEM Annual Conference as a must-attend event. The program covers a wide range of disaster preparedness topics like response coordination and recovery strategies. Participants can take part in training sessions, panel discussions, and networking events with peers from around the globe. The conference also features an exhibit hall showcasing the latest emergency management technologies and services. Those who attend are first responders, along with emergency planners from various sectors and businesses.
View IAEM info.
How to make the most of each event?
Now that you know more about which conferences are available to you, let’s discuss some ways you can make the most of your experience.
Plan Your Visit
After determining which conference best matches your interests and profession, decide how you’re going to split your time. These conferences are designed to support many people and cover many different topics. For however long you are present, you won’t be able to see every vendor or take up every educational session. Figure out what’s most important and plan for that. Keep in mind that you can always come back next year.
Take Actionable Notes
For most people, we only temporarily remember new information that we hear. Therefore, if you want to retain whatever new technique you learn about or if you discover a helpful resource for mental health, be sure to take notes. You’ll make the most of your time if you are learning new information and know exactly what to do with it.
Ask Questions
Be sure to talk to the speakers and ask questions, whether one-on-one or in a forum setting. Doing so will help you retain what you learn and help you discover things that perhaps weren’t talked about.
Network With Other Attendees
Get to know other people who attend, whether it’s their first or fiftieth time. After you meet them, exchange contact info. Have in mind what you hope to do with the relationship and reach out to them later at a later date. New connections could help with adding members to your service team, acquiring new resources, or something else entirely.
Test What You Learned
After you take notes, hear from speakers, and visit exhibitors, implement a plan for putting all that information to good use. That way you can figure out what works for you and your team and what doesn’t. Then you can adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
These expos and conferences offer invaluable opportunities for professionals in law enforcement, EMS, and firefighting to stay current with industry trends, network with peers, and discover new technologies. All of this enhances their ability to serve and protect their communities. The same is true for you. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your department’s equipment, enhance your skillets, or simply stay informed about the latest developments in the field, these events are excellent resources. And if you want to buy great equipment or vehicles for your team at great value, then check out Municibid.
Also, remember to check the official websites of these events for the most up-to-date information on dates, locations, and registration details. Many of these conferences also offer early bird discounts, so planning ahead can help you save on attendance costs.