MID-RISE ‘GROUNDSCRAPER’ AND HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS SYMPOSIUM

New for 2026, the Mid-Rise/High-Rise Symposium addresses the critical risk of building failure during fire conditions. This event brings together top experts to share strategies, tactics, and lessons learned from incidents in complex buildings—ranging from skyscrapers to “groundscrapers.”

The symposium features four workshops, each four hours long with various topics in each session, offered as part of FDIC’s pre-conference lineup on Monday and Tuesday. Attendees can register for the full series or individual sessions.

Ideal for all fire service personnel, this program delivers essential insights for managing emergencies in challenging environments. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge applicable to buildings of all types and orientations.

WHY ATTEND?

  • Learn directly from nationally recognized experts through sessions on construction hazards, fire protection and building systems, air management, command and tactical considerations, evolving building design and fire codes impacting these environments.  
  • Gain real-world strategies and insights from case studies and scenario-driven discussions that reflect today’s most complex urban and suburban fire environments.  
  • Connect with a community of forward-thinking professionals who are shaping the future of fire protection in vertical and large horizontal structures. 

AGENDA

The Mid-Rise/High-Rise Symposium offers four focused sessions – attend them all for a full experience, or choose the ones most relevant to your role and interests. It’s flexible, so you get the insights that matter most to you. 

Monday, April 20 | Groundscrapers and Construction

Session I
8:00 AM

Buildings Forn, Sick and Dying
Speaker(s): Gerald Tracy, Jim Kane

Navigating Today's Moder "Groundscraper" Mid-Rise
Speaker: Jimmy Davis

Session II
1:30 PM

Big Box Fires = Big "Groundscraper" Problems
Speaker: Clark Lamping

Fire in the Sky . . . And Now You'r Out of Air
Speaker: Mike Gagliano

Panel Discussion
Speakers: Gerald Tracy, Jim Kane, Jimmy Davis, Clark Lamping, Mike Gagliano

Tuesday, April 21 | Tactical Command

Session I
8:00 AM

Firefigher Smoke Control Panel Operations
Speaker: Dr. Rodger Reiswig

FDNY High-Rise Officer Training
Speaker: Michael Meyers

Effecive Command - Bridging the Gap to Competent Officers
Speaker: Katherine Lamb

Session II
1:30 PM

The World Trade Center: Legacy Codes and Struggle for Change
Speakers: Charles Jennings, Glenn Corbett

The Role of the Fire and Life Safety Director
Speaker: Tom Burke

Standpipe Challenges - Understanding Mid & High-Rise Building Standpipe Designs
Speaker: Terin Hopkins

Mastering High-Rise Firefighting Tactics: Strategies for Success
Speaker: Brent Brooks

Panel Discussion
Speakers: Dr. Rodger Reiswig, Michael Meyers, Katherine Lamb, Charles Jennings, Glenn Corbett, Tom Burke, Terin Hopkins, Brent Brooks

Meet the Speakers

Interested in Attending?

Attendee registration is required and available through FDIC’s registration page; these workshops can be added to a Training All-Inclusive or Conference package*.

*Price for Conference pass DOES NOT include the cost for each individual Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions, Hands-on Workshops or Workshops, see Add-on Pricing to calculate your total cost. 

Interested in Sponsoring?

We have several sponsorship opportunities available to position your company as a thought leader in safety, showcase your commitment to protecting assets and lives, and tap into a dedicated audience of professionals seeking cutting-edge solutions and partnerships.