
Tuesday & Wednesday, April 21-22
Indiana Convention Center Rooms 137-139
The ARFF Summit at FDIC International is where the Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting community comes together to exchange ideas, sharpen skills, and strengthen connections. This two-day program blends leadership dialogue, operational best practices, and peer networking to advance ARFF excellence at every level.
Designed specifically for fire service and airport leadership, the ARFF Summit brings together firefighters, chiefs, and airport directors from A, B, and C level airports to explore challenges, share solutions, and build relationships that extend well beyond FDIC.
Whether you oversee operations at a regional airport or manage response at a major hub, the ARFF Summit provides insights and strategies to support your mission of protecting lives, property, and aviation assets.
2026 Summit Agenda | Indiana Convention Center Rooms 137-139
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Speaker: Chief Fred Pervine
Welcome remarks
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Speaker: Gina Gonzales
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Speakers: Kevin Garber
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Speakers: Chief John Donnelly, Sr.
Washington DC Fire Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr. will share critical insights into the January 29 Washington, DC air traffic incident, offering a rare first-hand perspective on managing an exceptionally complex emergency response. With more than three decades of leadership experience—including oversight of Special Operations and the 2,100-member DC Fire and EMS Department—Chief Donnelly brings deep operational expertise that is highly valuable for today’s fire service professionals.
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Panelists: Larry Lippel
Aircraft incidents don’t respect airport boundaries—and readiness can’t either. This session explores how leadership, daily discipline, and shared expectations shape outcomes in low-frequency, high-risk aviation events. Designed for ARFF professionals and mutual aid departments, the lecture connects operational excellence, off-airport response realities, and 365-day readiness using real-world case studies and leadership lessons. Attendees will gain practical insights into preventing drift, strengthening partnerships, and preparing responders—on and off the airport—for the day when margins are thin and decisions matter most.
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Reception with Sponsors
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Speaker: Gina Gonzales
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Panel discussion with sponsors
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Aircraft incidents quickly move beyond fire suppression. In this interactive tabletop exercise, participants will work through a simulated Airbus A320 emergency involving engine failure, runway excursion, evacuation, and a fuel-fed fire. As the scenario unfolds, participants must address passenger accountability, mutual aid integration, hazardous cargo recognition, incident remediation and recovery, media pressure, and investigative coordination. The exercise highlights how preparation, command structure, and leadership decisions influence outcomes across different ARFF index airports
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Lunch with Sponsors
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Scenario training
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Break with Sponsors
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Continued: Aircraft incidents quickly move beyond fire suppression. In this interactive tabletop exercise, participants will work through a simulated Airbus A320 emergency involving engine failure, runway excursion, evacuation, and a fuel-fed fire. As the scenario unfolds, participants must address passenger accountability, mutual aid integration, hazardous cargo recognition, incident remediation and recovery, media pressure, and investigative coordination. The exercise highlights how preparation, command structure, and leadership decisions influence outcomes across different ARFF index airports
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Outbriefs: Aircraft incidents quickly move beyond fire suppression. In this interactive tabletop exercise, participants will work through a simulated Airbus A320 emergency involving engine failure, runway excursion, evacuation, and a fuel-fed fire. As the scenario unfolds, participants must address passenger accountability, mutual aid integration, hazardous cargo recognition, incident remediation and recovery, media pressure, and investigative coordination. The exercise highlights how preparation, command structure, and leadership decisions influence outcomes across different ARFF index airports
Interested in Attending?
Attendee registration is required and available through FDIC’s registration page.
Standard Rate: $250
FDIC Conference pass holders will receive a discount on Summit registration.
If you need assistance with registration, please email fdic@clarionevents.
For questions about the Summit, please contact Program Director Stephanie Gendron, Stephanie.Gendron@clarionevents.com.
We are pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships for the ARFF Summit, created to support aviation firefighting professionals committed to enhancing safety, operations, and innovation within the ARFF community. These scholarships help ensure that dedicated leaders and emerging voices have the opportunity to engage, learn, and contribute—regardless of financial constraints.
If you are interested in applying or would like more information, please contact Stephanie Gendron at stephanie.gendron@clarionevents.com.