Page 24, Fire News, March 2022
FireNews.com
FDIC ASK THE EXPERT By Eric Schlett, Senior Vice President, Fire & Rescue
What can we expect from FDIC in 2022?
FDIC International is North America’s largest training and sourcing destination for firefighters and will take place April 25-30, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. FDIC International offers thousands of Fire and Rescue professionals from around the world, quality world-class instructors, classrooms, workshops, HOT evolutions and the most innovative products and services available to the industry displayed by over 800 exhibiting companies. The focus for this year’s FDIC event will be bringing together the industry in-person, for a safe and productive training experience while maintaining the celebration of comradery. FDIC International will present over 300 tried and true classes alongside updated content on important topics and new areas of interest from the world’s most renowned instructors. The week of training begins with two days of hands-on training (HOT) evolutions and preconference workshops followed by three days of classroom sessions, covering the latest technology and techniques in the fire service. Back again is Women in Fire for their one-day conference happening on Monday, April 25. The learning continues on the exhibit floor at FDIC International! Exhibitions span the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and the Outdoor Exhibits and Demo Area and give attendees access to explore hundreds of products and services while creating lasting and lucrative business relationships with leading manufacturers. Our strong heritage and commitment to tradition is epitomized in the 2022 Opening Ceremonies. Every year, thousands of attendees pay tribute to all past, present and future firefighters. Attending this event provides a comprehensive understanding of the gratitude and respect for all those who place their lives on the line to save others. In recognition of outstanding bravery and selflessness, one firefighter will receive the annual Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award. The FDIC International experience is more than your traditional trade show it’s about the learning and sharing with your peers formally and informally through hallway conversations, developing life-long friendships, and recharging your passion for the industry. We also recently announced the rebrand and co-location of our event JEMS Conference and Expo (JEMS Con), with FDIC International. JEMS Con, which was previously known as EMS Today, will offer a forward-thinking approach focused on the future of EMS, operational leadership, training and peer-to-peer sharing and networking. JEMS Con will bring together paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), medical directors and executives from all EMS providers, including state and private agencies, third service and fire. Over the past year, we’ve done extensive outreach and had critical conversations with EMS providers, exhibitors, medical directors, and professionals. We’ve taken their insights and suggestions to start to lay the foundation of JEMS Con in 2022. With over 5,000 attendees that identify EMS as their primary job function already attending FDIC, we feel we can create considerable value and efficiencies for the industry in a co-located event. We are committed to welcoming all EMS providers, giving them a dedicated event to comfortably come together to learn, share, and network with peers. We will continue to build partnerships with the EMS community to help shape this event as we plan beyond 2022. We plan to expand the Metro EMS group, add more hands-on training evolutions, enhance the sponsorship experience, and include additional networking opportunities. We are excited about the opportunities this co-location will offer
the Fire and EMS communities!
What is your MATCH Program, and how can it help visitors?
Our MATCH! program is a free service at FDIC International that was designed to help attendees and exhibitors make the most efficient use of their time by pre-scheduling one-to-one 20-minute meetings to discuss sourcing needs. MATCH! is easy, efficient and complimentary. Attendees who are actively sourcing products and services in the next 12-24 months will select categories they are interested in within our matchmaking tool. From there, exhibitor suggestions will be generated, and the attendees can request 20-minute meetings that will take place in our MATCH! VIP lounge eliminating any exhibit hall distractions. Anyone interested in participating should visit our website, or contact Megan McMahon at megan.mcmahon@clarionevents.com.
In terms of education, what does FDIC offer?
FDIC International offers more ways than ever to learn the latest tactics, techniques, and technologies designed to take your knowledge to the next level. In 2022 FDIC International will present over 300 tried and true classes offering updated content on important topics and new areas of interest from the world’s most renowned instructors. Topics at this year’s conference include rapid intervention, leadership and management, strategy and tactics, emerging technologies, extraction and much more. The week of training begins with two days of hands-on training (HOT) evolutions and preconference workshops followed by three days of classroom sessions, covering the latest technology and techniques in the fire service. The Hands-on Training (HOT) Evolutions at FDIC International are something you must experience to fully appreciate. Attendees can choose between 4- and 8-hour Hands-on Training (HOT) Evolutions which cover the latest technology and techniques in the fire service and are instructed by industry icons. No other event in the world contains the vast amount of topics and locations presented at FDIC International. The FDIC International pre-conference workshops feature both 4- and 8-hour formats and provide attendees with an in-depth look at specific topics covering new areas of interest within the fire service as well as traditional training topics. Attendees can choose from a variety of topics and should be prepared to walk away with new insights, ideas and approaches. Perhaps one of the most distinguishing aspects of FDIC International’s classroom sessions is the world-renowned instructors. While you’ll certainly find the largest gathering of industry icons at FDIC International, you’ll also find new instructors from around the world presenting groundbreaking topics. Some of this year’s sessions include Merging EMS into a Fire Department Culture, Thriving in the Fire Service, Swift Water Rescue Rules of Engagement, Down and Dirty Fireground Decision Making, Best Practices for Proficiency-Based Training, The Successful Short-Staffed Engine, and more. Attendees can move between classroom sessions and topics, customizing their FDIC International experience and gaining the most from their time at the event. continued on page 25
