2026 AFCA Conference Schedule
May 24-27| Red Deer, AB- 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 | Concurrent Stream #1 | Concurrent Stream #2 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |||||
| 8:45 am |
Delegate Coffee Break Foyer of the Prairie Pavillion, Westerner Park | |||||
| 9:00 am |
AFCA Trade Show Refreshment Stand AFCA Trades, coffee will be available for Trades loading into Neeralta Pavilion and Exhibition Hall during set-up. Thank you to our sponsor. |
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  | Trades can commence loading into Neeralta Pavilion and Exhibition Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Apparatus will commence parking at 08:0 am in the trade halls. Apparatus parking in Neeralta Pavilion will enter through Loading Dock # 1 Overhead Door and apparatus parking in Exhibition Hall will enter through Loading Dock #2 Overhead door. […] Neeralta Pavilion and Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park | |||
| 10:15 am | Steve Munshaw, Fire Chief, Taber Fire Department / Jason Linton, Fire Chief, Cypress County / Stewart Luchies, DEM, Regional Fire Chief, County of Newell / Phil Tufford, Chief Training Officer, City of Grande Prairie Prairie Pavilion- Westerner Park | Sean Cunningham, Deputy Fire Chief, Parkland County Fire Services / Jon Evans, Deputy Fire Chief, Rockyview County Fire Services / Drayton Bussiere, Fire Chief, Deputy Director of Emergency Management, Red Deer County Salon A, Westerner Park | ||||
| 11:15 am | Engage in meaningful discussions at the Rural Membership Round Table Session, where fire chiefs and leaders from rural communities come together to share experiences, challenges, and solutions unique to rural fire services. This interactive session fosters collaboration and provides a platform to exchange ideas, address pressing issues, and explore opportunities for growth and support within […] Prairie Pavilion- Westerner Park | Chief T. Brice Join the Urban Membership Round Table Session to connect with fire service leaders from Alberta’s urban centers. This collaborative forum provides an opportunity to discuss challenges, share strategies, and explore innovative solutions tailored to the complexities of urban fire services. Engage in open dialogue, build valuable connections, and contribute to shaping the future of fire […] Salon A, 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 |
Joe Zatylny –
Assistant Deputy Minister/Deputy Managing Director, Alberta Emergency Management Agency Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services Speaker: Joe Zatylny, Assistant Deputy Minster/ Deputy Managing Director, Alberta Emergency Management Agency Prairie Pavilion- Westerner Park Check in at registration, obtain your event badge, and be sure to download the conference app. Foyer of the Prairie Pavillion, Westerner Park | Join your trade members for breakfast in the Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park. Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park | ||
| 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 | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| 1:00 pm | In the latter half of the afternoon, fire personnel wearing their station wear are invited to attend the Trade Show with the purchase of a wristband. This special access offers an excellent opportunity to explore the latest fire service products, connect with vendors, and discover innovative solutions for your department. Don’t miss this chance to […] Neeralta Pavilion and Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park | ||||
| 1:15 pm | Did you enter a prize draw? Announcements of lucky winners to take place during the afternoon of the trade show. Neeralta Pavilion and Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park | ||||
| 2:00 pm |
Coffee Break in the Trade Show Hall Neeralta Pavilion and Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park | ||||
| 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 | Concurrent Stream #1 | Concurrent Stream #2 | Concurrent Stream #3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |||||
| 7:45 am |
Breakfast Keynote: Office of the Fire Commissioner Update Fire Commissioner, and Phil Rowe, Assistant Fire Commissioner, Office of the Fire Commissioner Speakers: Fire Commissioner, Office of the Fire Commissioner Phil Rowe, Assistant Fire Commissioner, Office of the Fire Commissioner Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino | |||||
| 8:30 am | Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino  | |||||
| 10:30 am |
Coffee Break Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino | |||||
| 11:00 am |
Jeremy Allen –
Funeral Director, Gregory’s Funeral Home, deathEd.ca The central focus of this presentation is a reflection on my 20 years of walking alongside families and, in turn, first responders during the immediate moments of loss. Over the course of my career, I have come to understand the importance of an “inward before outward” approach, a valuable lesson in learning how to care […] Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino  | Fire Chief Retired Mac de Beaudrap / Fire Chief Brad Milton / Fire Chief Marcel Maure You Got a Uniform, So Now What? Fire Chief Retired Mac de Beaudrap, Fire Chief Brad Milton and Fire Chief Marcel Maure present a practical, head-to-toe guide on fire department uniform standards. This session covers proper wear, badge and medal placement, service bars, forage caps, footwear, when to wear each uniform, avoiding the mixing of […] Savona, Red Deer Resort & Casino |
Derk Engh –
Fire Protection Advisor, F11Fire and Life Safety The greatest variable in a fire is not the system; it’s unpredictable human behaviour. Derek has witnessed people panic, freeze, and even reach around an active fire to retrieve items. The common “Safety Third” compliance mindset fails to account for this reality, creating fatal gaps in a building’s emergency response. We need to fight against […] Marseille, Red Deer Resort & Casino  | |||
| 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  | |||||
| 1:15 pm |
Spencer Zee –
Fire Fighter, Sturgeon Country Emergency Services Nicholas Lozinski – Captain, Emergency Services, Sturgeon County, Sturgeon County This presentation will explore the key components of Sturgeon County Emergency Services’ Large Brush Pile Inspection Program, share valuable data on its impact, and discuss best practices for implementation. The program now integrates GIS technology for accurate tracking and analysis, along with a recently updated Standard Operating Guideline that streamlines inspection and reporting processes. Through […] Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino | Sean Cunningham, Deputy Fire Chief Parkland County Fire Services / Garnet Decker, BappBus:ES, Assistant Deputy Chief, Fire & Emergency Services, City of Medicine Hat / Stewart Luchies, DEM, Regional Fire Chief, County of Newell / Brad Milton, Fire Chief, Protective Services Edson / Mac de Beaudrap, Fire Chief (ret.) (Moderator) Savona, Red Deer Resort & Casino |
Alex Zielinski –
Deputy Chief/Division Chief of Training, Eli Lilly Fire Department based in Fishsers, Indiana This course equips current and aspiring company officers with the tools to lead effectively without falling into the trap of micromanagement. Participants will explore the balance between oversight and autonomy, learning how to foster trust, accountability, and high performance within their teams. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, officers will gain confidence and managing personnel […] Marseille, Red Deer Resort & Casino  | |||
| 2:30 pm |
Coffee Break Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino | |||||
| 2:45 pm |
Laura King –
Regional Director, Canada, National Fire Protection Association How much water do you really need to put on an electric vehicle fire? Are there other extinguishing agents that can be used? What happens to your gear after an incident involving lithium-ion batteries? Is there a greater risk of car fires in parking garages when EVs are present? NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation is […] Tuscany, Red Deer Resort & Casino  |
Tracy Price –
Manager of Business Services, Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System (AFRRCS) Interoperability is a cornerstone of effective emergency response, yet achieving and sustaining it requires more than shared infrastructure—it demands coordinated planning, training, and trust. This workshop explores how the Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System (AFRRCS) is advancing beyond coverage metrics to foster operational confidence and seamless interagency collaboration. Participants will gain insight into AFRRCS’s […] Savona, Red Deer Resort & Casino | Fire Chief Chad Eakins, Medicine Hat Fire / Chief Trevor Brice, Okotoks Fire & Rescue / Fire Chief Shawn Polley, Canmore Fire Rescue / Fire Chief Bryan Singleton, Leduc / Chief Mike Pirie, Airdrie Fire Department / Chief S. Sevuebbe Marseille, Red Deer Resort & Casino | |||
| 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 | Concurrent Stream #2 | Concurrent Stream #3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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  | Myles Tabin, Manager, Alberta Firefighter Certification Program, Office of the Fire Commissioner, Government of Alberta, Alberta certification process – Overview the relationship and partnership needed to align training, evaluation, certification and accreditation in Alberta. Update on current and upcoming NFPA standards available for certification in Alberta. The importance of Validators and Evaluators in the Alberta certification partnership.  |
Michael Coutu –
FireSmart Specialist, Wildfire Risk Mitigation and FireSmart, Forestry and Parks Government of Alberta Adam Gossell – Senior Manager, Wildfire Risk Mitigation and FireSmart, Forest Management and Wildfire Mitigation Branch | Forestry Division | Ministry of Forestry and Parks Presenters from Wildfire Risk Mitigation and FireSmart, Forestry and Parks will present on the Alberta Wildfire Mitigation Strategy, and the launch the FireSmart Alberta Community Scorecard. Red Deer Resort and Casino  | |||
| 10:30 am |
Coffee Break | |||||
| 10:45 am | Randy Schroeder, County Fire Chief, Director of Emergency Management, Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services, President, Alberta Fire Chiefs Association / Michael Currie P.L.(Eng), PMSFPE, VP, Fire Underwriters Survey / Dave Dextraze, RMA, Canoe Procurement / Laura King, Regional Director, Canada, National Fire Protection Association / Carey Feduniw, General Manager, Commercial Emergency and AFCA Trade Representative / Jon Evans, Deputy Fire Chief, Rockyview County Fire Services / Jim Smith, Moderator Fleet Management & Apparatus Planning The 2026 AFCA Conference will conclude with our highly anticipated Interactive Bear Pit Session, bringing together leading voices from across Alberta’s fire service sector. This year’s discussion will focus on the rapidly evolving landscape of fire apparatus procurement, fleet management, and lifecycle planning. Panelists will explore key topics including: This […] |
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