Details
October 11 - 14, 2026
IFCA Annual Conference 2026 - Attendee Registration
Illinois Fire Chiefs Association
Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette
Join fire service leaders from across Illinois for the 2026 Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Annual Conference, where education, leadership, and innovation come together. This year's conference features nationally recognized speakers, timely educational sessions, networking opportunities, and an exhibit hall showcasing the latest products and services for the fire service.
Whether you're a Fire Chief, Chief Officer, Company Officer, or an emerging leader, you'll gain practical strategies, valuable insights, and meaningful connections to help strengthen your department and better serve your community. We look forward to welcoming you to Peoria this October!
Hotel Information
Book your group rate for IL Fire Chiefs Association Conference
You will find the information for your online reservation link below. If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to ask. We appreciate your business and look forward to a successful event.
Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:
Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette for 179.00 USD per night - Last Day to Book: Monday, September 21, 2026
Conference Schedule
Sunday, October 11
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
IFCA Executive Board Meeting
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Weary Traveler Social
Monday, October 12
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Opening Ceremony
• Presentation of Colors
• Invocation
• Welcome Remarks
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Keynote Address (Speaker to be announced)
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Networking Break
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Firefighter Syndrome: What Every Chief Needs to Know
Chris Reese
For decades, firefighter health has been reduced to a single question: "Do they have PTSD?" This session introduces the clinically validated Firefighter Syndrome framework and provides chiefs with practical strategies to improve firefighter health, resilience, and performance.
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
Lunch with Exhibitors
12:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Open
Tuesday, October 13
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Illinois Fire Service Updates
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Leadership Survival
Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder
Drawing on decades of experience and real-world incidents, Chief Goldfeder shares lessons learned that strengthen leadership, improve operational decision-making, and enhance firefighter safety.
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Networking Break
10:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Leadership Survival (Continued)
Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Lunch with Exhibitors
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Open
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Technology to Overcome Challenges in the Fire Service
Deputy Chief Matt Shronts
Explore how emerging technologies, virtual training, and data-driven decision making are helping departments prepare firefighters more effectively while improving operational readiness.
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Networking Break
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
General Session (Coming Soon)
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Installation Banquet
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Conference Reception
Wednesday, October 14
Breakfast
Breakfast Buffet
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Special Needs Fire Academy
Hoffman Estates Fire Department
Learn how the Special Needs Fire Academy is creating meaningful experiences for individuals with disabilities while strengthening community engagement and firefighter outreach.
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Closing General Session (Coming Soon)
