2026 Conference Program

This session delivers a practical framework for leading what we call “The Big Switch” — whether that switch is between manufacturers or the mandatory evolution that accompanies each new NFPA edition. It addresses the cultural tension between tradition and innovation and reframes the conversation often described as “Smoke Eaters vs. the Health-Minded Generation.” The reality is simpler: both groups want the same outcome — performance today and longevity across a career.
We break down cognitive load into fireground reality: how it manifests under stress, how unfamiliar interfaces slow decision-making, and how repetition, standardization, and expectation-setting reduce hesitation. The goal is not blind adoption of new equipment, but disciplined integration.
About 15 minutes into the session, the format shifts to a live, podcast-style discussion with working firefighters and officers who have navigated major equipment changes — including NFPA-driven upgrades and full platform transitions. The focus is candid, experience-based dialogue about what actually works: how to build buy-in, how to structure training so crews trust their gear, and how to maintain operational confidence when conditions degrade.
Attendees will leave with a clear, repeatable framework for managing SCBA change at the department level — covering training design, culture alignment, inspection routines, cleaning and care discipline, and return-to-service expectations. Whether the catalyst is a
five-year NFPA revision or a full manufacturer change, the objective remains constant: confident firefighters operating without hesitation when it matters most.

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