ISFSI Instructor Development Conference

Instructor Development Conference

Built to Teach.  Ready to Lead.

Join us August 23–26, 2026, and be part of a transformative experience where today’s fire service instructors become tomorrow’s leaders. The ISFSI Instructor Development Conference is more than just a training event—it’s a dynamic, forward-focused environment designed to challenge your thinking, refine your delivery, and elevate your impact.

This year’s theme, Built to Teach. Ready to Lead, is a call to action. It’s about shaping the next generation of training through innovation, evidence-based practices, and intentional leadership. You’ll engage in powerful sessions, hands-on learning, and meaningful conversations that push beyond tradition and into what’s possible.

Surround yourself with a community of passionate professionals who are committed to raising the standard of instruction and driving the fire service forward—one lesson, one student, and one breakthrough at a time.

ISFSI has reserved a room block rate for members attending the conference at $123 a night.   LINK TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM IS PENDING

Monday, August 24

6:00 pm - Cookout at the Pool

Tuesday, August 25

8:00 am – Breakfast

9:00 am - 5:00 pm – Education Sessions

  • "Organizational Training for the Modern Fire Environment" ~ Eric Merrill, Assistant Chief; Chino Valley Fire District/Central Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, Prescott Valley, AZ
  • "Is the Modern Fire Service the Death of Tradition and Culture in the Firehouse?" ~ Aaron Burlingame, Battalion Chief; St. Charles Fire Department, St. Charles, MO and Chip Ashford, Captain; St. Charles Fire Department, St. Charles, MO
  • "Measuring Operational Performance" Tony Ambrosia, Captain; Scottsdale Fire Department, Scottsdale, AZ and Brian Kazmierzak, Deputy Director of Public Safety/Fire Chief; Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Benton Harbor, MI
  • "Is Your Next Great Instructor Already in the Room?  A Practical Model for Peer-Led Development in the Fire Service"~ Daniel Anderson, District Chief; Cy-Fair Fire Department, Cypress, TX

Wednesday, August 26

8:00 am – Breakfast

9:00 am – 12:00 pm - Education Sessions

  • "The Training Officer, Do You Have What it Takes?" ~ David McGlynn, Fire Chief; United States Army, Letterkenny Fire & Emergency Services, Chambersburg, PA
  • "Ready to Respond - Instructional Excellence for First Responders" ~ Dr. Courtney Gatti, Senior Analyst Training Division; Colorado Springs Fire Department, Colorado Springs, CO

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm – NFPA 1400 Hands on Training @ Scottsdale Fire Department

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

    Questions? Contact Emily Stephens at Membership@ISFSI.org

    The Scottsdale Resort & Spa
    7700 East McCormick Parkway
    Scottsdale, AZ 85258