ISFSI Instructor Development Conference

Instructor Development Conference

Built to Teach.  Ready to Lead.

Join us August 24–26, 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.

Regular Pricing begins 06-01-2026 and ends on 07-31-2026. Late pricing begins after 7-31-2026. Registration officially closes on 08-21-2026.

ISFSI has reserved a room block rate for members attending the conference at $123 a night.   

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM

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 – A practical training session focused on best practices outlined in NFPA 1400. Guided by experienced ISFSI instructors, participants will progress through a structured “crawl, walk, run” approach to developing proficiency in NFPA 1400 standards. (Hosted by the Scottsdale Fire Department). Students are required to wear long pants and closed toe shoes.  No additional PPE is required.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

    Regular Pricing begins 06-01-2026 and ends on 07-31-2026. Late pricing begins after 7-31-2026. Registration officially closes on 08-21-2026.

    Questions? Contact Emily Stephens at Membership@ISFSI.org

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