Safety and Health Conference

The annual Safety and Health Conference is geared towards awareness and sharing information about the hazards and risks inherent in the firefighting profession to collectively strategize on how to change, improve or curb those issues so first responders can live the healthiest and longest lives possible. Topics include but are not limited to: hazards exposure, contamination, mental health, risk of cancer, injury prevention, nutrition, physical fitness and resources available to first responders to address these various concerns.

The educational program is two full days concluding with a half-day featuring topics and speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. For a subject that may at times seem daunting, we strive through positive interaction, support and enthusiasm to emphasize firefighter well-being in the Fire Service.

The vendor opportunity at this event is a 2.5 day vendor showcase of six foot tables in the public meeting space.

 

2025 Safety and Health Conference

Register Today!

October 20 - 22, 2025

We’re excited to announce that the 2025 Safety and Health Conference has been scheduled! Mark your calendars for Monday, October 20, 2025, through Wednesday, October 22, 2025,  at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Florida, 8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34747.
Stay tuned - more details will be coming soon! We look forward to seeing you there for valuable sessions, networking, and discussions that will shape our industry's future safety and health.
 

 

OCTOBER 20-22, 2025

Margaritaville Resort Orlando 
8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34747

Hotel Information & Booking
Program Schedule
Exhibitor/Sponsorship Opportunities
Pricing
Safety, Health and Wellness Award of ExcellenceNominations Close: August 22, 2025
Fees and Cancellation

Hotel Information & Booking

Margaritaville Resort Orlando
8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, Florida, 34747

FFCA has secured a discounted nightly rate of $199 plus tax at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando for the conference. This rate is available through Friday, September 26, 2025, or until the room block sells out. Space is limited and subject to availability. To book, call +1 855-995-9099 or use the link below. Be sure to mention the 2025 Safety & Health Conference if booking by phone. We encourage early reservations.
Click Here To Book Your Hotel Room
 
Registration

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Pricing


Attendee Registration

Click here to register!
 By September 26
 After September 26
$200 $250


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Safety, Health and Wellness Award of Excellence
Nominations close: August 22, 2025

This award recognizes an individual, group, department (career or volunteer), or other agency within the state of Florida who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Safety, Health, and Wellness within the fire, rescue, and/or EMS service, or who has made significant and valuable contributions to Safety, Health, and Wellness within their organizations and service as a whole.

The winners must represent themselves by going above and beyond to improve the safety, health, and wellness of their members and organizations. Initiatives may include any or all the following areas of Safety, Health, and wellness:

  • Cancer Prevention
  • Mental Wellness
  • Health and Physical Fitness
  • Safety at Emergency Incidents

The Safety, Health, and Wellness Award of Excellence presentation will take place at the Opening Ceremony of the Safety and Health Conference.
Click here for additional information and to access the nomination form. >>


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Schedule (subject to change)
*All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time

 Monday, October 20
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Registration Desk Open 
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.  Opening Ceremonies & Award Presentation 
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Opening Keynote Presentation
Speaker: Dr. Lori Moore Merrell
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Mental Mapping: Your Secret Weapon to Outsmart Stress
Speaker: Jessica Ward
2:10 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.

UM FCI Update
Speaker: Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinez
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Colorado Street Fire - Lessons Learned
Speaker: Robert Kennedy, Battalion Chief
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Networking Reception


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Tuesday, October 21
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Fitness Session
Speaker: Ken Miller
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Under the Helmet: Updates on Firefighter Health Research
Speaker: Dr. Sara Jahnke
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. HB 929 Panel: Your Questions Answered 
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. This isn't a Wellness Talk - It's a Wake Up Call
Speaker: Dr. Laurie Sharp-Page
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. UCF Restores/ 2nd Alarm Update
Speaker: Dr. Deborah Beidel and Dr. Kellie O'Dare
3:40 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Fighting Firefighter Cancer: The Big Picture
Speaker: John Schmidt, Fire Chief (Ret.)

 

 

Wednesday, October 22
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Sizing Up FF Cancer and the Role Your Turnout Gear Plays
Speaker: Tonya Herbert
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Designing the Ideal Fire Station for Safety and Health
Speaker: Fire Chief John M. Curd, Riviera Beach Fire Department 
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Closing Keynote - The Finish Line
Speaker: Fire Chief Rick Lasky
12:00 p.m. - 12:05 p.m. Closing Remarks
Speaker: Chief John Whalen

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Fees and Cancellation

Please note all fees must be paid in full prior to the first day of the conference. Cancellations received in writing to the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association at least thirty (30) days prior to the first day of the conference may receive a full refund in the original form of payment. Cancellations received in less than 30 days prior to the first day of class may only be able to transfer their registration to another person in place of the original registrant.

Hosted by the Florida Fire Chiefs' Foundation

 

Next:

2026 Safety and Health Conference | October 19-21, 2026 - Margaritaville Resort Orlando
 2027 Safety and Health Conference | October 19-20, 2027 - Margaritaville Resort Orlando 


Margaritaville Resort Orlando
8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, Florida, 34747