2026 AFCA Conference Partners Program
May 24-27 | Red Deer, ABAbout the 2026 AFCA Partners Program
We are excited to hold our 2026 Conference and Trade Show in the city of Red Deer!
AFCA Conference Support and Volunteers are working to create an exceptional Partners Program. Please circle back as the conference nears for schedule and details.
If you would like to volunteer on the Partners Program Planning Committee or interested in sponsoring an activity to treat the partners with something special, please reach out to Brittany Bussiere at conference@afcastaging.ca
The Partner’s Program fee of $250 covers the following conference items:
- Trade Show welcome reception on Sunday, May 25, BMO Centre.
- Partners Meet & Greet Coffee Hour Monday, May 26 BMO Centre.
- Breakfast on Monday and Tuesday in the BMO Centre.
- Breakfast on Wednesday at Hotel Arts.
- Lunch on Monday, May 26 in the Trade Show at the BMO Centre.
- Lunch on Tuesday, May 27Â at the BMO Centre.
- AFCA Annual Banquet on Tuesday, May 27, Spectrum 4 & 5 Room at the Hotel Arts.
AFCA has schedule a presentation to Partners with Dr. Kelly Dean Schwartz, Psychologist, Family First Responder Inc. on Tuesday, May 27.
The session: Because You Deserve It: The Why’s, What’s and How’s of Access to Evidence Informed Support for Fire Spouses and Partners, will be held in Arabian A-C, BMO Centre from 9:15 am to 10:15 am.
AFCA has arranged for the following activities for the Partners. Some fees may apply, but we are actively seeking sponsorship to help reduce or cover these costs. The exact cost will be determined at a later date.
To help us plan, please indicate which activities you are interested in during your registration.
Monday, May 26, Partners will be shuttled to the Calgary Zoo for a complimentary tour with Captain Jennifer Evans, where participants will experience “Wilder Moments,” or you are welcome to explore the Zoo on your own. The shuttle will depart BMO Centre at 9:20 am. The return shuttle will bring Partners back to Hotel Arts.
Partners may be responsible for their lunch while at the zoo, pending sponsorship.
Admission Fee: Complimentary
Tuesday, May 27, Partners can choose to attend one (1) of the following activities, which start at 1:30 pm.
Please note: The shuttle will depart the BMO Centre at 1:00 pm following the keynote lunch.
Activity #1 Sorry This Activity is FullÂ
Aura Spa Calgary 1304 4 St SW 3rd Floor, Calgary, AB T2R 0X8. Please visit their website to view the services. Click here
Seven (7) partners can be accommodated at a time with three manicure and four pedicure stations. Coffee and tea are provided complimentary.
Fees: Variable prices may apply depending on the type of treatment and our sponsorship ship efforts.
Activity #2
Painting activity at Raw Canvas, 609 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0G1. To view their website, click here.
Fees: A fee may apply depending on our sponsorship efforts and includes the supplies, instruction and one alcohol or non-alcoholic beverage.
The painting activity will conclude at approximately 3:00 pm. The shuttle will pick up the Partners from Raw Canvas and return to Hotel Arts.
If a Partner opts out of the additional activities, they are welcome to attend conference sessions at BMO Centre.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Conference Coordinator Kelly Legris.
Would you like to support fire service partners by sponsoring a component of the Partners Program? Please visit AFCA Sponsorships. Your extra generosity to the Partners of first responders is immensely appreciated and ensure they can enjoy activities at no additional costs
2024 Conference Partner Attendee
$250.00
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNER PROGRAM SPONSORS
Partners Schedule
- Saturday May 23, 2026
- Sunday May 24, 2026
- Monday May 25, 2026
- Tuesday May 26, 2026
- Wednesday May 27, 2026
| Time | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:30 am |
Golf Shuttle Departs Shuttle departs the hotels for Sylvan Lake Golf and County Club Sandman Hotel & Red Deer Resort and Casino | ||
| 10:00 am | Sylvan Lake Golf and Country Club  | ||
| 11:00 am | Join us for the AFCA Golf Tournament, a fun and relaxing way to kick off the conference while networking with colleagues and industry partners. This friendly tournament is open to all skill levels and offers a chance to enjoy Alberta’s beautiful scenery while fostering connections within the fire service community. Whether you’re aiming for the […] Sylvan Lake Golf and Country Club | ||
| 5:00 pm |
Golf Tournament BBQ Wrap up a fantastic day on the course with the Post-Golf Tournament BBQ at the clubhouse! Enjoy great food, good company, and the excitement of the golf prize awards. It’s the perfect way to relax, celebrate, and connect with fellow participants after the tournament. Sylvan Lake Golf and Country Club | ||
| 6:45 pm | The shuttle will return delegates to Red Deer Resort & Casino and the Sandman Hotel departing the golf course at 7pm. Sandman Hotel & Red Deer Resort and Casino |
| Time | ||
|---|---|---|
| 7:45 am | Departing at 7:45 from Sandman Hotel, Red Deer and from Red Deer Resort and Casino at 7:58. Please reference the shuttle schedules in the conference app. Thank you to our sponsor. Sandman Hotel & Red Deer Resort and Casino | |
| 8:00 am |
Registration Check in at registration, obtain your event badge, and be sure to download the conference app. Foyer of the Prairie Pavillion, Westerner Park | |
| 9:00 am |
Justin Yaassoub –
Leading in High Risk Organizations, All Around Performance Keynote Speaker – Justin Yaassoub In high-risk environments, leadership isn’t theoretical-it’s tested in real time, under real pressure. Drawing from his experience as a Canadian Special Forces Operator, Justin Yaassoub delivers an unfiltered look at what it takes to lead when every decision counts. Leading in High-Risk Organizations explores how elite teams maintain performance and […] Prairie Pavilion- Westerner Park  | |
| 5:00 pm | Join the AFCA along with Government representatives for the Opening Ceremonies and Memorial Service. Prairie Pavilion- Westerner Park  | |
| 6:00 pm | Join your fellow members and trades for the welcome reception. Thank you to our Sponsor. Neeralta Pavilion, Westerner Park, Prairie Pavilion- Westerner Park |
| Time | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:15 am | Departing at 7:15, Sandman Hotel Red Deer 7:21 AND Red Deer Resort and Casino at 7:24. Please reference the Shuttle Schedules in the Conference Info button in the Conference App. Thank you to our Sponsor. Sandman Hotel & Red Deer Resort and Casino | |||
| 7:30 am |
Delegate Breakfast | |||
| 8:00 am |
Trade Members Breakfast Meeting Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park | |||
| 8:30 am | ||||
| 9:00 am | The AFCA Trade Show is the premier showcase of innovative products, services, and technologies tailored to the needs of fire services across Alberta. Bringing together industry-leading vendors, fire chiefs, and decision-makers, the trade show offers a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge equipment, network with suppliers, and discover solutions that enhance fire service operations. From apparatus […] Neeralta Pavilion and Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park | |||
| 9:20 am | ||||
| 10:00 am | ||||
| 10:15 am |
Coffee Break in the Trade Show Hall Neeralta Pavilion and Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park | |||
| 12:00 pm |
Lunch in the Trade Show Hall Enjoy a delicious lunch while exploring the Trade Show Hall and engaging with industry-leading vendors. This is a perfect opportunity to network with exhibitors, discover new products and services, and connect with fellow delegates in a relaxed, interactive environment. Neeralta Pavilion and Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park | |||
| 2:00 pm | ||||
| 4:00 pm |
Trade Show Closes Thank you for joining the 2025 AFCA Trade Show.  See you in Red Deer in 2026. Neeralta Pavilion and Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park | |||
| 7:00 pm | Check out the THINGS TO DO IN RED DEER on the app and enjoy the many amenities Red Deer has to offer. |
| Time | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:15 am | |||
| 7:30 am | Check in at registration, obtain your event badge, and be sure to download the conference app. Lobby of Convention Centre, Red Deer Resort & Casino Hotel | ||
| 9:15 am | Kelly Dean Schwartz | ||
| 12:00 pm |
Rob McAdam –
Associate Vice President, Accreditation and Compliance , Accreditation Safety Codes Council Alberta’s fire service leaders are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape—where innovative building designs, shifting urban densities, and performance-based code solutions are redefining how we protect our communities. In this keynote, we’ll explore how fire services can play a pivotal role in shaping safe outcomes through meaningful consultation and collaboration. The Alberta Fire Code, administered under […] Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino  | ||
| 1:10 pm | |||
| 1:30 pm | |||
| 6:00 pm | Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino | ||
| 6:30 pm | Musical entertainment by RUN THE PLANK Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino |
| Time | Concurrent Stream #1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 am |
Breakfast Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino | |||
| 8:00 am |
Julien Bergeron –
Deputy Fire Chief, Northern Sunrise County Sometimes, despite all efforts to bring firefighters home after a shift or a call, tragedy strikes. Line Of Duty Deaths bring devastation to families, departments, and communities. The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF) focuses on making sure that our Fallen are never to be forgotten. They shall be honoured and remembered, and their families supported. […] Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino  | |||
| 9:15 am |
Stephanie Evans –
Arrow & Spitfire Enterprises Ltd. The physical demands of firefighting are well-known, but what happens when an injury on the job follows a member home? In this powerful and candid session Stephanie shares her personal journey of navigating a life-altering on-duty fire injury of her husband. Attendees will gain a unique dual perspective on how a single traumatic event impacts […] Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino  | |||
| 10:30 am |
Coffee Break |
Annual Golf TournamentÂ
$200.00
Accomodations & Host Hotel
Hotel Arts – Downtown Calgary
The 2025 AFCA Conference will be hosted at the Hotel Arts Downtown Calgary. The hotel is located at 119 12 Ave SW, Calgary Alberta
Luxury Room – 2 Queen Beds
The perfect balance of form and function. Our beautifully-designed 389 sq ft luxury rooms feature two queen-size beds, bright decor, smart functionality and a balcony with a city or pool view. Guest rate is $193.00 per night + taxes.
Luxury Room – 1 King
When you think of premium, simply enter this recently upgraded 389-square-foot room with a king bed. $185.00
Luxury Suite – 1 King
The perfect balance of form and function. Our beautifully-designed 389 sq ft luxury rooms feature one king-size bed, bright decor, smart functionality and a balcony with a city or pool view. $245
Telephone: 403-266-4611
Email: info@hotelarts.ca
Web Page: https://www.hotelarts.ca/
Visit this link to select your accommodation dates with Hotel Arts. Select Dates | Hotel Arts.
AFCA Delegates and Trades should identify themselves as members of Alberta Fire Chiefs Association
Hotel Parking
complimentary surface and underground parking with Hotel Arts.  Height restrictions in underground hotel parkade.
FAIRFIELD INN and SUITES CALGARY DOWNTOWN (Secondary Hotel)
Delegates of the 2025 AFCA Conference can book accommodations at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Calgary Downtown, located at 239 – 12th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta.
Standard Single
1 King bed, Mini fridge, Microwave, 200sqft/18sqm, Wireless internet, complimentary, Wired internet, complimentary, Coffee/tea maker. Guest rate is $169.00 per night + taxes.
Standard Double
2 Queen beds, Mini fridge, Microwave, 314sqft/28sqm, Wireless internet, complimentary, Wired internet, complimentary, Coffee/tea maker. $169.00 + taxes.
Telephone: 403-351-6500 or 877-236-2427
Fairfield Inn and Suites Calgary Downtown Website:Â Marriott.com/YYCFI
Delegates should identify themselves as members of Alberta Fire Chiefs Association.
Visit Fairfield Inn and Suites Calgary Downtown booking link for the AFCA by visiting this Reservation-Link
Reservations can be cancelled up to 72 hours prior to arrival without penalty. If an individual reservation is cancelled within 72 hours of the scheduled arrival, a cancellation fee equal to one (1) night’s room revenue will be charged. Additional costs for triple and quadruple occupancy may apply.
Hotel Parking
Parking is available and fees will apply.
