Rochelle Park, NJ (November 15, 2024) -- FDIC International, the world's premier training conference and exhibition for the fire industry, is thrilled to announce the inaugural NextGen Fire Rescue Tech Summit. This one-of-a-kind event, scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Indianapolis, will run alongside FDIC's flagship event, offering an unparalleled opportunity for fire and rescue professionals to engage with cutting-edge technology through immersive experiences and live demonstrations.

The one-day event will feature:

• Expert lead case studies and panel discussions
• Best practices and lessons learned from department leaders on new technology adoption
• Interactive discussions on emerging technologies
• Offsite demonstrations of advanced fire and rescue technology used in live training scenarios

The summit will explore critical technological developments, including:

• State-of-the-art communications and connectivity solutions
• Robotics, drones, and autonomous systems for enhanced safety and efficiency
• Wearables, tracking, and biometrics for real-time health and safety monitoring
•  Integrated platforms for streamlined operations and improved coordination
• AI and data-driven insights for advanced decision-making

In the afternoon, attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to witness firsthand the integration of advanced fire and rescue technologies in controlled training environments. This practical component, which sets the NextGen Fire Rescue Tech Summit apart, offers invaluable insights into real-world applications.

"We are incredibly excited to introduce the NextGen Fire Rescue Tech Summit, alongside FDIC International," said Lauren Ocoma, Group Vice President for FDIC International. “Technology is all over the FDIC International Exhibit Hall, but the addition of the one-day Summit brings it to the forefront. By combining expert knowledge with hands-on demonstrations, we're providing a unique platform for attendees to explore, understand, and embrace the future of fire rescue technology alongside their peers.”

FDIC has brought on two fire industry tech experts to lead the development and programming for the Tech Summit, Kevin Sofen and Kirk McKinzie, Captain (Ret.).  Kevin Sofen is a co-founding member of the Smart First Responder Community who explores change management and technology in public safety. Sofen has over 11 years of experience in the public safety industry, having worked with W.S. Darley & Company and Ascent. “The Summit will unite diverse stakeholders — from government, universities, non-profits, and first responders — around innovative, practical, field-ready solutions. It offers fire professionals a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from responders using technology in action, directly engage with new tools, and learn from peers’ real-world experiences. Beyond simply discussing or observing technology, it’s about understanding how to effectively procure, implement, and integrate these advancements into operational environments,” said Sofen.

Kirk McKinzie is a SMART First Responder Technologist, a 35-year fire service veteran, and partners with international teams focused on Next Gen solutions. He is an adjunct professor, SME, advisor, speaker, and author to government, enterprise, academia, start-ups, and operators focused on SMART city design, emergency response, venture capital, and interoperability. McKinzie writes, "The FDIC Tech Summit will fulfill public safety professionals' need to witness next-generation technology in live scenarios. I look forward to seeing firsthand the solutions that are enhancing operations today and shaping the future for SMART First Responders everywhere."

Attendees can register for the NextGen Fire Rescue Tech Summit as an add-on to their FDIC International registration or purchase an individual ticket. Several sponsorship opportunities are available for technology solution providers. For more information and details, visit www.fdic.com/nextgen-fire-rescue-tech-summit. 

The summit is a precursor to the NextGen Tech Experience and XR Studios, which will be featured at Lucas Oil Stadium from Thursday, April 10, to Saturday, April 12, during FDIC International's Exhibit Hall hours. These innovative spaces will offer hands-on technology trials, peer-led discussions, and demonstrations of safety and efficiency-enhancing strategies in firefighting and rescue operations.
 

About FDIC International:
FDIC International is the leading annual event for 35,000+ fire and rescue professionals from around the world. FDIC offers world-class hands-on training and education from renowned instructors. The exhibit hall boasts over 800 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services. The FDIC experience is more than your traditional trade show; it’s about celebrating camaraderie and coming together to learn and share experiences. FDIC International is owned by Clarion Events, Inc. Clarion’s Fire & Rescue Group maintains its long-standing mission to “Train and Inform the Fire & EMS Industry” through FDIC International, leading media outlets Fire Engineering, Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment, Firefighter Nation and JEMS, along with Fire Engineering Books and online learning platform Fire Engineering Training and JEMS Training. Clarion Fire & Rescue holds itself to the strictest standards, ensuring that its service to the first responders equals the industry’s tireless service to all of us. For more information, visit www.fdic.com.

For inquiries please contact: 
Sarah Domzalski, Senior Marketing Manager 
sarah.domzalski@clarionevents.com