The NVFC Training Summit 2026 call that could shape US fire service training
Iain Hoey
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NVFC opens call for proposals for 2026 Training Summit
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced that its 2026 Training Summit will be held on 26–27 June 2026 in Arlington, Virginia.
According to the NVFC, proposals are now being accepted from qualified instructors and speakers to present educational sessions at the conference. Proposals must be submitted by 20 October 2025.
The NVFC explained that the Training Summit provides classroom learning and peer-to-peer exchange for emergency responders from across the United States.
Since its launch in 2014, the event has included general sessions, keynote presentations and breakout sessions on fire and emergency service issues.
It added that the 2026 programme will again feature three tracks: health, safety and training; recruitment and retention; and leadership. Each session will run for 90 minutes.
The council reported that examples of possible session topics include fireground response, physical and behavioural health, fire and life safety education, recruitment strategies, diversity and inclusion, mentoring, long-term planning, technology, and funding sources.
Proposal requirements and process
The NVFC stated that all proposals must be submitted online and be educational in nature. The guidance document advised that proposals should be authored by the instructor or a representative of the course developer.
It added that proposals should demonstrate innovative strategies, include clear learning objectives and reference NFPA standards where applicable.
The NVFC noted that its peer review team will evaluate proposals based on quality, relevance, practical application and instructor experience. It confirmed that selected presenters will be notified by 24 November 2025.
The council also reported that session materials must be submitted by 1 June 2026, with final documents due for inclusion in the event’s mobile site by 22 June 2026.
Audience and participant profile
The NVFC explained that the Training Summit typically attracts around 200 attendees from more than 40 states. Participants include current and emerging leaders from volunteer, mostly-volunteer and combination fire departments, with some attendees from career departments and other organisations.
It said that job titles represented include chiefs, officers, recruitment and retention coordinators, training officers and administrators.
The organisation added that attendees range in age from 18 to 65+, with experience levels spanning from entry level to over 40 years of service.
It reported that about one third of attendees come from departments serving populations under 5,000.
The NVFC stated that historically about 70% of participants are male and 30% are female.
Support for presenters
The NVFC advised that selected presenters will receive a stipend and reimbursement of travel expenses for one instructor per course. This includes lodging, transportation and meals within the NVFC travel policy.
It said that all selected presenters will also receive complimentary conference registration.
The NVFC confirmed that while teaching teams are welcome to apply, only one instructor per session is eligible for reimbursement and stipend.
It added that all accepted instructors must work with the NVFC to meet deadlines and ensure an effective learning experience.
Learning objectives and adult education
The NVFC’s call for proposals guide outlined that proposals must include clear, action-oriented learning objectives.
It recommended the use of the ABCD method (audience, behaviour, condition, degree) when drafting objectives, starting with “At the end of the session, attendees will be able to…”.
The guidance advised avoiding vague verbs such as “understand” and instead using measurable terms like list, describe or locate.
It explained that adult learning principles suggest that collaborative, problem-based approaches tied to lived experiences are most effective.
The NVFC also noted that proposals must avoid commercial bias or marketing tone.
Proposal submission details
The NVFC reported that the deadline for proposals is 20 October 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
It advised that session notifications will be sent by 24 November 2025.
The council added that questions can be directed to NVFC training coordinator Amanda Tegtmeyer.
It confirmed that the full call for presentations guide, including topic lists and instructions for writing learning objectives, is available on the NVFC website.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The NVFC Training Summit provides a national platform for fire and emergency service personnel to share knowledge and develop skills.
The call for proposals is an opportunity for instructors, researchers and practitioners to contribute training content on priority topics including health, safety, leadership, recruitment and retention.
The summit’s emphasis on NFPA standards, data-driven approaches and practical application connects national policy with local practice.
Participation in the process allows professionals to shape the curriculum that informs training and operational readiness across volunteer and combination departments.
NVFC opens call for proposals for 2026 Training Summit: Summary
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced that its 2026 Training Summit will be held in Arlington, Virginia, on 26–27 June 2026.
The NVFC has opened a call for proposals for instructors and speakers to submit session ideas.
The deadline for proposals is 20 October 2025.
Proposals will be reviewed by a peer review team for quality, relevance and practical application.
Selected presenters will be notified by 24 November 2025.
Breakout sessions will run in three tracks: health, safety and training; recruitment and retention; and leadership.
Topics may include fireground response, physical and behavioural health, safety education, recruitment, diversity, mentorship, long-term planning, technology, and funding.
The NVFC will provide a stipend and cover travel expenses for one instructor per session.
The Training Summit usually attracts 200 attendees from more than 40 states.
Attendees represent a mix of volunteer, mostly-volunteer and combination departments.
Session materials are due by 1 June 2026.
Final documents for inclusion in the mobile site are due by 22 June 2026.
Registration is complimentary for selected presenters.
The full call for presentations guide is available on the NVFC website.