NVFC Announces Training Summit Keynote Speakers
January 16, 2024
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is pleased to announce two new speakers have been added to the agenda for the 2024 NVFC Training Summit. The NVFC’s signature conference, taking place June 21-22 in Buffalo, NY, provides an opportunity for firefighters and EMS providers to participate in valuable classroom training, idea sharing, and networking. Joining the prestigious line-up are Jan Spence, CSP, who will present on leading and engaging volunteers, and Chief Keith Drabick, who will discuss lessons learned from the February 2023 East Palestine, OH, train derailment. See the full Summit agenda and register at www.nvfc.org/summit.
On June 21, international speaker, author, consultant, and former pro female football player Jan Spence will present “It’s Game Time! Leading and Engaging Volunteers and Employees,” which focuses on keeping volunteer/staff engagement levels high and consistent among your team. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to boost department morale and help your department reach its full potential.
On June 22, Chief Drabick will present “Small Town, BIG Problem: An Overview of the East Palestine Derailment.” This presentation will review the hazardous materials involved in the train derailment, the issues faced during the first seven days after the incident, and a discussion of lessons learned and safety recommendations to help keep other first responders safer moving forward.
In addition to these keynote presentations, the Summit includes two days of classroom-based breakout sessions with nationally-known instructors, networking events, and a vendor expo. The agenda features a selection of 18 courses relating to critical topics impacting the volunteer emergency services, with a focus on physical and behavioral health, safety considerations during different types of response and training, recruiting new volunteer responders, best practices for retaining volunteers, and leadership. View full agenda.
While the Training Summit is a great value, the NVFC recognizes that cost can be a challenge. To remove this barrier and help offset the costs, stipends are available that reimburse up to $800 of conference-related expenses, including hotel, airfare/mileage/transportation, and the event registration fee. To be eligible for a stipend, you must be a current member of the NVFC. Not a member? Join for just $21 at www.nvfc.org/join.
The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo Hotel and Conference Center. The hotel is in historic downtown Buffalo, just a short walk, ride, or (free!) streetcar trip to museums, restaurants, and the Canalside waterfront district. As in previous years, the NVFC will offer a networking social event after class concludes on Friday, June 21. The reception will include a vendor area featuring sponsors and partners. Sponsorships are available – click here for more information.
Learn more about the 2024 NVFC Training Summit, register, and apply for a stipend at www.nvfc.org/summit. Read about the 2023 Training Summit here. Questions? Contact Rachel Buczynski, NVFC chief of training and education, at rachel@nvfc.org.
About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.
