The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is pleased to announce the locations set to host Fire-Rescue International (FRI) through 2021.
The site selection process for IAFC’s largest professional development and leadership conference is an extended process that takes into consideration a variety of factors that contribute to a successful program for FRI’s more than 12,000 participants.
The IAFC has welcomed five new host-cities to the FRI family and one returning city to round out the next decade:
2016: San Antonio, TX
2017: Charlotte, NC
2018: Salt Lake City, UT
2019: Atlanta, GA
2020: Phoenix, AZ
2021: Charlotte, NC
These cities will join Chicago (2013) and Dallas (2014) as hosts. Atlanta will host its third FRI in (2015).
“These cities represent the perfect balance of what FRI attendees look for,” said Mark Light, IAFC CEO and executive director. “Large and vibrant cities, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, a wide range of local amenities, and a variety of local activities and attractions…all at an affordable price.”
The Process
A team of IAFC members and partners has spent the last year assessing proposals from cities around the U.S. looking at multiple factors including facility size, local amenities, transportation options, weather patterns and affordability.
The availability of support from the local fire department is also a consideration. “Without the support of the men and women from local fire departments, FRI would not be the success it is,” said Chief Hank Clemmensen, IAFC president and chairman of the board.
Long-term planning is a common practice in the meeting planning and association management community, particularly with events the size and scope of Fire-Rescue International.
Advanced planning provides many benefits to host-cities, host-organizations and those attending FRI. It also allows the stakeholders to build relationships, monitor additional advantages and address potential challenges that may arise during the run-up to the event.
We’ll See You in Chicago
FRI is taking its first steps on an exciting journey. Start mapping your own FRI journey today. Registration is now open to join us in Chicago this summer, August 13-17.
