ALTS and Human Relations Conference

2020 ALTS and Human Relations Conference

Affiliate Leadership Training Summit/Human Relations Conference

January 19-22, 2020 • Lake Buena Vista, FL

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With more than 100 workshops addressing a broad range of topics, five pre-conference events and 23 information sessions – as well as networking with other affiliate leaders across the United States and Canada – this conference will help you build the skills and expertise to be a more effective union leader.

Registration

You must obtain approval from your local president to attend the the 2020 Vincent J. Bollon Affiliate Leadership Training Summit (ALTS) and the Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Human Relations Conference (HRC).

Registration is $495 per person. Pre-conference workshops are an additional $75.

MAIL-IN REGISTRATION

FIREPAC Contribution:

Please make note of the following:

If you want FIREPAC credit for 2020, you must wait until January 1 to register. FIREPAC contributions made before January 1, 2020, will be applied to your 2019 contribution totals.

IAFF members may join the FIREPAC Chairman’s Council or FIREPAC Leadership Trust (U.S. and Canada) when registering. The FIREPAC option is available only to IAFF members. United States federal election law prohibits the solicitation of non-IAFF members.

Your decision to contribute via this FIREPAC option is purely voluntary and the amounts suggested to contribute to FIREPAC are merely guidelines. You are free to contribute more or less than the guidelines and you will not be favored or disadvantaged by reason of the amount of your contribution or decision not to contribute to FIREPAC.

Your personal, voluntary FIREPAC contribution by personal check or credit card of $500 or more provides you membership in the Leadership Trust, or $750 in the Chairman’s Council.
U.S. members who select one of the FIREPAC options to register must submit a personal check payable to IAFF FIREPAC or use a personal credit card. U.S. Members cannot use a union or corporate check/credit card or seek reimbursement for their contribution to FIREPAC.
One person cannot write a personal check or use a personal credit card to cover multiple registrants contributing to FIREPAC.

Please note that contributions to FIREPAC are not tax deductible and previous FIREPAC contributions and monthly deductions via FIREPAC Check-Off cannot be applied toward the FIREPAC registration option.

The standard registration fee for the Affiliate Leadership Training Summit/Human Relations Conference is $495.

Two Options for Making FIREPAC Contributions:

FIREPAC Chairman’s Council
IAFF members making a personal, voluntary contribution of $750 or more to FIREPAC will be enrolled in the FIREPAC Chairman’s Council and registered for the ALTS and HRC and can attend one pre-conference workshop. Registrants using the FIREPAC option will receive a Chairman’s Council pin and a special gift, along with recognition on the IAFF website. Registration must be submitted online or by mail.
FIREPAC Leadership Trust
IAFF members making a personal, voluntary contribution of $500 or more to FIREPAC will be enrolled in the FIREPAC Leadership Trust and registered for the ALTS and HRC and can attend one pre-conference workshop. Registrants using the FIREPAC option will receive a Leadership Trust pin and recognition on the IAFF website. Registration may be submitted online or by mail.

Agenda

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.	DFSR Training	Durango 1 & 2
3:00–5:00 p.m.	Badge Pick-Up/Onsite Registration for Pre-Conference Workshops & 5K Run	North Registration

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

7:00–8:30 a.m.	Badge Pick-Up/Late Onsite Registration for Pre-Conference Workshops & 5K Run	North Registration
7:15 a.m.	Transportation to FIRE OPS 101 Train-the-Trainer (offsite)	Coronado Ballroom Lobby
8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.	DFSR Training	Durango 1 & 2
Pre-Conference Workshops:
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	FIRE OPS 101: Train-the-Trainer	Offsite
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	IAFF Human Relations Case Studies and Best Practices	Yucatan
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.	Media Relations: Owning the News Cycle	Coronado D/E and F/G
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Mentoring the Next Generation of Leadership	Coronado H
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	New Leadership Seminar: Maximizing IAFF Resources	Coronado J
1:00–4:00 p.m.	Exhibit Hall Open	Coronado Foyer
1:00–5:00 p.m.	Badge Pick-Up/Onsite Registration	North Registration

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

6:30–7:30 a.m.	IAFF Recovery Meeting*	Laredo
6:30–8:30 a.m.	Union Strong 5K Fun Run	Coronado Springs Property
7:00–8:30 a.m.	Breakfast	Veracruz B/C
7:00–9:00 a.m.	Badge Pick-Up/Onsite Registration	North Registration
8:00–9:15 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.	Exhibit Hall Open, 9:15-11:30 a.m. closed for General Session	Coronado Ballroom Foyer
9:30–11:30 a.m.	General Session & Elected Human Relations Committee (ERHC) Nominations	Coronado K/L
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.	Lunch	Veracruz B/C
1:00–3:00 p.m.	Workshop Session One Breakouts
3:00–3:30 p.m.	Break
3:30–4:30 p.m.	Information Sessions
5:00–6:15 p.m.	IAFF Behavioral Health Support Group**	Laredo
6:00–7:30 p.m.	Welcome Reception	Veracruz B/C

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

6:30–7:30 a.m.	IAFF Recovery Meeting*	Laredo
7:00–8:00 a.m.	Breakfast	Veracruz B/C
7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.	EHRC Voting	El Paso 1/2
8:00–10:00 a.m.	Workshop Session Two Breakouts
8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.	Exhibit Hall Open	Coronado Foyer
10:00–10:30 a.m.	Break
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Workshop Session Three Breakouts
12:30–2:00 p.m.	Lunch	Veracruz B/C
2:00–4:00 p.m.	Workshop Session Four Breakouts
5:00–6:15 p.m.	IAFF Behavioral Health Support Group**	Laredo

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

7:00–8:00 a.m.	Breakfast	Veracruz B/C
8:00–10:00 a.m.	Workshop Session Five Breakouts
10:00–10:30 a.m.	Break
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Workshop Session Six Breakouts

*IAFF Recovery Meeting
The IAFF Recovery Meeting is for any IAFF member coping with or in recovery from an alcohol or substance abuse problem. Formerly known as Friends of Bill, this peer-led meeting is intended to provide a supportive space for individuals to share their experience with other brothers and sisters interested in addiction recovery.

**IAFF Behavioral Health Support Group
The IAFF Behavioral Health Support Group is for IAFF members who may be coping with or in recovery from behavioral health challenges, including post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, sleep problems or challenging life stressors. This is NOT an information session on IAFF behavioral health programming, but is a safe space designed for members who would like to share their personal experience or give support to others. The group will be co-facilitated by a licensed mental health clinician and a seasoned IAFF peer support instructor. Discussion may explore signs and symptoms of emotional distress, how to cope with stigma, how to build resilience through self-care and options for receiving help.

Pre-Conferences

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

FIRE OPS 101 (Train-the-Trainer)
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Offsite
Transportation at 7:15 a.m. & 7:30 a.m., Coronado Ballroom Lobby

FIRE OPS 101 is a unique event that teaches elected officials and community leaders about the risks and challenges involved in firefighting by exposing them to real fire ground scenarios. At FIRE OPS 101, participants suit up in protective gear, feel the heat of live fires, rescue victims and perform other duties that first responders do on the job. A FIRE OPS 101 event is one of the most effective ways an IAFF local can build relationships with elected officials, the media and management. This pre-conference event will teach you how to prepare for and run a successful and effective FIRE OPS 101 event in your community.
(Note: No PPE required.)

Human Relations Case Studies and Best Practices
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Yucatan 1/2/3

UPDATED IAFF locals can be challenged by a wide range of human relations issues. This panel will review three locals’ human relations efforts over the past year, from what problems existed to how the locals identified key resources and actions to address these problems, and will also explore lessons learned and best practices in dealing with human relations challenges.

Media Relations: Owning the News Cycle
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Coronado D/E & F/G

NEW Generating widespread media coverage for your local in a time of need can’t happen if you don’t have an ongoing plan that helps you build media relationships and credibility. Learn about tools and techniques to develop a program that generates regular media coverage and see real examples from locals around the country that have been successful in this endeavor. We will cover the planning process, building relationships with reporters, understanding the best tools to use to reach the appropriate media and capturing their attention to tell YOUR story. We will also discuss how to generate media for candidates and ballot issues during the 2020 election cycle.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Leadership
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Coronado H

Thorough, planned training with gradually increasing responsibility is crucial to the development of new generations of union leadership. An effective mentorship program is also essential to the retention of new members, which includes a more diverse membership. This workshop will explore a variety of approaches and elements of an effective mentoring program to build the next generation of union leadership candidates.

New Leadership Seminar: Maximizing IAFF Resources
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Coronado J

UPDATED Led by IAFF senior staff, this pre-conference seminar will provide essential information and an overview of IAFF resources. This session is ideal for affiliate leaders with up to two years of experience or seasoned veterans who wish to refresh their skills. Ample time will be provided for discussion and networking with other affiliate leaders.

Information Sessions

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

3:30-4:30 p.m.

2020 Political Landscape

Coronado Ballroom K

NEW Join Assistant to the General President Dave Lang, Legislative Director Shannon Meissner and Political Director Andy LaVigne for a rundown on all things political and legislative going into the crucial 2020 elections. This session will cover IAFF legislative priorities and the action expected on those issues over the next year, presidential campaign state-of-play and a review of crucial races in the Senate, House and at the state level.

Accreditation and Professional Credentialing: What’s in It for Us?

Coronado Ballroom D/E

NEW More and more fire departments are seeking accreditation and credentialing from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) to instill a culture of quality improvement within the organization and individual. Many fire departments go through the self-assessment process without the direct involvement or knowledge of IAFF affiliates. It is imperative that IAFF local leaders understand the importance of accreditation in order to help shape the future of their communities and the fire service. Additionally, departments are committed to providing training and education, which is a critical step in making our communities safer and giving emergency personnel the stepping stones they need to be successful throughout their professional lives. Credentials are the best way to ensure fire service leaders today and tomorrow stay current and viable to lead their organizations. This information session will discuss why involvement matters.

Advertising Basics

Fiesta Ballroom 7/8

“I want to buy TV and radio ads for my local’s issue!” “How much for a newspaper ad?” “How do I buy banner ads online?” More and more, locals are asking if advertising is a tool that can help position them in their community. Understand the basics of different advertising venues like newspapers, radio, television, billboards and the growing world of online advertising.

Advertising on Facebook

Durango 2

UPDATED Build your locally targeted audience on Facebook before you need it. Sure, you have a lot of likes on your page, but how many of them are hometown residents that can respond to your call to action? Learn how to generate a large local audience without spending a lot of money using Facebook ads. This workshop will show you how to target your community to build issue-based campaigns using the Facebook Ad Manager. Reach the people you need to answer your call to action.

Analysis of 2019 Canadian Federal Election

Yucatan 1

NEW This info session will specifically discuss the IAFF’s involvement in the 2019 Canadian federal election as a registered third-party advertiser.

Canadian Human Relations Issues

Fiesta Ballroom 3/4

Explore Canadian legal and social issues facing our membership and locals in an informal Q&A session, led by Canadian members of the IAFF’s Elected Human Relations Committee.

Directors & Officers Liability Insurance/Labor Organization Bond

Coronado Ballroom R/S

What happens when your officers make poor decisions? Is there coverage for wrongful management? What happens when cash goes missing or an employee steals from your checking account – is your affiliate adequately covered? See how Directors & Officers Liability Insurance and the Labor Organization Fidelity Bond can help protect your local from these claims.

Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport, the ET3 Opportunity

Yucatan 3

UPDAETD In 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation announced the ET3 pilot project, which explores the potential savings associated with compensating EMS for treatment-no-transport and transport to alternative care facilities. This info session will discuss how this concept started and what this could mean for the future.

Human Relations Technical Assistance

Laredo 1&2

One of the key roles of the IAFF’s Elected Human Relations Committee (EHRC) is to provide technical assistance to affiliates facing human relations issues. In this session, learn more about this process in an informal discussion with EHRC members.

IAFF SMART

Coronado Ballroom H

UPDATED Over 1,600 IAFF locals have signed up to use the local union management system, called IAFF SMART (System Management Active Response Technology). This information session will provide an overview of the functionality, which includes managing rosters, grievance tracking, dues collection and communication, just to name a few. We’ll also review the implementation process. Please join us for this session to reserve your spot.

IAFF-FC/Aetna Medicare Advantage Program

Coronado Ballroom M/N

NEW Learn how the IAFF-FC has worked with Aetna to customize and provide group pricing across four Medicare Advantage plans. These plans are designed to offer savings and superior service to IAFF retirees and their spouses who are Medicare eligible.

JANUS Updates

Fiesta Ballroom 1/2

UPDATED This info session will involve a discussion of post-Janus issues that have arisen in our local affiliates, and how they have been handled, offering practical advice.

LGBTQ Q&A

Coronado Ballroom P/Q

An informal Q&A discussion of human relations issues facing our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) union members – and their affiliates, led by members of the IAFF’s Elected Human Relations Committee.

Lifestyle Countermeasures for Fire Fighters

Coronado Ballroom J

NEW Research is focusing on understanding fire fighters’ increased risk for disease and injury. The frequency of cancer, cardiovascular events and injuries is well documented. While there are many occupational factors that may impact a fire fighter’s health, personal lifestyle factors also have an effect. Being overweight, sleep deprivation and lifestyle all factor in one’s personal health. Being overweight is a growing concern in the fire service. Long-term damage from a lack of quality sleep can turn into chronic problems later in life. Additionally, sleep deprivation and sleep disorders could have a negative influence on performance. This workshop focuses on health effects of sleep deprivation, weight and lifestyle and why fire fighters should be concerned.

NFPA 1710 Updates

Coronado Ballroom L

UPDATED The NFPA 1710 Standard is an operational standard defining performance objectives for the career fire service. The current version of the standard is based on the recent ground-breaking studies conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that scientifically measured risk and fire response. In addition to low-hazard structural response, the revised standard includes objectives on medium and high-hazard structure fire response that address travel time, assembly numbers for the initial full alarm assignment and crew size for fire departments in communities with dense high-hazard structures and other geographic challenges. This session will present the 2020 Edition of the standard and highlight opportunities for adding the performance objectives in 1710 to local, state and provincial statutes.

Need Money for Training and Equipment? Grants Aren’t That Hard

Fiesta Ballroom 6

UPDATED This session will provide attendees with information on increasing their chances of receiving funding from federal grants. To assist departments applying for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funding, the IAFF has developed and will present templates for various IAFF programs, including the Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI), the Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) certification, Peer Support and Fire Ground Survival (FGS) programs. Instructors will also present strategies for seeking and obtaining grant funding at the state level.

Not Just a Report: Using Your Standards of Cover

Coronado Ballroom B/C

UPDATED GIS analysis, workload studies, EMS integration/enhancements and Standards of Cover are all valuable tools the IAFF provides its members. But how do you use the report when you receive the final copy? This info session will discuss how to wield the power of these data reports to your advantage.

Pension Analysis Practical Session

Monterrey 1
Attending the workshop “Huh? What Did They Say? How to Understand the Security of Your Pension Plan” is a prerequisite for attending this information session.

UPDATED Participants will work together with the instructors performing practical hands-on exercises to evaluate the status of a pension plan using real-world actuarial reports. This Q&A works off of the documents and vocabulary learned in the previous two-hour class. Let hands-on collaboration be your guide to demystifying these important documents.

Pregnancy/Women's Issues

Sierra 1&2

NEW As our workforce diversifies, more women join our ranks – and our union. This information session will discuss some key issues and challenges of building an inclusive workforce and welcoming women to your affiliate.

Social Media Basics

Durango 1

Have you avoided getting online? Need the basics but are too embarrassed to ask? This session will provide the ABCs of how to get started in the social media world.

Tracking Your Cancer and Behavioral Health Exposures With the NFORS App

Fiesta Ballroom 9/10

NEW The new National Fire Operations Reporting System (NFORS) Exposure Tracker is now available as an app from the Google Play store and the Apple App store. With the mobile app, any fire fighter, paramedic or officer can access and use the Exposure Tracker, which serves as a personal career diary – providing a detailed history of work and exposures in a private, encrypted and secure online environment. This session will use live demonstration and attendee participation to show the power of data and analytics. Participants will also learn how the NFORS analytics system can benefit them and their department. The many benefits of the mobile Exposure Tracker include:

Documentation of both physical and behavioral health exposures throughout your career
Documentation of exposures on-the-go from anywhere
Your data stays with you even into retirement and serves as evidence if you ever have a presumptive claim challenged
Track all of your incidents throughout your career with live NFORS Analytics integrations in your department
Be part of National Firefighter Registry studies by opting-in to share your exposure data with researchers

The 24-Hour Shift: Legal Q&A

Coronado Ballroom F/G

The 24-hour shift has been challenged extensively in Canada, both in arbitration and in the courts. This information session will allow participants to understand how the claims of employers and the evidence of “experts” has been successfully refuted in arbitration and why those decisions have been upheld in judicial review in Canada. Similar arguments have been made in the U.S. Participants will be able to dig deeper into the flaws of employer evidence and why health and safety arguments have been dismissed by arbitrators. Attention will be given to the recent increase in shiftwork research and the potential adverse health effects associated with shiftwork in general.

Using IAFF Toolkits

Coronado Ballroom M/N

Build a strong education campaign or community outreach plan for your local with online toolkits from the IAFF. Our toolkits are a great resource for educating elected officials, decision-makers, the media, the public and even your own members on issues affecting your union. IAFF toolkits also give you the messaging tools to promote public safety and raise your members’ profile in the community. Learn more about the comprehensive resources and materials available to you.

Where’s the Tax Money Going? Meet Subsidy Tracker and GASB Statement 77

Monterrey 2/3

UPDATED States and cities spend an estimated $70 billion per year on corporate tax breaks and other subsidies called “incentives.” But as some IAFF locals are learning, secretly negotiated “megadeals” can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per job! These costly giveaways can actually undermine the tax base for public safety. Good Jobs First will explain how to expose specific deals with its Subsidy Tracker database and also how to document the total harm to public budgets thanks to a new government accounting rule called GASB Statement 77. The first step to curbing corporate welfare is sunshine!

Workshops By Session

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response: Have a Plan

Fiesta Ballroom 5
UPDATED The emerging threat of homegrown violent extremists conducting acts of terrorism, specifically small unit active shooter and IED attacks, remains a concern for the fire service. These extremists are finding new ways to attack innocent people during mass gathering events or in their everyday lives. These new forms of attacks include edged weapons, vehicle ramming and fire as a weapon. This workshop will address the risk potential and response protocols for a multi-level threat involving active shooters or other hostile events using fire or other incendiary devices as a weapon. The workshop will also provide a brief on NFPA 3000 Standard for Responding to Hostile Events.

Addressing Personal Finance and Planning With Your Members

El Paso 1/2
NEW This workshop will cover the importance of affiliate leaders addressing personal finance with their members – including retirement planning, savings and estate planning. As an affiliate leader, your role goes beyond taking care of union business, but should also include addressing this very important topic with your members.

Best Practices in Cadet Hiring and Incumbent Promotional Processes

Coronado Ballroom R/S
NEW Class will describe best practices for cadet hiring and incumbent promotional processes. Lay out the elements of a successful process that will help fire departments achieve diversity and merit that is legally defensible.

Building an Inclusive Workforce

Laredo 1&2
This module is designed to educate affiliate leaders so that they will be able to create and implement local recruitment/retention plans and efforts that will increase the diversity of the local’s workforce.

Canadian Analysis of the 2019 Federal Election: Where Do We Go From Here?

Yucatan 1
NEW Analysis of the 2019 Federal Election, the outcome and how we build alliances to move our issues forward. This workshop will also be a chance to look at the current makeup of provincial governments and how the new federal government will engage with the provinces.

Cardiovascular Disease in the Fire Service

Coronado Ballroom J
While the number of fire fighter on-duty fatalities has declined, the number of cardiac related on-duty fatalities remains unchanged. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the single most frequent cause of duty-related fatalities among fire fighters. While there are numerous efforts to increase the number of fire fighters who receive annual medical exams and screening for early detection of cardiovascular disease by healthcare providers who fully understand the physical and psychological demands and consequences of firefighting, there is a critical missing element that needs to be addressed. This workshop addresses actions affiliate leaders can take to ensure healthcare providers and primary care physicians understand the importance of elevated risk factors in the context of firefighting and that members who are cleared for duty understand that they need to receive proper follow up.

Community Crying Poverty? Let’s Follow the Money and Change the Debate

Monterrey 2/3
Learn about successful fighting back strategies, messaging and allies. Among the emerging strategies: exposing how much governments give away in corporate tax breaks for costly “economic development incentives” that may be unnecessary or fail to pay off. States also have corporate tax loopholes that can be plugged to improve revenue.

Community Paramedic: From Implementation to Legislation, What’s Happening Across the IAFF?

Yucatan 3
UPDATED As the healthcare environment changes across the United States and Canada, opportunities for fire and EMS departments to become more involved have presented themselves. Although we are all well-versed in providing a new service to the public, there are still several obstacles and considerations to implementing your own program. This panel will discuss what steps departments, locals and state associations have taken to provide community paramedic programs.

Discipline: Your Rights and Responsibilities

Fiesta Ballroom 3/4
This workshop is also offered during Session 6, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m., Fiesta Ballroom 1/2
This workshop will provide union leaders with an overview of their rights and responsibilities during the employment disciplinary process. Union leaders will learn how to best represent their members in accordance with their contract; civil service laws; and the Weingarten, Loudermill and Garrity decisions. This workshop is applicable to affiliate leaders in collective bargaining and non-collective bargaining environments.

Frontline Union Representative Track

Frontline Union Representative Basics
Coronado Ballroom F/G
This workshop is a part of the Union Representation Track

This workshop addresses the knowledge and skills involved in effectively enforcing contract provisions and representing workers’ rights with your fire service management and jurisdiction. It will introduce and explore the issues and best practices involved in handling grievances, enforcing contract language and handling discipline issues. Additionally, this workshop reviews ways that key union personnel can inform membership on the benefits of union membership and active involvement.

Generational Differences

Fiesta Ballroom 1&2
This workshop is also offered during Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Yucatan 2
Currently, there are as many as four generations employed and working side by side in fire departments throughout North America. Each generation brings its own individual values and behaviors and these can be a source of conflict in the workplace. This workshop will examine each of the four generations in a humorous way, providing a better understanding of generational behavior, the value that each generation brings to the workplace, why conflict exists among them and the communications styles that work for each.

IAFF SMART Leadership Training

Coronado Ballroom H
NEW This workshop will cover the following topics of using SMART: effective communications, member engagements, organizing, contract administration, effective representation (grievance and discipline) and the SMART website.

Increasing Membership Participation

Fiesta Ballroom 7/8
This workshop is also offered during Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

UPDATED The strength of a local depends on the active involvement of its members. Whether it’s a committee meeting, political campaign or public relations effort, your members make the difference between success and failure. This workshop provides methods to increase member participation and build an effective union.

Membership Support/Family Liaison

Yucatan 2
When members face major health and life challenges, ranging from getting EAP counseling to workers’ compensation to PTSD treatment, trained liaisons from the local working with the member’s family can make the difference in ensuring access to treatment and benefits. This workshop reviews a model Membership Support program that uses trained family liaisons to assist members and their families facing major life events.

Negotiations Bootcamp Track

Preparing for Negotiations: Collective Bargaining
Coronado Ballroom B/C or D/E
This workshop is a part of the Negotiations Bootcamp Track

The collective bargaining process allows you to negotiate for wages, benefits and other conditions of employment. To be successful at the bargaining table, you must thoroughly research and develop your strategy. In this workshop, you will learn how to set realistic goals for your membership and collect the data needed to support your case.

New Officer Track

Local Union Administration
Coronado Ballroom P/Q
The workshop is a part of the New Officer Track

Designed to help affiliate leaders achieve the goals of their locals, this course teaches the skills necessary to be effective in any role as a union officer. Information is provided on the duties of each local union officer, as well as responsibilities of the executive board and other committees in the local. It will also acquaint participants with the various services and assistance available from the IAFF.

Preparing for the Crisis

Durango 1
Don’t wait for an emergency or crisis to happen. Learn to be prepared for any situation by developing a crisis communications plan so you’re ready to respond effectively.

Understand Security Pension Plans

Monterrey 1
UPDATED Formal documents that purport to describe the financial health of your defined benefit pension plan can come in several forms. The most common of these is known as an actuarial report. Come learn the vocabulary and the lingo to see what goes into these reports so that you can evaluate the basics of your plan and make decisions. Attendance at this class is a prerequisite to attend the Pension Analysis Practical Session 1-Hour Information Session Workshop.

Understanding the Past to Secure Your Future

Fiesta Ballroom 6
NEW Having a say in how your union is portrayed in the news media can give your local a leg up in coverage. Learn how to generate stories that are on message and position your union and the work your members do in a positive light. Better understand how to build relationships with reporters, learn the basics for developing news stories and identify resources for reaching the media. Learn how to take control of a media interview and confidently answer questions from reporters.

Understanding Union Leadership

Durango 2
This workshop will address many facets of being a union officer, including the responsibilities associated with their roles. This workshop will also address how to be a union advocate, utilizing the skills of the executive board and how to organize members and increase their participation in order to build a stronger local.

Union Leadership Track

Understanding Union Leadership
Coronado Ballroom M/N
This workshop is a part of the Union Leadership Track

This workshop will address many facets of being a union officer, including the responsibilities associated with their roles. This workshop will also address how to be a union advocate, utilizing the skills of the executive board and how to organize members and increase their participation in order to build a stronger local.

Using Social Media to Achieve Your Legislative Agenda

Fiesta Ballroom 9/10
Using social media platforms to advocate important policy issues offers the opportunity to amplify your message and speak directly to elected officials. This class will outline the development of a social media presence while providing various tactics and strategies that will help advance your legislative agenda. The class will include a variety of case studies that explore how the IAFF and its locals have utilized media to advance their legislative goals.

Note: This class requires a basic understanding of social media platforms, including: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

Basic Parliamentary Procedures

Durango 1
This introductory course on parliamentary procedure is an interactive learning experience designed to give participants the ability and confidence to fully participate in a meeting and to understand and exercise their rights as members. The course is appropriate for those with no parliamentary experience or those who want a thorough refresher. Questions are encouraged.

Best Practices for Secretaries

Coronado Ballroom H
UPDATED The local’s secretary or secretary/treasurer plays a key role in the operations and governance of their local. This workshop will start with a brief overview of the key recording and reporting responsibilities involved in this role, and then explore best practices, case studies and audience questions with a panel of experienced local secretaries.

Building a Road Map for Member Engagement and Growth

Fiesta Ballroom 6
NEW This new class lays the groundwork for a local’s internal organizing/membership engagement campaign, focusing on the steps you need to take before you begin the process and developing the material needed for the development of a strategic plan.

Building Your Local’s Communications Future

Coronado Ballroom K
NEW Your members, the public, elected officials – how do you deliver your message? Learn how to take advantage of traditional communications and emerging trends. Hear from the IAFF Strategic Campaigns team about suggestions on the best methods and tactics to reach your audience and make your message memorable.

Canadian Affiliates Legal Challenges and Strategic Campaigns

Yucatan 1
This workshop will feature an examination of federal, provincial and local legal issues that are impacting legislation governing fire fighters in Canada. Have we fought back U.S.-style, anti-union legislation creeping north of the border? Provinces are looking at changes to the arbitration rules, union financial disclosure, payroll protection legislation and other legislation that weaken the ability of the union to advocate for members in the political realm. The workshop will raise awareness of these issues and what you can do to fight back against these changes. Arbitration awards, staffing cuts, honoring first contracts and 24-hour shifts are only a few issues that are under attack by politicians who want to undermine and destroy public unions. This workshop will focus on recent case studies of Canadian locals who have developed strategic campaigns to get their message directly to the public and work around politicians that want to cut fire resources. It will offer political action and communication strategies that have proven effective in recent provincial and municipal elections as well as the strategies successfully implemented during the 2015 federal election.

Consultants: Choose Your Own Adventure

Yucatan 3
UPDATED Bad economic times or not, decision makers are always looking for subject matter experts to help them make decisions. Fire and EMS departments are likely to be reviewed by these hired guns and are vulnerable to the repercussions of the recommendations. This workshop is designed to help affiliates separate good recommendations from bad and to prevent, prepare for and refute consultants when they arrive.

Duty of Fair Representation

Fiesta Ballroom 1&2
This workshop is also offered during Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

As an affiliate leader, you may be subject to a legal standard known as “duty of fair representation” or “DFR” that governs how you represent your members in contract negotiations, grievances and other labor matters. In this workshop, you will study relevant case law to learn what is required of you, how the courts have applied this standard to local unions, the consequences of violating the standard and best practices to avoid DFR lawsuits.

Employee Discipline Before the Lawyer Arrives

Coronado Ballroom L
This workshop is also offered during Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Employee discipline is something that every local and union officer will encounter. This workshop will address the issue of employee discipline and how unions should represent their members during employer investigations. Covered in this workshop will be employee discipline from the union leader perspective and some best practices all union leaders should know. Also included will be employee discipline scenarios and an overview of Weingarten and Garrity rights and some state law “bills of rights” that may be applicable.

Exercise Is Medicine: The Benefits of a PFT Program

Monterrey 2/3
UPDATED Exercise is a tool that can be used to rehabilitate and manage existing physical, psychological and behavioral conditions; prevent the occurrence of future problems; and improve personal health and performance. In other words, it can be used to enhance the quality of every fire fighter’s life, regardless of age, experience or health status. Exercise really is the best medicine. This workshop will highlight the wide-ranging benefits of exercise for chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes and behavioral health, and provide several small steps to take to build an effective Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) program to leverage the benefits of exercise.

Frontline Union Representative Track, Continued

Duty of Fair Representation
Coronado Ballroom F/G
This workshop is a part of the Union Representation Track

As an affiliate leader, you may be subject to a legal standard, known as duty of fair representation (DFR) that governs how you represent your members in contract negotiations, grievances and other labor matters. In this workshop, you will study relevant case law to learn what is required of you, how the courts have applied this standard to unions, the consequences of violating the standard and best practices to avoid DFR lawsuits.

Human Relations at the IAFF

Laredo 1&2
The fire service is composed of professionals that represent numerous populations differentiated by age, race, ethnicity, gender, language, religion and sexual orientation, among others. First responders serve equally diverse communities. While our human relations efforts tend to focus on the diversity within the fire service, it is imperative to remember that by drawing on the strengths of our differences we can better serve those in our communities that do not fall into the majority. Participants will gain an understanding of the path the IAFF has taken to achieve to our current state of human relations – initiatives that have improved not only the quality of the workplace for our members, but in turn, the service we provide to our communities.

Labor-Management Case Studies

Coronado Ballroom J
This workshop is also offered during Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

On a daily basis, fire departments are confronted with a variety of issues that require labor and management to work together. The best departments have the tools in place to work through those issues successfully – even if they don’t always agree. This workshop will address best practices and how labor and management leaders create a team culture, build trust over time and develop consistent involvement. Case studies will be addressed where labor management cooperation was utilized to address situations that are generally met with conflict. In addition, this workshop will address that there is no perfect system and even with collaborative labor-management relations, there will always be ups and downs.

Lobbying: Making or Breaking Policy

Fiesta Ballroom 9&10
Lobbying is an active and fundamental part of the legislative process at every level of government. As trusted, respected constituents, professional fire fighters have an important role to play influencing policy that has a direct impact on their jobs, benefits and working conditions. This class will explore techniques, styles and the practice of lobbying on a practical level. Case studies of successful and unsuccessful lobbying strategies will be presented. Please note this class is intended for beginner to intermediate level learners. There will be ample time for discussion and questions.

Local Union Administration

Fiesta Ballroom 7&8
Designed to help affiliate leaders achieve the goals of their locals, this course teaches the skills necessary to be effective in any role as a union officer. Information is provided on the duties of each local union officer, as well as responsibilities of the executive board and other committees in the local. It will also acquaint participants with the various services and assistance available from the IAFF.

Local Union Governance

Fiesta Ballroom 3&4
Through its constitution and by-laws, your local establishes its basic organization, including the duties and responsibilities of your local union officers, executive board and committees, as well as the various procedures that govern different types of meetings. Your local’s constitution and by-laws should provide the precepts necessary for governing your members. It should meet their needs, as well as be flexible for reasonable and future change. In this module, you will learn the important aspects of your local’s constitution and by-laws, be given tools to understand how this document influences your role as a union leader and learn how to properly govern your local based on this important text.

Negotiations Bootcamp Track, Continued

Conducting Negotiations: Collective Bargaining
Coronado Ballroom B/C or D/E
This workshop is a part of the Negotiations Bootcamp Track

Actively negotiating a contract is one of the most important functions IAFF affiliate leadership can perform for members and is the key ingredient in fire fighter–employer relations. In this workshop, you will learn how to create ground rules that benefit unions, participate in mock negotiation sessions and learn how to apply bargaining techniques.

New Officer Track, Continued

Overview of Membership Services
Coronado Ballroom P/Q
This workshop is a part of the New Officer Track

This overview provides essential information for new affiliate leaders so they can be effective in their roles. This course is ideal for affiliate leaders with up to two years of experience or seasoned veterans who want to refresh their skills. Overview of Membership Services examines the various IAFF departments/divisions and the services provided to members, as well as an understanding of their respective state or provincial organization.

Overview of Title VII and the ADA

Sierra 1&2
UPDATED This workshop will provide an overview of the law, plus case studies/hypotheticals regarding employment discrimination issues faced within the fire/EMS service, including discrimination based on sex, race, religion and LGBTQ status.

Recruiting and Endorsing Candidates

Yucatan 2
For political candidates, the endorsement of fire fighters is the most coveted endorsement in campaigns today. The political action of an affiliate is what it takes to move fire service issues forward. In this workshop, you will learn how to select a candidate, campaign for political action and create a local endorsement process.

Understanding Pregnancy and Parental Rights and Accommodations

Monterrey 1
Members who become parents face increased demands on their time and resources. Local leadership needs to help ensure that the local employing agency complies with applicable federal, state/provincial and local laws, allowing these members the leave time and medical accommodation they need as they build their families. In addition, this workshop reviews how local leadership can advocate for family-friendly local policies and laws.
Note: This workshop is intended for affiliates within the United States and does not reference applicable Canadian laws.

Union Leadership Track, Continued

Local Union Governance
Coronado Ballroom M/N
This workshop is a part of the Union Leadership Track

Through its constitution and by-laws, your local establishes its basic organization, including the duties and responsibilities of your local union officers, executive board and committees, as well as the various procedures that govern different types of meetings. Your local’s constitution and by-laws should provide the precepts necessary for governing your members. It should meet their needs, as well as be flexible for reasonable and future change. In this module, you will learn the important aspects of your local’s constitution and by-laws, be given tools to understand how this document influences your role as a union leader and how to properly govern your local based on this important text.

What’s New in Pension Plans?

Coronado Ballroom R/S
UPDATED In the ever-changing landscape of rulemaking bodies, courts, congress and diverse state legislatures, we frequently see changes to rules and the enforcement of rules and laws in regards to public employee pensions. Come learn what’s new and what to watch for on the horizon that may benefit or endanger our plans.

Work/Life Balance

Durango 2
This workshop is also offered during Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

IAFF members are constantly confronted with choices that match work against family life and other personal obligations. Fire fighters must balance their 24-hour shifts with family events, holidays and other obligations. This workshop will give union leaders tools to help themselves and their members address these work/family issues for a better work/life balance.

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Advanced Parliamentary Procedures

Durango 1
This advanced course on parliamentary procedure takes a deeper look at running a smooth and orderly meeting. It covers topics such as making motions, amending and disposing of motions, presiding, the roles of the officers, the bylaws, committees, reports, voting, secret ballots, elections, the minutes and the role of the board. Questions are encouraged.

Canadian Duty of Fair Representation

Yucatan 1
This workshop will examine DFR under Canadian Law. The workshop will look at the handling of DFR complaints in both the civil courts and under Labour Board tribunals in those provinces that allow DFR complaints to be heard by Labour Board tribunals. The workshop will also review current DFR decisions.

Fiduciary Responsibilities for Affiliate Leaders

Coronado Ballroom H
NEW Fiduciary responsibilities are an important aspect of running a successful local, and every member of the executive board can make an impact on the local’s financial situation. Whether you are a president, secretary, trustee or treasurer, you must understand the local’s funds and be able to prepare budgets, report results and comply with a large number of local and federal laws and requirements. This workshop will provide a synopsis of those crucial responsibilities and explore tools and resources that all members and treasurers can use within their local. It will then explore best practices, case studies and audience questions with a panel of experienced local treasurers. Local presidents, secretaries and trustees are encouraged to attend as well.

Fireground Tactics: From Research to Survival

Coronado Ballroom J
“Don’t flow water at smoke, you will push the fire.” “The room went from tenable to deadly in seconds.” “You have to fight from the unburned to the burned.” We have all heard these statements. Understanding them can mean the difference in your survival. As an affiliate leader, you must ensure your members have the best possible information and training necessary to ensure they go home after every tour. This workshop discusses changes to the modern fire environment, research conducted by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) on fire dynamics and how this scientific data can improve firefighting tactics and survival. Over 100 experiments have examined changes in the fire environment over time, impact of ventilation-limited fires, implications of flow control and effectiveness in suppression tactics. The NIST and UL studies have produced tactical considerations that have become common themes over several studies, which may change your view of current standard operating guidelines.

Fit for Duty

Coronado Ballroom l
Often as a condition of continued employment, an employer may mandate a fitness for duty exam. This workshop will address fitness for duty examinations, how those exams relate to an individual with a disability and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Also addressed will be the use of reassigning personnel, wellness programs and EEOC decisions that impact fire fighters and their fitness for duty.

Frontline Union Representative Track, Continued

Introduction to Grievances
Coronado Ballroom F/G
This workshop is a part of the Union Representation Track

The manner in which you process grievances will determine how quickly they are resolved and how your members will perceive you. A good understanding of the grievance process will better enable you to enforce the collective bargaining agreement and avoid costly arbitration hearings. In this workshop, you will learn how to evaluate and file a grievance, reduce your chances of receiving a DFR claim and develop effective grievance strategies. This workshop is ideal for local union officers and grievance committee members who have limited experience with grievances.

Healthcare Insurance Exposé: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Business of Healthcare

Coronado Ballroom R/S
Attendees will learn the players in the healthcare industry and how to follow the money trail from broker/consultant to third-party administrator and pharmacy benefit manager. Participants will also learn the advantages of being self-insured, either through a municipal plan or union healthcare trust. Reference-based pricing will also be explained, which can save members 25-30% annually on claims. Attendees will also learn about the transparent “pass-through pharmacy pricing,” which returns all manufacturer rebates to the plan and helps to keep costs down.

IAFF Union Leadership: Self-Awareness

Fiesta Ballroom 1/2
This workshop is also offered during Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

NEW This workshop will help IAFF affiliate leaders learn what kind of union leaders they are and will provide them with several tools to become more effective leaders. During this workshop, participants will identify their own leadership styles and will learn how those styles are perceived by and impact the members that they lead.

Introduction to Grievances

Fiesta Ballroom 3&4
This workshop is also offered during Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Fiesta Ballroom 7/8

Local Human Relations Committees: Getting Started

Laredo 1&2
The IAFF recommends that every local affiliate establish a human relations committee. Establishing a committee is a proven way to help locals sort through the opportunities and challenges that diversity presents. It can assist locals in resolving conflict and developing a proactive strategy for change. In this workshop, local affiliate leaders will learn about the benefits of having a local human relations committee and strategies for developing their own committee.

Negotiations Bootcamp Track, Continued

Negotiating Health Care Benefits
Coronado Ballroom B/C or D/E
This workshop is a part of the Negotiations Bootcamp Track

This workshop will address the negotiation strategies locals can employ to obtain the best health care benefits for their members. Specifically, this workshop will address plan design, negotiations preparation and strategies that can be employed during negotiations.

New Officer Track, Continued

Local Union Governance
Coronado Ballroom P/Q
The workshop is part of the New Officer Track

Through its constitution and by-laws, your local establishes its basic organization, including the duties and responsibilities of your local union officers, executive board and committees, as well as the various procedures that govern different types of meetings. Your local’s constitution and by-laws should provide the precepts necessary for governing your members. It should meet their needs, as well as be flexible for reasonable and future change. In this module, you will learn the important aspects of your local’s constitution and by-laws, be given tools to understand how this document influences your role as a union leader, and how to properly govern your local based on this important text.

Overview of Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response Policy for Union Leaders

Fiesta Ballroom 7/8
UPDATED The emerging threat of terrorism and asymmetric warfare, specifically small unit active shooter and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks is a concern for the fire service. An attack by radicals armed with weapons in public areas, such as schools, shopping malls, churches or any other locations where people congregate is a real threat to a sense of security and daily life. Fire and police departments, regardless of size or capacity, must find ways to marshal appropriate and effective responses to these events. Therefore, it is important that as a union leader – when these discussions, training and situations arise – we are prepared to advocate properly for our membership and understand how to keep our members working safely and effectively.

Pregnancy and Family Resource Guide: Toronto Case Study

Monterrey 1
NEW This presentation offers the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association’s (TPFFA) Pregnancy and Family Resource Guide as a template and best-practices model for supporting members who are navigating pregnancy, parental leave and other family-related issues while working within the fire service. This presentation also discusses the TPFFA guidebook as an example of diversity/inclusion best-practices initiatives, offering tangible support and guidance to members. The TPFFA guidebook was developed as a tool to enhance workplace inclusion, using the strategy of normalizing pregnancy and other related family events, and it can serve as a model for other efforts to normalize ordinary aspects of members’ lives.

Public Speaking or Death, Which Would You Choose?

Durango 2
Public speaking ranks high on the list of activities people fear the most. Even the most charismatic personalities wish they had better public speaking skills. Learn the basics of message construction and delivery. Figure out how to grab the attention of listeners and move them to action. Learn how to set up a speakers’ network for your local.

Rescuing the Leader Inside You: Empowered Personal Leadership

Sierra 1/2
UPDATED Rescuing the Leader Inside of YOU is an intensive presentation designed to inspire participants to be principle focused leaders in fire safety. Participants learn the EMPOWER model. Internalized, this model imbues participants with tools engineered to maximize the ability to balance their personal efficiency and effectiveness. Participants then, attempt to apply the model in a pre-arranged high energy, deep impact scenario against a specially trained improvisational actor.

Social Media and the Law

Coronado Ballroom K
UPDATED One wrong post and your locals’ and members’ credibility and reputation is gone. While social media can be a powerful tool for positioning your local within the community and generating goodwill, it only takes one mistake or one bad apple to hurt your brand. Explore the social and legal issues pertaining to proper and improper use of social media, as well as understand your role in establishing your fire department’s social media policies.

Staffing for Safety: An Introduction

Yucatan 2
This workshop is also offered during Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m., Fiesta Ballroom 7/8
Fire suppression and emergency medical activities are labor-intensive jobs that require an adequate number of fire fighters on scene to safely and effectively protect property and save lives. Recent studies by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and updates to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 Standards have shown that inadequate staffing can result in unnecessary loss of life and property and serious injury to fire fighters and the citizens they protect. In this workshop, you will be introduced to standards and studies that indicate best practices regarding staffing and will begin to make decisions regarding staffing in your community.

Standards of Cover: Know Your Universe and Have a Plan

Yucatan 3
UPDATED We live in a world that is driven by data and led by a younger and more tech-savvy generation that wants to know what everybody thinks. As a result, affiliates must be ready to tell their story, support their position and offer solutions when asked. This workshop will show local leaders where they can gather necessary data, how to assess their community risk, interpret workload data, explain the results to decision makers and the public, and propose solutions.

Strategic Planning for Future Initiatives

Fiesta Ballroom 6
UPDATED Students will learn the importance of having future goals for their local, determining the objectives needed to accomplish the goals and putting it all together into a written plan.

Toxic Substances and the Fire Fighter: The IAFF Fights Back

Fiesta Ballroom 5
NEW Fire fighters are regularly exposed to toxic flame retardants, PFAS and asbestos, all of which pose significant threats to fire fighters’ health and well-being. This class will discuss the impact of toxic substances on fire fighters and the science behind the risk. Instructors will also discuss current laws and state and federal legislative efforts to ban, limit and otherwise regulate these substances, as well as IAFF efforts to support such legislative efforts.

Union Leadership Track, Continued

Increasing Membership Participation
Coronado Ballroom M/N
This workshop is a part of the Union Leadership Track

The strength of a local depends on the active involvement of its members. Whether it’s a committee meeting, political campaign or public relations effort, your members make the difference between success and failure. This workshop provides methods to increase member participation and build an effective union.

Winning on a Shoestring: Communications and Campaign Tips for Success in Local Elections

Fiesta Ballroom 9/10
NEW Local elections, whether for candidates or ballot measures, can have an outsized effect on our members’ work, compensation, union rights, healthcare, retirement and safety. The IAFF’s Strategic Campaigns and Political Department work on dozens of local elections each year, and bring decades of experience to back you up in your fight. This class walks through some of the tools and strategies available for low-budget, high-value local campaigns from both the PR and electoral side.

Why do the Super-Rich Want Your Labor Rights and Your Money

Monterrey 2/3
UPDATED If it’s not a vast right-wing conspiracy, it’s at least a well thought-out, planned and funded effort to eliminate unions and reduce unions’ political power to protect members, while allowing employers free reign to reduce or eliminate job protections, wages and benefits, including pensions. Learn the history, funding, politics and activities of those opposed to the work you do every day to protect your members and your families.

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Best Practices for Conducting Union Elections

Monterrey 2/3
There are few events more important to your membership than local officer elections. Running an election, however, is much more complicated than just counting the ballots. From enforcing eligibility rules to striking invalid ballots, careful planning is required to conform to legal and IAFF constitutional requirements. In this workshop, IAFF legal counsel will describe the methods for conducting secret ballot elections and the unforeseen issues that may arise in a typical election. This will also include a discussion of online voting and electronic tabulation.

Building Your Local Union’s Budget

Coronado Ballroom H
Your local’s budget is both a plan and an indicator of the health of your local’s finances. In this workshop, the IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer’s office staff will lead you in a workshop examining how to develop a budget outline that will help your leadership safeguard assets, monitor your local’s financial health and meet key reporting requirements.

Developing and Strengthening Internal Communications

Fiesta Ballroom 6
A strong internal communications program is the backbone of any powerful union. How can you better communicate with your members? Every day leaders struggle how best to reach their members. Internal communication is the key to developing engagement, activism and political power. This session will look at best practices being implemented today in locals around the country and will include a free-flowing discussion on what works and doesn’t work in your local.

Elements of a Meeting

Durango 1
This interactive course examines the elements of preparing for a meeting, conducting a meeting, and maintaining the necessary documents after a meeting. Attendees will participate in identifying and collecting the necessary documents for a meeting, drafting an order of business, drafting a presiding script, conducting a meeting, taking minutes, and maintaining records.
Questions are encouraged.

Employee Discipline Before the Lawyer Arrives

Coronado Ballroom L
This workshop is also offered during Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

Frontline Union Representative Track, Continued

Preparing for Grievance Arbitration: Choosing an Arbitrator
Coronado F/G
This workshop is a part of the Union Representation Track

Despite your best efforts to resolve all disputes internally, some grievances cannot be settled at the local level and must be heard by a neutral arbitrator. To win at arbitration, a union leader must be well prepared and have a good understanding of the arbitration process. This workshop will give you an overview of arbitration procedures and protocol, methods for selecting an arbitrator and strategies for cutting costs. This workshop is ideal for local union officers and grievance committee members who work in collective bargaining environments and have limited experience with grievances.

Generational Differences

Yucatan 2
This workshop is also offered during Session 1: January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Fiesta Ballroom 1&2

Currently, there are as many as four generations employed and working side by side in fire departments throughout North America. Each generation brings its own individual values and behaviors and these can be a source of conflict in the workplace. This workshop will examine each of the four generations in a humorous way, providing a better understanding of generational behavior, the value that each generation brings to the workplace, why conflict exists among them and the communications styles that work for each.

Healthcare Plan Design and Retiree Healthcare Options

Coronado Ballroom R/S
Attendees will learn about preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and high-deductible plans (often called “consumer choice plans”) and other common types of plans. The inclusion of health savings accounts (HSAs) and health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) into current plans as a way of funding pre-retiree plans will also be discussed. Participants will also learn about the advantages of establishing their own union healthcare trusts (a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association [VEBA]), which can be structured for both active and retired members.

How to Keep Your Retirement Security When the Bad Guys Want to Take It Away

Yucatan 3
UPDATED Do you want to know how to tell if your pension plan and your members’ retirement security will be the focus of a full-on assault before it ramps up? Do you need to learn how to recognize, fight back or even preempt an attack? This class will review the classic phases of most pension attacks and introduce strategies to forearm yourself as well as proven successful tactics for fighting back.

IAFF Union Leadership: Leading Organizational Change

Fiesta Ballroom 1/2
NEW This workshop will provide tools to help affiliate leaders become more effective as IAFF locals continue to evolve to meet the serious challenges facing our union and our members in the 21st century. During the workshop, participants will learn how to assess and to prioritize union resources and leverage and how to engage in strategic planning to establish and achieve effective organizational goals.

Increasing Membership Participation

Fiesta Ballroom 7/8
This workshop is also offered during Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Labor-Management Case Studies

Coronado Ballroom J
This workshop is also offered during Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

On a daily basis, fire departments are confronted with a variety of issues that require labor and management to work together. The best departments have the tools in place to work through those issues successfully – even if they don’t always agree. This workshop will address best practices and how labor and management leaders create a team culture, build trust over time and develop consistent involvement. Case studies will be addressed where labor-management cooperation was utilized to address situations that are generally met with conflict. In addition, this workshop will address that there is no perfect system and even with collaborative labor-management relations, there will always be ups and downs.

Local Human Relations Committees: Next Steps

Laredo 1&2
Once you have developed your committee, you are ready for action. In this workshop, you will learn how to assess membership needs, develop and carry out long-term strategic plans, report progress to key stakeholders and devise strategies to fund your committee’s activities. In addition, you will explore strategies for forming a cohesive team among committee members and learn how to keep them productive and energized.

My Brother, My Sister: A Guide to Helping Our Transgender Members

Sierra 1&2
NEW This presentation will discuss the presenter’s experiences with Local 1339 leadership and her interactions with the Human Resources Department on best practices to create a welcoming work environment for LGBTQIA+ identifying employees, both current members and future hires. She will outline the pitfalls she has encountered during her process, and offer recommendations as to how better address these issues going forward. This course will use case study data on discrimination of the trans community to reinforce her recommendations as reality-based practices. These issues, while trans specific, will also border on the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole.

Navigating the 2020 Elections: What Does the Map Look Like?

Fiesta Ballroom 9/10
UPDATED Presidential cycle elections bring both major opportunities and tough challenges for affiliate leaders. This class will first look at the presidential road map, the process, the issue and candidates. We will then talk about how to begin the conversation with members about politics through the IAFF’s “Basket of Issues” frame; how to engage members in campaigns at the state, federal and national level; and how to balance the diversity of opinions held by our members with the political necessities presented by the candidates and their beliefs.

Negotiations Bootcamp Track, Continued

Mock Negotiations and Mediation
Coronado Ballroom B/C or D/E
This workshop is a part of the Negotiations Bootcamp Track

To get results at the bargaining table, a negotiator must be able to develop a bargaining strategy and master key negotiation skills. In this six-hour workshop, you will practice key negotiations skills and tactics in simulated, scenario-based negotiation sessions. You will learn how to strengthen your bargaining position, determine an acceptable settlement range, respond to common management tactics and objections, make concessions, package your proposals and work with mediators. This workshop is designed for affiliate leaders who have mastered the basics of negotiation and wish to improve their skills at the bargaining table.

New IAFF Nutrition Campaign

Fiesta Ballroom 5
NEW The overabundance of nutrition advice can be confusing to anyone looking to make change. The IAFF recognizes the need for clear recommendations that fit the uniqueness of the fire service and is launching a new Nutrition Campaign this year at ALTS/HRC. Website and social media resources will be discussed. Attendees will hear the latest evidence-based recommendations, advice and tips from a nutrition expert focused on helping us understand our body and how to develop a plan to reach our goals.

New Officer Track, Continued

Internal Local Communications
Coronado Ballroom P/Q
This workshop is part of the New Officer Track

The most important audience for our communications is our local union membership. Lack of communication within a union can seriously weaken unity in purpose and reduce the effectiveness of our efforts. This workshop shows how to move from “fighting back” challenges to unions to taking charge of the message in communications to our membership.

Preparing for Grievance Arbitration: Choosing an Arbitrator

Fiesta Ballroom 3/4
Despite your best efforts to resolve all disputes internally, some grievances cannot be settled at the local level and must be heard by a neutral arbitrator. To win at arbitration, a union leader must be well prepared and have a good understanding of the arbitration process. This workshop will give you an overview of arbitration procedures and protocol, methods for selecting an arbitrator and strategies for cutting costs. This workshop is ideal for local union officers and grievance committee members who work in collective bargaining environments and have limited experience with grievances.

Standing Out in the World of Social Media

Coronado Ballroom K
Infographics, algorithms, pay for play, what does it all mean? In the competitive world of information, how do you make your local’s social media posts stand out? Get insights from the experts on how to effectively use social media channels to communicate with members, elected officials, the media and members of your community. This class is intended for advanced social media users. Social Media Basics will be an information session.

Union Leadership Track, Continued

Crisis Communication for Union Leaders
Coronado M/N
This workshop is a part of the Union Leadership Track

Effectively handling and addressing a crisis requires organization and planning. This workshop will address how to plan and organize in the case of a crisis and how to communicate with the public and media when a crisis occurs.

Women Fire Fighters and Their Occupational Health

Monterrey 1
NEW Firefighting has many occupational hazards. For women, the risks related to exposures, shift work and physiologic strain has the potential to negatively impact maternal and child health in addition to the overall health of female fire fighters. This workshop is not just for women, but also for local leaders to understand the occupational health concerns of the female firefighting population.

Work/Life Balance

Durango 2
This workshop is also offered during Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

Writing for Communicators

Yucatan 1
Writing effectively is critical for communicating with different audiences and for different purposes. No matter what type of writing you do, understanding the fundamentals for writing letters, press releases and other written materials, as well as proper use of grammar and punctuation, is an important first step for enhancing your writing skills. From sentence structure to polishing your prose, this workshop provides tips for writing that will help you get your message heard, engage your audience, prompt action and deliver results.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

Building Your Peer Support Program and Accessing Treatment

Coronado Ballroom J
The IAFF Peer Support Training program continues to transform the behavioral health conversation in the fire service. This workshop will introduce a 10-step program development model and explore the critical building blocks to develop a successful peer support program. Topics include how to obtain program buy-in, select your peer team members, use local mental health clinicians, conduct program outreach, evaluate your impact to stakeholders. Members will leave equipped with practical strategies and IAFF resources to build or enhance an existing peer support program. The workshop will spotlight the peer support and behavioral health program established in L0067 Columbus, OH, as a program model for other IAFF affiliates. Affiliate leaders will also receive an update on the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery, which has treated over 1,000 IAFF members. Leaders will learn what to expect when referring a member to treatment– from their first call to admission to the treatment experience to aftercare.

Cancer Research: Effects of Fire Ground Exposures and Best Practices

Coronado Ballroom L
The toxic environments in which fire service members live and work have long been suspected to have an adverse effect on fire fighter health. Fire fighters are exposed to many chemicals known to cause cancer in humans. Exposure to them is concerning when considering the work-relatedness of cancer in fire fighters. This workshop discusses recent studies on fire ground exposures and their effects on the fire fighter. Industry best practices and strategies to reduce occupational exposures will be discussed along with research about their effectiveness. There will also be an update on the U.S. Cancer Registry.

Duty of Fair Representation

Fiesta Ballroom 1&2
This workshop is also offered during Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

As an affiliate leader, you may be subject to a legal standard known as “duty of fair representation” or “DFR,” which governs how you represent your members in contract negotiations, grievances and other labor matters. In this workshop, you will study relevant case law to learn what is required of you, how the courts have applied this standard to local unions, the consequences of violating the standard and best practices to avoid DFR lawsuits.

Ethics for Union Leaders

Yucatan 2
Most IAFF leaders are public employees and have fiduciary responsibilities to their membership. Due to the nature of your position, you are subject to higher ethical standards than the average member or employee. These standards must be upheld in order to maintain the trust of your members and run an effective local. Failure to do so can result in loss of credibility, loss of union position or even criminal charges. This workshop will cover the principles of ethics, the requirements of public employees and strategies of making ethical decisions. You will use these strategies to analyze scenarios and case studies.

Federal Sector Labor Relations Update

Yucatan 3
NEW This session will provide updates on the impact of the Trump Executive Orders on federal sector bargaining and worker rights. The session will also cover recent decisions by the Federal Labor Relations Authority and the Federal Service Impasse Panel.

Financial Fitness

Durango 2
This course provides strategies for achieving financial fitness. The course will teach skills that students can use when selecting investments inside their employer-sponsored deferred compensation and 401A/401k plans. Attendees will actually establish a risk tolerance profile during class and leave with a template to build a portfolio. Topics will include:

How to research a mutual fund
The types of investment options in typical plans
How to set appropriate risk/reward through asset allocation
Appropriate use of fixed accounts and annuities
Advantages of staying within employer plans and avoiding penalties
Case examples

First Amendment Law

Fiesta Ballroom 5
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution can be a valuable tool in a public-sector affiliate’s legal and public relations arsenal. In this workshop, you will receive an overview of free speech and association rights under the First Amendment that are enjoyed by public sector employees, plus some case studies/hypotheticals to facilitate discussion.

Frontline Union Representative Track, Continued

Preparing for Grievance Arbitration: Contract Language
Coronado Ballroom F/G
This workshop is a part of the Union Representation Track

The collective bargaining agreement is a contract between union and management that outlines the wages, benefits and working conditions for fire fighters. To maintain flexibility in the workplace, negotiators sometimes include language in the agreement that is ambiguous or general in nature. Occasionally, this ambiguity leads to disputes between the two parties over the meaning of the contract. When these disputes are brought to arbitration, the arbitrator must determine which interpretation is the most reasonable and best reflects the mutual intent of the parties. This workshop will teach you how arbitrators consider contract language, past practice and other contributing factors in order to reach a decision.

IAFF Union Leadership: Self-Awareness

Coronado R/S
This workshop is also offered during Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Fiesta Ballroom 1/2

Leadership and Listening: The Power of One-on-One

Fiesta Ballroom 6
Engagement and activism happen from understanding the needs and wants of members. As a busy union leader, one-on-one outreach can be a challenge, but it is the best form of communication and the best way to create dialogue. Figure out what kind of leader you are and how to use your communication skills to empower your membership.

Negotiations Bootcamp Track, Continued

Mock Negotiations and Mediation
Coronado Ballroom B/C or D/E
This workshop is part of the Negotiations Bootcamp Track

New Officer Track, Continued

How to Run a Meeting
Coronado Ballroom P/Q
This workshop is part of the New Officer Track

The manner in which you run your union meetings will affect member attendance and how you are perceived as a leader. A well-run meeting with meaningful and timely agenda items will draw more attendees and help you earn the respect of your membership. In this workshop, you will learn IAFF meeting protocol and etiquette; how to plan for and conduct an efficient and productive meeting; and methods for handling conflict. This workshop is ideal for local union officers with limited experience running local union meetings.

Planning Financially, Thinking Politically, Acting Strategically

Monterrey 1
This is a four-hour workshop offered in Sessions 5 & 6, January 22, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Learn how to identify if the fire/EMS protection services you provide are affordable and predictable in the long-term. How do you know if your community is heading towards financially turbulent waters? What can you do to prepare for any downturns? This class will guide you through the potential financial impacts that your local has on your jurisdiction’s budget. It will show you the tools available within the IAFF to stay aware of the costs associated with the services you provide. It will also provide you with the steps you need to take for an offensive approach to any attacks on your livelihood. It will help you formulate a plan for the near future and will help you understand if your community is at risk for financial distress. This workshop will discuss the impact of the decisions made by your elected officials and the voting public and will encourage you to think strategically.

Preparing for Grievance Arbitration: Contract Language

Fiesta Ballroom 3/4
The collective bargaining agreement is a contract between union and management that outlines the wages, benefits and working conditions for fire fighters. To maintain flexibility in the workplace, negotiators sometimes include language in the agreement that is ambiguous or general in nature. Occasionally, this ambiguity leads to disputes between the two parties over the meaning of the contract. When these disputes are brought to arbitration, the arbitrator must determine which interpretation is the most reasonable and best reflects the mutual intent of the parties. This workshop will teach you how arbitrators consider contract language, past practice and other contributing factors in order to reach a decision.

Pressure Points: Removing Resistance to Diversity & Inclusion Efforts

Durango 1
NEW Why do some diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts work while others have neutral (or even negative) results? Are we recruiting the same way but expecting different results? This workshop will explore the factors that lead to better D&I outcomes by addressing the “pressure points” that often keep us from success. Using a collaborative project between MBA students and Greensboro Fire Department (GFD) as a foundation, participants will discuss the pros and cons of various diversity recruitment tactics, learn about the initiatives that worked for GFD and identify the pressure points within their own units that are obstacles to D&I efforts.

Public Safety Employer Employee Cooperation Act

Monterrey 2/3
NEW The Public Safety Employer Employee Cooperation Act is the IAFF’s top federal legislative priority. This class will provide newly elected leaders comprehensive education about the bill, its history and its potential impact on states and localities. Instructors will discuss how to discuss the bill with members and elected officials, and examine potential legal ramifications for states and localities.

Quickbooks: A Real-World Overview

Coronado Ballroom H
UPDATED Bring your laptops and your questions! In this workshop, local officers who are experienced Quickbooks users will provide a real-world overview of using Quickbooks to build, update and manage a local’s finances. Besides demonstrating best practices, this workshop will invite attendee’s questions for real-time problem solving.

Retirement Income Readiness

Fiesta Ballroom 9/10
Understanding the financial challenges of retirement for fire fighters and exploring supplemental lifetime income options. This workshop will help you:

Identify your retirement income stream
Review impacts of inflation on retirement
Assess your retirement income gap
Understand how poor market performance may impact your retirement
Consider supplemental lifetime income options to generate guaranteed protection and lifetime income

Staffing for Safety: An Introduction

Fiesta Ballroom 7/8
This workshop is also offered during Session 3, January 21, 10:30am-12:30pm, Yucatan 2

Fire suppression and emergency medical activities are labor-intensive jobs that require an adequate number of fire fighters on scene to safely and effectively protect property and save lives. Recent studies by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and updates to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 Standards have shown that inadequate staffing can result in unnecessary loss of life and property and serious injury to fire fighters and the citizens they protect. In this workshop, you will be introduced to standards and studies that indicate best practices regarding staffing and will begin to make decisions regarding staffing in your community.

Suicide and Suicide Prevention in the Fire Service

Coronado Ballroom K
This presentation reviews what is known, and more importantly what isn’t known, about fire fighter suicide. Participants will learn about suicide prevention and suicide postvention, defined as an organized response in the aftermath of a suicide to facilitate the healing of individuals from the grief and distress of suicide loss, how to mitigate other negative effects of exposure to suicide and how to prevent suicide among people who are at high risk after exposure to suicide. Content will include effective suicide prevention strategies, evidence-based treatments for suicide, resources for suicide loss, and new IAFF efforts to understand and address suicide.

Teamwork and Inclusion

Sierra 1&2
Effective fire and emergency services require that individuals work together as a team, and over the years this culture of teamwork has become second nature in our firehouses. This workshop helps build on this culture of teamwork to extend it to issues of workplace inclusion, respect for a diverse workforce and ethical behavior.

Tools to Communicate in a Multi-Cultural World

Laredo 1&2
NEW People are different. Culture and the expression of culture in communications impacts how we talk and listen to eachother. It also drives the way we feel and the actions we take. In a world of rising tension, understanding cultures and lifestyles can lead to a more cohesive workplace. Gain insights and learn about techniques and tools to enhance you listening skills and how to understand other people’s values in an effort to find common ground.

Understanding and Developing SAFER Grants: Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response

Yucatan 1
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) were created to provide funding directly to fire departments to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, “frontline” fire fighters available in their communities. This workshop will provide an overview of SAFER grant legislation, available funding, program priorities and the application process. Instructors will provide tips and tricks for writing effective grants for their department, actual grant applications for critique and a question-and-answer session.

Union Leadership Track, Continued

Preparing for Negotiations: Collective Bargaining
Coronado Ballroom M/N
This workshop is a part of the Union Leadership Track

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m

Branding Your Local Union

Coronado Ballroom K
UPDATED What do your members, the community and political leaders associate with your local? Is it positive or not so much? Your brand is a communication shorthand that conveys messages to your target audiences. In the past branding was defined as a name, slogan, symbol or design. Today, branding is more complex and even more important. It is an emotional connection that builds credibility, loyalty and trust. How can you sell your union and what’s your brand?

Discipline: Your Rights and Responsibilities

Fiesta Ballroom 1/2
This workshop is also offered during Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This workshop will provide union leaders with an overview of their rights and responsibilities during the employment disciplinary process. Union leaders will learn how to best represent their members in accordance with their contract; civil service laws; and the Weingarten, Loudermill and Garrity decisions. This workshop is applicable to affiliate leaders in collective bargaining and non-collective bargaining environments.

Engage Members for Life: The Power of Orientation

Fiesta Ballroom 6
There is tremendous value to signing up members early in their career and getting them involved. Effective orientation programs can have a lasting impact on the strength of local unions. Learn the best ways to develop a new member orientation program and the research behind why it is so important.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Coronado Ballroom H
A detailed examination of the Family Medical Leave Act and how it applies to public employees, with examples, case studies and Q&A.

Federal Sector Office of Workers Compensation Program (OWCP)

Yucatan 3
NEW This session will provide valuable updates to federal affiliates on OWCP programs to include filing claims and the processes involved in claim approval.

Fire and ICE: Building Trust in a Time of Fear

Durango 1
This session will address the challenges of serving immigrant communities, especially during a time where ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids have become more frequent. The session will highlight cities where ICE raids have been prevalent and will discuss best practices among police and fire agencies. This non-partisan discussion will focus on solutions that honor the law while building and maintaining trust within immigrant communities. This session will incorporate facilitated discussion, video and small-group problem solving. Participants will evaluate real-life case studies as well as fictional cases to explore methods that increase safety and trust among immigrant communities.

Frontline Union Representative Basics

Yucatan 2
This workshop addresses the knowledge and skills involved in effectively enforcing contract provisions and representing workers’ rights with your fire service management and jurisdiction. It will introduce and explore the issues and best practices involved in handling grievances, enforcing contract language and handling discipline issues. Additionally, this workshop reviews ways that key union personnel can inform membership on the benefits of union membership and active involvement.

Frontline Union Representative Track, Continued

Preparing for Grievance Arbitration: Evaluating Evidence
Coronado F/G
This workshop is part of the Union Representation Track

To win your case in grievance arbitration, it is crucial to have evidence to back up your arguments and assertions. Without sufficient evidence, it is difficult to convince an arbitrator to rule in your favor. This workshop will teach you how to gather evidence, identify the types of evidence admissible in arbitration and determine which types carry the most weight with arbitrators. This workshop is ideal for local union officers and grievance committee members who have limited experience with grievances.

Harassment and Discrimination in the Fire Service

Sierra 1&2
NEW This workshop will provide real-world examples of intentional as well as unintentional harassment and possible consequences.

Health and Safety Programs and Activities

Coronado Ballroom K
Nothing matters more to IAFF members and their families than the health and safety of fire fighters and paramedics. The IAFF dedicates significant resources to the never-ending struggle to make a dangerous profession as safe as possible. The purpose of the IAFF’s occupational health, safety and medical efforts is to identify hazards, develop and disseminate user-friendly technical materials and information, and provide assistance so IAFF members can recognize and control the health, safety and medical needs associated with their profession. This information session will provide an overview of the programs available to assist affiliate leaders in protecting their members’ health and safety along with discussion on emerging issues to include Tall Wood Buildings, Energy Storage Systems, Flammable Refrigerants, Responding to the Interface, the Contamination Control Initiative and NFPA committees.

IAFF Union Leadership: Leading Organizational Change

Coronado Ballroom R/S
NEW This workshop will provide tools to help affiliate leaders become more effective as IAFF locals continue to evolve to meet the serious challenges facing our union and our members in the 21st century. During the workshop, participants will learn how to assess and to prioritize union resources and leverage and how to engage in strategic planning to establish and achieve effective organizational goals.

Introduction to Grievances

Fiesta Ballroom 7/8
This workshop is also offered during Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Negotiations Bootcamp Track, Continued

Mock Negotiations and Mediation
Coronado Ballroom B/C or D/E
This workshop is part of the Negotiations Bootcamp Track

New Officer Track, Continued

Budgeting for Local Unions
Coronado Ballroom P/Q
This workshop is part of the New Officer Track

Budgeting is an essential function for those who safeguard local union assets. In this workshop, you will learn the art of planning your local’s income and expenditures. Topics discussed will include preparing, adopting and amending your budget as well as common income and expenditure categories that should be part of your plan.

Planning a FIRE OPS 101 Event

Durango 2
FIRE OPS 101 is a unique event that teaches elected officials and community leaders about the risks and challenges involved in the fire service. At this event, decision-makers suit up in protective gear and put out fires, rescue victims and perform other duties that fire fighters and EMS workers do on the job. Through FIRE OPS 101, participants learn about the importance of sufficient staffing and the critical role that time plays on the scene of an emergency. A FIRE OPS 101 event is one of the most effective ways an IAFF local can build relationships with elected officials, the media and department management. This workshop will focus on how to customize a FIRE OPS 101 event in your community.

Preparing for Grievance Arbitration: Evaluating Evidence

Fiesta Ballroom 3/4
To win your case in grievance arbitration, it is crucial to have evidence to back up your arguments and assertions. Without sufficient evidence, it is difficult to convince an arbitrator to rule in your favor. This workshop will teach you how to gather evidence, identify the types of evidence admissible in arbitration and determine which types carry the most weight with arbitrators. This workshop is ideal for local union officers and grievance committee members who have limited experience with grievances.

Tax-Efficient Retirement Income: Planning for a Secure Financial Future

Fiesta Ballroom 9/10
NEW The Nationwide Retirement Institute^® Tax-Efficient Retirement Income seminar will provide insight into how taxes can impact your retirement plans. Tax efficiency in retirement requires a thoughtful approach to income planning that starts as early as 10-15 years prior to retirement. Our educational resources can help guide decisions that have implications on your income and expenses. A more tax-efficient retirement income distribution plan can add tens of thousands of dollars to estate values or years to portfolio longevity. This session will refresh your knowledge of tax basics – e.g., which investment accounts are taxable, tax deferred or tax free – and provide some sequencing strategies for drawing retirement income tax efficiently.

Understanding and Developing the AFG (Assistance to Firefighter) Equipment and Training Grants

Yucatan 1
The Assistance to Firefighter (AFG) grant was created to fund critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability and support community resilience. This workshop will provide an overview of AFG grant legislation, available funding, program priorities and the application process. Instructors will provide tips and tricks for writing effective grants for their department, actual grant applications for critique and a question-and-answer session.

Understanding FLSA

Fiesta Ballroom 5
Applying the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to fire fighters, EMTs or paramedics presents special challenges for union officers. IAFF legal counsel will focus on special problems involving exemptions and coverage issues, pay methodologies used in calculating the overtime rate and compensable hours. They will also touch upon problems such as training, sleep, meal time and other issues as time permits.

Using Behavior Analysis to Create and Sustain Diverse and Inclusive Workplace Cultures

Monterrey 2/3
NEW This class will be a group discussion to educate participants with the tools organizations need to be more diverse and inclusive. Education for the participants will include content centered how individuals and organizations can utilize the tools presented to create and sustain diverse workplace cultures. In addition, participants will also be given an individual checklist assessment to identify and evaluate their own behaviors and unconscious bias.

Union Leadership Track, Continued

Conducting Negotiations: Collective Bargaining
Coronado Ballroom M/N
This workshop is part of the Union Leadership Track

Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI)

Coronado Ballroom L
The Fire Service Joint Labor-Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI) addresses the needs of the total individual in a program to build and maintain fit uniformed personnel. Fitness – physical, mental and emotional – requires an effective wellness program available to recruits, incumbents and retirees. This information session will provide an update on the 4th Edition of the Joint Labor-Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative, along with cancer studies affecting our members.

Workshops By Category

CANADIAN WORKSHOPS

Canadian Affiliates Legal Challenges and Strategic Campaigns

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
This workshop will feature an examination of federal, provincial and local legal issues that are impacting legislation governing fire fighters in Canada. Have we fought back U.S.-style, anti-union legislation creeping north of the border? Provinces are looking at changes to the arbitration rules, union financial disclosure, payroll protection legislation and other legislation that weaken the ability of the union to advocate for members in the political realm. The workshop will raise awareness of these issues and what you can do to fight back against these changes. Arbitration awards, staffing cuts, honoring first contracts and 24-hour shifts are only a few issues that are under attack by politicians who want to undermine and destroy public unions. This workshop will focus on recent case studies of Canadian locals who have developed strategic campaigns to get their message directly to the public and work around politicians that want to cut fire resources. It will offer political action and communication strategies that have proven effective in recent provincial and municipal elections as well as the strategies successfully implemented during the 2015 federal election.

Canadian Analysis of the 2019 Federal Election

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
NEW Analysis of the 2019 Federal Election, the outcome and how we build alliances to move our issues forward. This workshop will also be a chance to look at the current makeup of provincial governments and how the new federal government will engage with the provinces.

Canadian Duty of Fair Representation

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This workshop will examine DFR under Canadian Law. The workshop will look at the handling of DFR complaints in both the civil courts and under Labour Board tribunals in those provinces that allow DFR complaints to be heard by Labour Board tribunals. The workshop will also review current DFR decisions.

COMMUNICATIONS

Branding Your Local Union

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
UPDATED What do your members, the community and political leaders associate with your local? Is it positive or not so much? Your brand is a communication shorthand that conveys messages to your target audiences. In the past branding was defined as a name, slogan, symbol or design. Today, branding is more complex and even more important. It is an emotional connection that builds credibility, loyalty and trust. How can you sell you union and what’s your brand?

Building Your Local’s Communications Future

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
NEW Your members, the public, elected officials – how do you deliver your message? Learn how to take advantage of traditional communications and emerging trends. Hear from the IAFF Strategic Campaigns team about suggestions on the best methods and tactics to reach your audience and make your message memorable.

Preparing for the Crisis

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Don’t wait for an emergency or crisis to happen. Learn to be prepared for any situation by developing a crisis communications plan so you’re ready to respond effectively.

Public Speaking or Death, Which Would You Choose?

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Public speaking ranks high on the list of activities people fear the most. Even the most charismatic personalities wish they had better public speaking skills. Learn the basics of message construction and delivery. Figure out how to grab the attention of listeners and move them to action. Learn how to set up a speakers’ network for your local.

Social Media and the Law

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
UPDATED One wrong post and your locals’ and members’ credibility and reputation is gone. While social media can be a powerful tool for positioning your local within the community and generating goodwill, it only takes one mistake or one bad apple to hurt your brand. Explore the social and legal issues pertaining to proper and improper use of social media, as well as understand your role in establishing your fire department’s social media policies.

Standing Out in the World of Social Media

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Infographics, algorithms, pay for play, what does it all mean? In the competitive world of information, how do you make your local’s social media posts stand out? Get insights from the experts on how to effectively use social media channels to communicate with members, elected officials, the media and members of your community. This class is intended for advanced social media users. Social Media Basics will be an information session.

Writing for Communicators

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Writing effectively is critical for communicating with different audiences and for different purposes. No matter what type of writing you do, understanding the fundamentals for writing letters, press releases and other written materials, as well as proper use of grammar and punctuation, is an important first step for enhancing your writing skills. From sentence structure to polishing your prose, this workshop provides tips for writing that will help you get your message heard, engage your audience, prompt action and deliver results.

COMMUNICATIONS - MEMBER ENGAGEMENT TRACK

All workshops within this track can be self-selected and taken as an independent workshop.

Understanding the Past to Secure Your Future

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
NEW Having a say in how your union is portrayed in the news media can give your local a leg up in coverage. Learn how to generate stories that are on message and position your union and the work your members do in a positive light. Better understand how to build relationships with reporters, learn the basics for developing news stories and identify resources for reaching the media. Learn how to take control of a media interview and confidently answer questions from reporters.

Building a Road Map for Member Engagement and Growth

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
NEW This new class lays the groundwork for a local’s internal organizing/membership engagement campaign, focusing on the steps you need to take before you begin the process and developing the material needed for the development of a strategic plan.

Strategic Planning for Future Initiatives

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
UPDATED Students will learn the importance of having future goals for their local, determining the objectives needed to accomplish the goals and putting it all together into a written plan.

Developing and Strengthening Internal Communications

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
A strong internal communications program is the backbone of any powerful union. How can you better communicate with your members? Every day leaders struggle how best to reach their members. Internal communication is the key to developing engagement, activism and political power. This session will look at best practices being implemented today in locals around the country and will include a free-flowing discussion on what works and doesn’t work in your local.

Leadership and Listening: The Power of One-on-One

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Engagement and activism happen from understanding the needs and wants of members. As a busy union leader, one-on-one outreach can be a challenge, but it is the best form of communication and the best way to create dialogue. Figure out what kind of leader you are and how to use your communication skills to empower your membership.

Engage Members for Life: The Power of Orientation

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
There is tremendous value to signing up members early in their career and getting them involved. Effective orientation programs can have a lasting impact on the strength of local unions. Learn the best ways to develop a new member orientation program and the research behind why it is so important.

FEDERAL FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING

Federal Sector Labor Relations Update

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
NEW This session will provide updates on the impact of the Trump Executive Orders on federal sector bargaining and worker rights. The session will also cover recent decisions by the Federal Labor Relations Authority and the Federal Service Impasse Panel.

Federal Sector Office of Workers Compensation Program (OWCP)

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
NEW This session will provide valuable updates to federal affiliates on OWCP programs to include filing claims and the processes involved in claim approval.

FRONTLINE UNION REPRESENTATIVE TRACK

Sessions 1-6, January 20-22
NEW This workshop track has been reviewed and approved for potential college credit by Purdue University Global, our partner in education. Selecting this track of workshops will automatically enroll you in the six workshops listed below.

Frontline Union Representative Basics

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
This workshop addresses the knowledge and skills involved in effectively enforcing contract provisions and representing workers’ rights with your fire service management and jurisdiction. It will introduce and explore the issues and best practices involved in handling grievances, enforcing contract language and handling discipline issues. Additionally, this workshop reviews ways that key union personnel can inform membership on the benefits of union membership and active involvement.

Duty of Fair Representation

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
As an affiliate leader, you may be subject to a legal standard, known as duty of fair representation (DFR) that governs how you represent your members in contract negotiations, grievances and other labor matters. In this workshop, you will study relevant case law to learn what is required of you, how the courts have applied this standard to unions, the consequences of violating the standard and best practices to avoid DFR lawsuits.

Introduction to Grievances

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The manner in which you process grievances will determine how quickly they are resolved and how your members will perceive you. A good understanding of the grievance process will better enable you to enforce the collective bargaining agreement and avoid costly arbitration hearings. In this workshop, you will learn how to evaluate and file a grievance, reduce your chances of receiving a DFR claim and develop effective grievance strategies. This workshop is ideal for local union officers and grievance committee members who have limited experience with grievances.

Preparing for Grievance Arbitration: Choosing an Arbitrator

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Despite your best efforts to resolve all disputes internally, some grievances cannot be settled at the local level and must be heard by a neutral arbitrator. To win at arbitration, a union leader must be well prepared and have a good understanding of the arbitration process. This workshop will give you an overview of arbitration procedures and protocol, methods for selecting an arbitrator and strategies for cutting costs. This workshop is ideal for local union officers and grievance committee members who work in collective bargaining environments and have limited experience with grievances.

Preparing for Grievance Arbitration: Contract Language

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
The collective bargaining agreement is a contract between union and management that outlines the wages, benefits and working conditions for fire fighters. To maintain flexibility in the workplace, negotiators sometimes include language in the agreement that is ambiguous or general in nature. Occasionally, this ambiguity leads to disputes between the two parties over the meaning of the contract. When these disputes are brought to arbitration, the arbitrator must determine which interpretation is the most reasonable and best reflects the mutual intent of the parties. This workshop will teach you how arbitrators consider contract language, past practice and other contributing factors in order to reach a decision.

Preparing for Grievance Arbitration: Evaluating Evidence

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
To win your case in grievance arbitration, it is crucial to have evidence to back up your arguments and assertions. Without sufficient evidence, it is difficult to convince an arbitrator to rule in your favor. This workshop will teach you how to gather evidence, identify the types of evidence admissible in arbitration and determine which types carry the most weight with arbitrators. This workshop is ideal for local union officers and grievance committee members who have limited experience with grievances.

GRANTS

Understanding and Developing SAFER Grants: Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) were created to provide funding directly to fire departments to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, “frontline” fire fighters available in their communities. This workshop will provide an overview of SAFER grant legislation, available funding, program priorities and the application process. Instructors will provide tips and tricks for writing effective grants for their department, actual grant applications for critique and a question-and-answer session.

Understanding and Developing the AFG (Assistance to Firefighter) Equipment and Training Grants

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The Assistance to Firefighter (AFG) grant was created to fund critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability and support community resilience. This workshop will provide an overview of AFG grant legislation, available funding, program priorities and the application process. Instructors will provide tips and tricks for writing effective grants for their department, actual grant applications for critique and a question-and-answer session.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response: Have a Plan

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
UPDATED The emerging threat of homegrown violent extremists conducting acts of terrorism, specifically small unit active shooter and IED attacks, remains a concern for the fire service. These extremists are finding new ways to attack innocent people during mass gathering events or in their everyday lives. These new forms of attacks include edged weapons, vehicle ramming and fire as a weapon. This workshop will address the risk potential and response protocols for a multi-level threat involving active shooters or other hostile events using fire or other incendiary devices as a weapon. The workshop will also provide a brief on NFPA 3000 Standard for Responding to Hostile Events.

Building Your Peer Support Program and Accessing Treatment

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
The IAFF Peer Support Training program continues to transform the behavioral health conversation in the fire service. This workshop will introduce a 10-step program development model and explore the critical building blocks to develop a successful peer support program. Topics include how to obtain program buy-in, select your peer team members, use local mental health clinicians, conduct program outreach, evaluate your impact to stakeholders. Members will leave equipped with practical strategies and IAFF resources to build or enhance an existing peer support program. The workshop will spotlight the peer support and behavioral health program established in L0067 Columbus, OH, as a program model for other IAFF affiliates. Affiliate leaders will also receive an update on the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery, which has treated over 1,000 IAFF members. Leaders will learn what to expect when referring a member to treatment– from their first call to admission to the treatment experience to aftercare.

Cancer Research: Effects of Fire Ground Exposures and Best Practices

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
The toxic environments in which fire service members live and work have long been suspected to have an adverse effect on fire fighter health. Fire fighters are exposed to many chemicals known to cause cancer in humans. Exposure to them is concerning when considering the work-relatedness of cancer in fire fighters. This workshop discusses recent studies on fire ground exposures and their effects on the fire fighter. Industry best practices and strategies to reduce occupational exposures will be discussed along with research about their effectiveness. There will also be an update on the U.S. Cancer Registry.

Cardiovascular Disease in the Fire Service

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
While the number of fire fighter on-duty fatalities has declined, the number of cardiac related on-duty fatalities remains unchanged. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the single most frequent cause of duty-related fatalities among fire fighters. While there are numerous efforts to increase the number of fire fighters who receive annual medical exams and screening for early detection of cardiovascular disease by healthcare providers who fully understand the physical and psychological demands and consequences of firefighting, there is a critical missing element that needs to be addressed. This workshop addresses actions affiliate leaders can take to ensure healthcare providers and primary care physicians understand the importance of elevated risk factors in the context of firefighting and that members who are cleared for duty understand that they need to receive proper follow up.

Exercise Is Medicine: The Benefits of a PFT Program

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

UPDATED Exercise is a tool that can be used to rehabilitate and manage existing physical, psychological and behavioral conditions; prevent the occurrence of future problems; and improve personal health and performance. In other words, it can be used to enhance the quality of every fire fighter’s life, regardless of age, experience or health status. Exercise really is the best medicine. This workshop will highlight the wide-ranging benefits of exercise for chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes and behavioral health, and provide several small steps to take to build an effective Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) program to leverage the benefits of exercise.

Health and Safety Programs and Activities

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Nothing matters more to IAFF members and their families than the health and safety of fire fighters and paramedics. The IAFF dedicates significant resources to the never-ending struggle to make a dangerous profession as safe as possible. The purpose of the IAFF’s occupational health, safety and medical efforts is to identify hazards, develop and disseminate user-friendly technical materials and information, and provide assistance so IAFF members can recognize and control the health, safety and medical needs associated with their profession. This information session will provide an overview of the programs available to assist affiliate leaders in protecting their members’ health and safety along with discussion on emerging issues to include Tall Wood Buildings, Energy Storage Systems, Flammable Refrigerants, Responding to the Interface, the Contamination Control Initiative and NFPA committees.

Overview of Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response Policy for Union Leaders

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
UPDATED The emerging threat of terrorism and asymmetric warfare, specifically small unit active shooter and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks is a concern for the fire service. An attack by radicals armed with weapons in public areas, such as schools, shopping malls, churches or any other locations where people congregate is a real threat to a sense of security and daily life. Fire and police departments, regardless of size or capacity, must find ways to marshal appropriate and effective responses to these events. Therefore, it is important that as a union leader – when these discussions, training and situations arise – we are prepared to advocate properly for our membership and understand how to keep our members working safely and effectively.

Fireground Tactics: From Research to Survival

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
“Don’t flow water at smoke, you will push the fire.” “The room went from tenable to deadly in seconds.” “You have to fight from the unburned to the burned.” We have all heard these statements. Understanding them can mean the difference in your survival. As an affiliate leader, you must ensure your members have the best possible information and training necessary to ensure they go home after every tour. This workshop discusses changes to the modern fire environment, research conducted by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) on fire dynamics and how this scientific data can improve firefighting tactics and survival. Over 100 experiments have examined changes in the fire environment over time, impact of ventilation-limited fires, implications of flow control and effectiveness in suppression tactics. The NIST and UL studies have produced tactical considerations that have become common themes over several studies, which may change your view of current standard operating guidelines.

Staffing for Safety: An Introduction

This workshop is offered twice:
Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Fire suppression and emergency medical activities are labor-intensive jobs that require an adequate number of fire fighters on scene to safely and effectively protect property and save lives. Recent studies by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and updates to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 Standards have shown that inadequate staffing can result in unnecessary loss of life and property and serious injury to fire fighters and the citizens they protect. In this workshop, you will be introduced to standards and studies that indicate best practices regarding staffing and will begin to make decisions regarding staffing in your community.

Suicide and Suicide Prevention in the Fire Service

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
This presentation reviews what is known, and more importantly what isn’t known, about fire fighter suicide. Participants will learn about suicide prevention and suicide postvention, defined as an organized response in the aftermath of a suicide to facilitate the healing of individuals from the grief and distress of suicide loss, how to mitigate other negative effects of exposure to suicide and how to prevent suicide among people who are at high risk after exposure to suicide. Content will include effective suicide prevention strategies, evidence-based treatments for suicide, resources for suicide loss, and new IAFF efforts to understand and address suicide.

Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI)

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The Fire Service Joint Labor-Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI) addresses the needs of the total individual in a program to build and maintain fit uniformed personnel. Fitness – physical, mental and emotional – requires an effective wellness program available to recruits, incumbents and retirees. This information session will provide an update on the 4th Edition of the Joint Labor-Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative, along with cancer studies affecting our members.

The New IAFF Nutrition Campaign

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
NEW The overabundance of nutrition advice can be confusing to anyone looking to make change. The IAFF recognizes the need for clear recommendations that fit the uniqueness of the fire service and is launching a new Nutrition Campaign this year at ALTS/HRC. Website and social media resources will be discussed. Attendees will hear the latest evidence-based recommendations, advice and tips from a nutrition expert focused on helping us understand our body and how to develop a plan to reach our goals.

HUMAN RELATIONS

Best Practices in Cadet Hiring and Incumbent Promotional Processes

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

NEW Class will describe best practices for cadet hiring and incumbent promotional processes. Lay out the elements of a successful process that will help fire departments achieve diversity and merit that is legally defensible.

Building an Inclusive Workforce

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
This module is designed to educate affiliate leaders so that they will be able to create and implement local recruitment/retention plans and efforts that will increase the diversity of the local’s workforce.

Fire and ICE: Building Trust in a Time of Fear

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This session will address the challenges of serving immigrant communities, especially during a time where ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids have become more frequent. The session will highlight cities where ICE raids have been prevalent and will discuss best practices among police and fire agencies. This non-partisan discussion will focus on solutions that honor the law while building and maintaining trust within immigrant communities. This session will incorporate facilitated discussion, video and small-group problem solving. Participants will evaluate real-life case studies as well as fictional cases to explore methods that increase safety and trust among immigrant communities.

Harassment and Discrimination in the Fire Service

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
NEW This workshop will provide real-world examples of intentional as well as unintentional harassment and possible consequences.

Human Relations at the IAFF

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
The fire service is composed of professionals that represent numerous populations differentiated by age, race, ethnicity, gender, language, religion and sexual orientation, among others. First responders serve equally diverse communities. While our human relations efforts tend to focus on the diversity within the fire service, it is imperative to remember that by drawing on the strengths of our differences we can better serve those in our communities that do not fall into the majority. Participants will gain an understanding of the path the IAFF has taken to achieve to our current state of human relations – initiatives that have improved not only the quality of the workplace for our members, but in turn, the service we provide to our communities.

Local Human Relations Committees: Getting Started

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The IAFF recommends that every local affiliate establish a human relations committee. Establishing a committee is a proven way to help locals sort through the opportunities and challenges that diversity presents. It can assist locals in resolving conflict and developing a proactive strategy for change. In this workshop, local affiliate leaders will learn about the benefits of having a local human relations committee and strategies for developing their own committee.

Local Human Relations Committees: Next Steps

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Once you have developed your committee, you are ready for action. In this workshop, you will learn how to assess membership needs, develop and carry out long-term strategic plans, report progress to key stakeholders and devise strategies to fund your committee’s activities. In addition, you will explore strategies for forming a cohesive team among committee members and learn how to keep them productive and energized.

My Brother, My Sister: A Guide to Helping our Transgender Members

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
NEW This presentation will discuss the presenter’s experiences with Local 1339 leadership and her interactions with the Human Resources Department on best practices to create a welcoming work environment for LGBTQIA+ identifying employees, both current members and future hires. She will outline the pitfalls she has encountered during her process, and offer recommendations as to how better address these issues going forward. This course will use case study data on discrimination of the trans community to reinforce her recommendations as reality-based practices. These issues, while trans specific, will also border on the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole.

Overview of Title VII and the ADA

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
UPDATED This workshop will provide an overview of the law, plus case studies/hypotheticals regarding employment discrimination issues faced within the fire/EMS service, including discrimination based on sex, race, religion and LGBTQ status.

Pregnancy and Family Resource Guide: Toronto Case Study

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
NEW This presentation offers the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association’s (TPFFA) Pregnancy and Family Resource Guide as a template and best-practices model for supporting members who are navigating pregnancy, parental leave and other family-related issues while working within the fire service. This presentation also discusses the TPFFA guidebook as an example of diversity/inclusion best-practices initiatives, offering tangible support and guidance to members. The TPFFA guidebook was developed as a tool to enhance workplace inclusion, using the strategy of normalizing pregnancy and other related family events, and it can serve as a model for other efforts to normalize ordinary aspects of members’ lives.

Pressure Points: Removing Resistance to Diversity & Inclusion Efforts

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
NEW Why do some diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts work while others have neutral (or even negative) results? Are we recruiting the same way but expecting different results? This workshop will explore the factors that lead to better D&I outcomes by addressing the “pressure points” that often keep us from success. Using a collaborative project between MBA students and Greensboro Fire Department (GFD) as a foundation, participants will discuss the pros and cons of various diversity recruitment tactics, learn about the initiatives that worked for GFD, and identify the pressure points within their own units that are obstacles to D&I efforts.

Rescuing the Leader Inside You: Empowered Personal Leadership

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
UPDATED Rescuing the Leader Inside of YOU is an intensive presentation designed to inspire participants to be principle focused leaders in fire safety. Participants learn the EMPOWER model. Internalized, this model imbues participants with tools engineered to maximize the ability to balance their personal efficiency and effectiveness. Participants then, attempt to apply the model in a pre-arranged high energy, deep impact scenario against a specially trained improvisational actor.

Teamwork and Inclusion

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Effective fire and emergency services require that individuals work together as a team, and over the years this culture of teamwork has become second nature in our firehouses. This workshop helps build on this culture of teamwork to extend it to issues of workplace inclusion, respect for a diverse workforce and ethical behavior.

Tools to Communicate in a Multi-Cultural World

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
NEW People are different. Culture and the expression of culture in communications impacts how we talk and listen to eachother. It also drives the way we feel and the actions we take. In a world of rising tension, understanding cultures and lifestyles can lead to a more cohesive workplace. Gain insights and learn about techniques and tools to enhance you listening skills and how to understand other people’s values in an effort to find common ground.

Understanding Pregnancy and Parental Rights and Accommodations

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Members who become parents face increased demands on their time and resources. Local leadership needs to help ensure that the local employing agency complies with applicable federal, state/provincial and local laws, allowing these members the leave time and medical accommodation they need as they build their families. In addition, this workshop reviews how local leadership can advocate for family-friendly local policies and laws.
Note: This workshop is intended for affiliates within the United States and does not reference applicable Canadian laws.

Using Behavior Analysis to Create and Sustain Diverse and Inclusive Workplace Cultures

Session 6, January 22, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
NEW This class will be a group discussion to educate participants with the tools organizations need to be more diverse and inclusive. Education for the participants will include content centered how individuals and organizations can utilize the tools presented to create and sustain diverse workplace cultures. In addition, participants will also be given an individual checklist assessment to identify and evaluate their own behaviors and unconscious bias.

Women Fire Fighters and Their Occupational Health

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
NEW Firefighting has many occupational hazards. For women, the risks related to exposures, shift work and physiologic strain has the potential to negatively impact maternal and child health in addition to the overall health of female fire fighters. This workshop is not just for women, but also for local leaders to understand the occupational health concerns of the female firefighting population.

LEADERSHIP

Ethics for Union Leaders

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Most IAFF leaders are public employees and have fiduciary responsibilities to their membership. Due to the nature of your position, you are subject to higher ethical standards than the average member or employee. These standards must be upheld in order to maintain the trust of your members and run an effective local. Failure to do so can result in loss of credibility, loss of union position or even criminal charges. This workshop will cover the principles of ethics, the requirements of public employees and strategies of making ethical decisions. You will use these strategies to analyze scenarios and case studies.

Generational Differences

This workshop is offered twice:
Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Currently, there are as many as four generations employed and working side by side in fire departments throughout North America. Each generation brings its own individual values and behaviors and these can be a source of conflict in the workplace. This workshop will examine each of the four generations in a humorous way, providing a better understanding of generational behavior, the value that each generation brings to the workplace, why conflict exists among them and the communications styles that work for each.

IAFF Union Leadership: Self-Awareness

This workshop is offered twice:
Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
NEW This workshop will help IAFF affiliate leaders learn what kind of union leaders they are and will provide them with several tools to become more effective leaders. During this workshop, participants will identify their own leadership styles and will learn how those styles are perceived by and impact the members that they lead.

IAFF Union Leadership: Leading Organizational Change

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
NEW This workshop will provide tools to help affiliate leaders become more effective as IAFF locals continue to evolve to meet the serious challenges facing our union and our members in the 21st century. During the workshop, participants will learn how to assess and to prioritize union resources and leverage and how to engage in strategic planning to establish and achieve effective organizational goals.

Increasing Membership Participation

This workshop is offered twice:
Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
UPDATED The strength of a local depends on the active involvement of its members. Whether it’s a committee meeting, political campaign or public relations effort, your members make the difference between success and failure. This workshop provides methods to increase member participation and build an effective union.

Labor-Management Case Studies

This workshop is offered twice:
Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
On a daily basis, fire departments are confronted with a variety of issues that require labor and management to work together. The best departments have the tools in place to work through those issues successfully – even if they don’t always agree. This workshop will address best practices and how labor and management leaders create a team culture, build trust over time and develop consistent involvement. Case studies will be addressed where labor-management cooperation was utilized to address situations that are generally met with conflict. In addition, this workshop will address that there is no perfect system and even with collaborative labor-management relations, there will always be ups and downs.

Understanding Union Leadership

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
This workshop will address many facets of being a union officer, including the responsibilities associated with their roles. This workshop will also address how to be a union advocate, utilizing the skills of the executive board and how to organize members and increase their participation in order to build a stronger local.

Work/Life Balance

This workshop is offered twice:
Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
IAFF members are constantly confronted with choices that match work against family life and other personal obligations. Fire fighters must balance their 24-hour shifts with family events, holidays and other obligations. This workshop will give union leaders tools to help themselves and their members address these work-family issues for a better work/life balance.

LEGAL

Best Practices for Conducting Union Elections

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
There are few events more important to your membership than local officer elections. Running an election, however, is much more complicated than just counting the ballots. From enforcing eligibility rules to striking invalid ballots, careful planning is required to conform to legal and IAFF constitutional requirements. In this workshop, IAFF legal counsel will describe the methods for conducting secret ballot elections and the unforeseen issues that may arise in a typical election. This will also include a discussion of online voting and electronic tabulation.

Discipline: Your Rights and Responsibilities

This workshop is offered twice:
Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Session 6, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
This workshop will provide union leaders with an overview of their rights and responsibilities during the employment disciplinary process. Union leaders will learn how to best represent their members in accordance with their contract; civil service laws; and the Weingarten, Loudermill and Garrity decisions. This workshop is applicable to affiliate leaders in collective bargaining and non-collective bargaining environments.

Duty of Fair Representation

This workshop is offered twice:
Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
As an affiliate leader, you may be subject to a legal standard known as “duty of fair representation” or “DFR” that governs how you represent your members in contract negotiations, grievances and other labor matters. In this workshop, you will study relevant case law to learn what is required of you, how the courts have applied this standard to local unions, the consequences of violating the standard and best practices to avoid DFR lawsuits.

Employee Discipline Before the Lawyer Arrives

This workshop is offered twice:
Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Employee discipline is something that every local and union officer will encounter. This workshop will address the issue of employee discipline and how unions should represent their members during employer investigations. Covered in this workshop will be employee discipline from the union leader perspective and some best practices all union leaders should know. Also included will be employee discipline scenarios and an overview of Weingarten and Garrity rights and some state law “bills of rights” that may be applicable.

First Amendment Law

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution can be a valuable tool in a public-sector affiliate’s legal and public relations arsenal. In this workshop, you will receive an overview of free speech and association rights under the First Amendment that are enjoyed by public sector employees, plus some case studies/hypotheticals to facilitate discussion.

Fit for Duty

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Often as a condition of continued employment, an employer may mandate a fitness for duty exam. This workshop will address fitness for duty examinations, how those exams relate to an individual with a disability and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Also addressed will be the use of reassigning personnel, wellness programs and EEOC decisions that impact fire fighters and their fitness for duty.

Local Union Governance

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Through its constitution and by-laws, your local establishes its basic organization, including the duties and responsibilities of your local union officers, executive board and committees, as well as the various procedures that govern different types of meetings. Your local’s constitution and by-laws should provide the precepts necessary for governing your members. It should meet their needs, as well as be flexible for reasonable and future change. In this module, you will learn the important aspects of your local’s constitution and by-laws, be given tools to understand how this document influences your role as a union leader and learn how to properly govern your local based on this important text.

Understanding FLSA

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Applying the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to fire fighters, EMTs or paramedics presents special challenges for union officers. IAFF legal counsel will focus on special problems involving exemptions and coverage issues, pay methodologies used in calculating the overtime rate and compensable hours. They will also touch upon problems such as training, sleep, meal time and other issues as time permits.

NEGOTIATIONS BOOTCAMP TRACK

Sessions 1-6, January 20-22
This workshop track has been reviewed and approved for potential college credit by Purdue University Global, our partner in education. Selecting this track of workshops will automatically enroll you in the six workshops listed below.

Preparing for Negotiations: Collective Bargaining

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
The collective bargaining process allows you to negotiate for wages, benefits and other conditions of employment. To be successful at the bargaining table, you must thoroughly research and develop your strategy. In this workshop, you will learn how to set realistic goals for your membership and collect the data needed to support your case.

Conducting Negotiations: Collective Bargaining

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Actively negotiating a contract is one of the most important functions IAFF affiliate leadership can perform for members and is the key ingredient in fire fighter–employer relations. In this workshop, you will learn how to create ground rules that benefit unions, participate in mock negotiation sessions and learn how to apply bargaining techniques.

Negotiating Health Care Benefits

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This workshop will address the negotiation strategies locals can employ to obtain the best health care benefits for their members. Specifically, this workshop will address plan design, negotiations preparation and strategies that can be employed during negotiations.

Mock Negotiations and Mediation

Sessions 4-6, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m. and January 22, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
To get results at the bargaining table, a negotiator must be able to develop a bargaining strategy and master key negotiation skills. In this six-hour workshop, you will practice key negotiations skills and tactics in simulated, scenario-based negotiation sessions. You will learn how to strengthen your bargaining position, determine an acceptable settlement range, respond to common management tactics and objections, make concessions, package your proposals and work with mediators. This workshop is designed for affiliate leaders who have mastered the basics of negotiation and wish to improve their skills at the bargaining table.

NEW OFFICER TRACK

Sessions 1-6, January 20-22
UPDATED This workshop track has been reviewed and approved for potential college credit by Purdue University Global, our partner in education. Selecting this track of workshops will automatically enroll you in the six workshops listed below.

Local Union Administration

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Designed to help affiliate leaders achieve the goals of their locals, this course teaches the skills necessary to be effective in any role as a union officer. Information is provided on the duties of each local union officer, as well as responsibilities of the executive board and other committees in the local. It will also acquaint participants with the various services and assistance available from the IAFF.

Overview of Membership Services

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
This overview provides essential information for new affiliate leaders so they can be effective in their roles. This course is ideal for affiliate leaders with up to two years of experience or seasoned veterans who want to refresh their skills. Overview of Membership Services examines the various IAFF departments/divisions and the services provided to members, as well as an understanding of their respective state or provincial organization.

Local Union Governance

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Through its constitution and by-laws, your local establishes its basic organization, including the duties and responsibilities of your local union officers, executive board and committees, as well as the various procedures that govern different types of meetings. Your local’s constitution and by-laws should provide the precepts necessary for governing your members. It should meet their needs, as well as be flexible for reasonable and future change. In this module, you will learn the important aspects of your local’s constitution and by-laws, be given tools to understand how this document influences your role as a union leader, and how to properly govern your local based on this important text.

Internal Local Communications

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
The most important audience for our communications is our local union membership. Lack of communication within a union can seriously weaken unity in purpose and reduce the effectiveness of our efforts. This workshop shows how to move from “fighting back” challenges to unions to taking charge of the message in communications to our membership.

How to Run a Meeting

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
The manner in which you run your union meetings will affect member attendance and how you are perceived as a leader. A well-run meeting with meaningful and timely agenda items will draw more attendees and help you earn the respect of your membership. In this workshop, you will learn IAFF meeting protocol and etiquette; how to plan for and conduct an efficient and productive meeting; and methods for handling conflict. This workshop is ideal for local union officers with limited experience running local union meetings.

Budgeting for Local Unions

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Budgeting is an essential function for those who safeguard local union assets. In this workshop, you will learn the art of planning your local’s income and expenditures. Topics discussed will include preparing, adopting and amending your budget as well as common income and expenditure categories that should be part of your plan.

PENSION AND RETIREMENT

Financial Fitness

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
This course provides strategies for achieving financial fitness. The course will teach skills that students can use when selecting investments inside their employer-sponsored deferred compensation and 401A/401k plans. Attendees will actually establish a risk tolerance profile during class and leave with a template to build a portfolio. Topics will include:

How to research a mutual fund
The types of investment options in typical plans
How to set appropriate risk/reward through asset allocation
Members will actually establish a risk tolerance profile during class and leave with a template to build a portfolio
Appropriate use of fixed accounts and annuities
Advantages of staying within employer plans and avoiding penalties
Case examples

How to Keep Your Retirement Security When the Bad Guys Want to Take It Away

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
UPDATED Do you want to know how to tell if your pension plan and your members’ retirement security will be the focus of a full-on assault before it ramps up? Do you need to learn how to recognize, fight back or even preempt an attack? This class will review the classic phases of most pension attacks and introduce strategies to forearm yourself as well as proven successful tactics for fighting back.

Understand Security Pension Plans

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
UPDATED Formal documents that purport to describe the financial health of your defined benefit pension plan can come in several forms. The most common of these is known as an actuarial report. Come learn the vocabulary and the lingo to see what goes into these reports so that you can evaluate the basics of your plan and make decisions. Attendance at this class is a prerequisite to attend the Pension Analysis Practical Session 1-Hour Information Session Workshop.

Retirement Income Readiness

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Understanding the financial challenges of retirement for fire fighters and exploring supplemental lifetime income options. This workshop will help you:

Identify your retirement income stream
Review impacts of inflation on retirement
Assess your retirement income gap
Understand how poor market performance may impact your retirement
Consider supplemental lifetime income options to generate guaranteed protection and lifetime income

Tax-Efficient Retirement Income: Planning for a Secure Financial Future

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
NEW The Nationwide Retirement Institute^® Tax-Efficient Retirement Income seminar will provide insight into how taxes can impact your retirement plans. Tax efficiency in retirement requires a thoughtful approach to income planning that starts as early as 10-15 years prior to retirement. Our educational resources can help guide decisions that have implications on your income and expenses. A more tax-efficient retirement income distribution plan can add tens of thousands of dollars to estate values or years to portfolio longevity. This session will refresh your knowledge of tax basics – e.g., which investment accounts are taxable, tax deferred or tax free – and provide some sequencing strategies for drawing retirement income tax efficiently.

What’s New in Pension Plans?

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
UPDATED In the ever-changing landscape of rulemaking bodies, courts, congress and diverse state legislatures, we frequently see changes to rules and the enforcement of rules and laws in regards to public employee pensions. Come learn what’s new and what to watch for on the horizon that may benefit or endanger our plans.

POLITICS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Lobbying: Making or Breaking Policy

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Lobbying is an active and fundamental part of the legislative process at every level of government. As trusted, respected constituents, professional fire fighters have an important role to play influencing policy that has a direct impact on their jobs, benefits and working conditions. This class will explore techniques, styles and the practice of lobbying on a practical level. Case studies of successful and unsuccessful lobbying strategies will be presented. Please note this class is intended for beginner to intermediate level learners. There will be ample time for discussion and questions.

Navigating the 2020 Elections: What Does the Map Look Like?

Session 4: January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
UPDATED Presidential cycle elections bring both major opportunities and tough challenges for affiliate leaders. This class will first look at the presidential road map, the process, the issue and candidates. We will then talk about how to begin the conversation with members about politics through the IAFF’s “Basket of Issues” frame; how to engage members in campaigns at the state, federal and national level; and how to balance the diversity of opinions held by our members with the political necessities presented by the candidates and their beliefs.

Planning a FIRE OPS 101 Event

Session 6, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
FIRE OPS 101 is a unique event that teaches elected officials and community leaders about the risks and challenges involved in the fire service. At this event, decision-makers suit up in protective gear and put out fires, rescue victims and perform other duties that fire fighters and EMS workers do on the job. Through FIRE OPS 101, participants learn about the importance of sufficient staffing and the critical role that time plays on the scene of an emergency. A FIRE OPS 101 event is one of the most effective ways an IAFF local can build relationships with elected officials, the media and department management. This workshop will focus on how to customize a FIRE OPS 101 event in your community.

Planning Financially, Thinking Politically, Acting Strategically

Sessions 5 and 6, January 22, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Learn how to identify if the fire/EMS protection services you provide are affordable and predictable in the long-term. How do you know if your community is heading towards financially turbulent waters? What can you do to prepare for any downturns? This class will guide you through the potential financial impacts that your local has on your jurisdiction’s budget. It will show you the tools available within the IAFF to stay aware of the costs associated with the services you provide. It will also provide you with the steps you need to take for an offensive approach to any attacks on your livelihood. It will help you formulate a plan for the near future and will help you understand if your community is at risk for financial distress. This workshop will discuss the impact of the decisions made by your elected officials and the voting public and will encourage you to think strategically.

Public Safety Employer Employee Cooperation Act

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
NEW The Public Safety Employer Employee Cooperation Act is the IAFF’s top federal legislative priority. This class will provide newly elected leaders comprehensive education about the bill, its history and its potential impact on states and localities. Instructors will discuss how to discuss the bill with members and elected officials, and examine potential legal ramifications for states and localities.

Recruiting and Endorsing Candidates

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
For political candidates, the endorsement of fire fighters is the most coveted endorsement in campaigns today. The political action of an affiliate is what it takes to move fire service issues forward. In this workshop, you will learn how to select a candidate, campaign for political action and create a local endorsement process.

Toxic Substances and the Fire Fighter: The IAFF Fights Back

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
NEW Fire fighters are regularly exposed to toxic flame retardants, PFAS and asbestos, all of which pose significant threats to fire fighters’ health and well-being. This class will discuss the impact of toxic substances on fire fighters and the science behind the risk. Instructors will also discuss current laws and state and federal legislative efforts to ban, limit and otherwise regulate these substances, as well as IAFF efforts to support such legislative efforts.

Using Social Media to Achieve Your Legislative Agenda

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Using social media platforms to advocate important policy issues offers the opportunity to amplify your message and speak directly to elected officials. This class will outline the development of a social media presence while providing various tactics and strategies that will help advance your legislative agenda. The class will include a variety of case studies that explore how the IAFF and its locals have utilized media to advance their legislative goals.

Note: This class requires a basic understanding of social media platforms including: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Winning on a Shoestring – Communications and Campaign Tips for Success in Local Elections

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
NEW Local elections, whether for candidates or ballot measures, can have an outsized effect on our members’ work, compensation, union rights, healthcare, retirement and safety. The IAFF’s Strategic Campaigns and Political Department work on dozens of local elections each year, and bring decades of experience to back you up in your fight. This class walks through some of the tools and strategies available for low-budget, high-value local campaigns from both the PR and electoral side.

UNION ADMINISTRATION

Addressing Personal Finance and Planning With Your Members

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
NEW This workshop will cover the importance of affiliate leaders addressing personal finance with their members – including retirement planning, savings and estate planning. As an affiliate leader, your role goes beyond taking care of union business, but should also include addressing this very important topic with your members.

Advanced Parliamentary Procedures

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This advanced course on parliamentary procedure takes a deeper look at running a smooth and orderly meeting. It covers topics such as making motions, amending and disposing of motions, presiding, the roles of the officers, the bylaws, committees, reports, voting, secret ballots, elections, the minutes and the role of the board. Questions are encouraged.

Basic Parliamentary Procedures

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
This introductory course on parliamentary procedure is an interactive learning experience designed to give participants the ability and confidence to fully participate in a meeting and to understand and exercise their rights as members. The course is appropriate for those with no parliamentary experience or those who want a thorough refresher. Questions are encouraged.

Best Practices for Secretaries

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
UPDATED The local’s secretary or secretary/treasurer plays a key role in the operations and governance of their local. This workshop will start with a brief overview of the key recording and reporting responsibilities involved in this role, and then explore best practices, case studies and audience questions with a panel of experienced local secretaries.

Building Your Local Union’s Budget

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Your local’s budget is both a plan and an indicator of the health of your local’s finances. In this workshop, the IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer’s office staff will lead you in a workshop examining how to develop a budget outline that will help your leadership safeguard assets, monitor your local’s financial health and meet key reporting requirements.

Community Crying Poverty? Let’s Follow the Money and Change the Debate

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Learn about successful fighting back strategies, messaging and allies. Among the emerging strategies: exposing how much governments give away in corporate tax breaks for costly “economic development incentives” that may be unnecessary or fail to pay off. States also have corporate tax loopholes that can be plugged to improve revenue.

Community Paramedic – From Implementation to Legislation: What’s Happening Across the IAFF?

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
UPDATED As the healthcare environment changes across the United States and Canada, opportunities for fire and EMS departments to become more involved have presented themselves. Although we are all well-versed in providing a new service to the public, there are still several obstacles and considerations to implementing your own program. This panel will discuss what steps departments, locals and state associations have taken to provide community paramedic programs.

Consultants: Choose Your Own Adventure

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
UPDATED Bad economic times or not, decision makers are always looking for subject matter experts to help them make decisions. Fire and EMS departments are likely to be reviewed by these hired guns and are vulnerable to the repercussions of the recommendations. This workshop is designed to help affiliates separate good recommendations from bad and to prevent, prepare for and refute consultants when they arrive.

Elements of A Meeting

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
This interactive course examines the elements of preparing for a meeting, conducting a meeting, and maintaining the necessary documents after a meeting. Attendees will participate in identifying and collecting the necessary documents for a meeting, drafting an order of business, drafting a presiding script, conducting a meeting, taking minutes, and maintaining records.
Questions are encouraged.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
A detailed examination of the Family Medical Leave Act and how it applies to public employees, with examples, case studies and Q&A.

Fiduciary Responsibilities for Affiliate Leaders

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
NEW Fiduciary responsibilities are an important aspect of running a successful local, and every member of the executive board can make an impact on the local’s financial situation. Whether you are a president, secretary, trustee or treasurer, you must understand the local’s funds and be able to prepare budgets, report results and comply with a large number of local and federal laws and requirements. This workshop will provide a synopsis of those crucial responsibilities and explore tools and resources that all members and treasurers can use within their local. It will then explore best practices, case studies and audience questions with a panel of experienced local treasurers. Local presidents, secretaries and trustees are encouraged to attend as well.

Frontline Union Representative Basics

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This workshop addresses the knowledge and skills involved in effectively enforcing contract provisions and representing workers’ rights with your fire service management and jurisdiction. It will introduce and explore the issues and best practices involved in handling grievances, enforcing contract language and handling discipline issues. Additionally, this workshop reviews ways that key union personnel can inform membership on the benefits of union membership and active involvement.

Healthcare Insurance Exposé: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Business of Healthcare

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Attendees will learn the players in the healthcare industry and how to follow the money trail from broker/consultant to third-party administrator and pharmacy benefit manager. Participants will also learn the advantages of being self-insured, either through a municipal plan or union healthcare trust. Reference-based pricing will also be explained, which can save members 25-30% annually on claims. Attendees will also learn about the transparent “pass-through pharmacy pricing,” which returns all manufacturer rebates to the plan and helps to keep costs down.

Healthcare Plan Design and Retiree Healthcare Options

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Attendees will learn about preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and high-deductible plans (often called “consumer choice plans”) and other common types of plans. The inclusion of health savings accounts (HSAs) and health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) into current plans as a way of funding pre-retiree plans will also be discussed. Participants will also learn about the advantages of establishing their own union healthcare trusts (a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association [VEBA]), which can be structured for both active and retired members.

IAFF SMART Leadership Training

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
NEW This workshop will cover the following topics of using SMART: effective communications, member engagements, organizing, contract administration, effective representation (grievance and discipline) and the SMART website.

Introduction to Grievances

This workshop is offered twice:
Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The manner in which you process grievances will determine how quickly they are resolved and how your members will perceive you. A good understanding of the grievance process will better enable you to enforce the collective bargaining agreement and avoid costly arbitration hearings. In this workshop, you will learn how to evaluate and file a grievance, reduce your chances of receiving a DFR claim and develop effective grievance strategies. This workshop is ideal for local union officers and grievance committee members who have limited experience with grievances.

Local Union Administration

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Designed to help affiliate leaders achieve the goals of their locals, this course teaches the skills necessary to be effective in any role as a union officer. Information is provided on the duties of each local union officer, as well as responsibilities of the executive board and other committees in the local. It will also acquaint participants with the various services and assistance available from the IAFF.

Membership Support/Family Liaison

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
When members face major health and life challenges, ranging from getting EAP counseling to workers’ compensation to PTSD treatment, trained liaisons from the local working with the member’s family can make the difference in ensuring access to treatment and benefits. This workshop reviews a model Membership Support program that uses trained family liaisons to assist members and their families facing major life events.

Preparing for Grievance Arbitration: Choosing an Arbitrator

Preparing for Grievance Arbitration: Contract Language

Preparing for Grievance Arbitration: Evaluating Evidence

Quickbooks – A Real-World Overview

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
UPDATED Bring your laptops and your questions! In this workshop, local officers who are experienced Quickbooks users will provide a real-world overview of using Quickbooks to build, update and manage a local’s finances. Besides demonstrating best practices, this workshop will invite attendee’s questions for real-time problem solving.

Standards of Cover: Know your Universe and Have a Plan

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
UPDATED We live in a world that is driven by data and led by a younger and more tech-savvy generation that wants to know what everybody thinks. As a result, affiliates must be ready to tell their story, support their position and offer solutions when asked. This workshop will show local leaders where they can gather necessary data, how to assess their community risk, interpret workload data, explain the results to decision makers and the public, and propose solutions.

Why Do the Super-Rich Want Your Labor Rights and Your Money?

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
UPDATED If it’s not a vast right-wing conspiracy, it’s at least a well thought-out, planned and funded effort to eliminate unions and reduce unions’ political power to protect members, while allowing employers free reign to reduce or eliminate job protections, wages and benefits, including pensions. Learn the history, funding, politics and activities of those opposed to the work you do every day to protect your members and your families.

UNION LEADERSHIP TRACK

Understanding Union Leadership

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
This workshop will address the many facets of building a stronger local, including how to speak about the union to potential new members, identifying leaders, recruiting basics and how to organize members. In addition, this workshop will guide students through the process of creating an action plan to help their local organize and become more effective in its membership efforts.

Local Union Governance

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Through its constitution and by-laws, your local establishes its basic organization, including the duties and responsibilities of your local union officers, executive board and committees, as well as the various procedures that govern different types of meetings. Your local’s constitution and by-laws should provide the precepts necessary for governing your members. It should meet their needs, as well as be flexible for reasonable and future change. In this module, you will learn the important aspects of your local’s constitution and by-laws, be given tools to understand how this document influences your role as a union leader and how to properly govern your local based on this important text.

Increasing Membership Participation

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The strength of a local union depends on the active involvement of its members. Whether it’s a committee meeting, political campaign or public relations effort, your members make the difference between success and failure. This workshop provides methods to increase member participation and build an effective union.

Crisis Communication for Union Leaders

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Effectively handling and addressing a crisis requires organization and planning. This workshop will address how to plan and organize in the case of a crisis and how to communicate with the public and media when a crisis occurs.

Preparing for Negotiations: Collective Bargaining

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
The collective bargaining process allows you to negotiate for wages, benefits and other conditions of employment. To be successful at the bargaining table, you must thoroughly research and develop your strategy. In this workshop, you will learn how to set realistic goals for your membership and collect the data needed to support your case.

Conducting Negotiations: Collective Bargaining

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Actively negotiating a contract is one of the most important functions IAFF affiliate leadership can perform for members and is the key ingredient in fire fighter–employer relations. In this workshop, you will learn how to create ground rules that benefit unions, participate in mock negotiation sessions and learn how to apply bargaining techniques.

Sponsors & Exhibitors

Apply to Exhibit/Sponsor

Apply Online

Exhibitor/Sponsor Application Form

Rules/Regulations Form

Sponsorship Levels

Exhibitor Information

Booth Information

Hotel Audio/Visual Request Form

Shipping Information

RICOH, our onsite business center, requests that vendors have packages delivered no more than three business days in advance of their arrival. Please make sure each vendor includes contact information for the onsite contact on the shipping label.

Shipping Address:
Vendor First and Last Name, Vendor Company Name, Vendor Onsite Phone Number
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
1000 West Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

For more shipping information, vendors can contact our business center directly:
Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Telephone: (407) 939-3883
Email: [email protected]

Location and Hours

Coronado Ballroom Hallway

Set-Up Hours:

Saturday, January 18	1:00–4:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 19	8:00–11:00 a.m.

Exhibit Hours:

Sunday, January 19	1:00–4:00 p.m
Monday, January 20	8:00–9:15 a.m. Closed for General Session: 9:15–11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 21	8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Followed by break-down

Exhibiting Sponsors

IAFF Financial Corporation

The IAFF Financial Corporation (IAFF-FC) works with the best financial services organizations to build and develop programs to help save you and your members money and protect your financial future. From saving on car insurance to planning your retirement and everything in between, the IAFF-FC is there every step of the way. The resources generated from these programs go back to the IAFF to support additional programs and services. Our programs include: Liberty Mutual Auto & Home Insurance, IAFF-FC Insurance Division through S.F. & C. Insurance Associates, Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Security Benefit Supplemental Lifetime Income Program and CrossCountry Mortgage Home Purchasing/Refinance Program. In addition, we are rolling out a new Post-65 Medicare Advantage program for our retired members provided by Aetna, which will be available to all IAFF retirees, their spouses, widows/widowers in the U.S.

MSA Safety

At MSA, our business is safety. We’ve been the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality fire/rescue and safety products since 1914, providing sophisticated, life saving devices and protective gear – the result of countless R&D hours, relentless testing and an unwavering commitment to quality that saves lives and protects those men and women who protect us each and every day. Our core product focus emphasizes SCBA, including the revolutionary MSA G1 SCBA, Cairns^® fire helmets, Globe^® turnout gear and boots, Altair^® portable gas detection instruments and Evolution^® TICs. When You Go In, We Go In With You. Visit www.MSAfire.com for more information

Purdue University Global

Building on Purdue’s mission to provide greater access to affordable, high-quality education, Purdue University Global is a public, nonprofit institution that offers a world-class education online. Our mission is simple: deliver a fully personalized online learning experience that’s tailored to the unique needs of working adults – one that gives you the support you need to achieve your goals and creates new opportunities for your future. Purdue Global works with the IAFF to provide you and your immediate family members with the opportunity to pursue your educational and career goals. Our fire science programs are designed to help you develop an understanding of the interagency coordination necessary for fire prevention, safe and successful fire-incident command, arson investigation, and life-safety education. In addition, you may be eligible to receive credits toward your degree if you have earned certification accredited by IFSAC, Pro Board, National Fire Academy (NFA), and more.

Safety Components

Safety Components is a global market leader in technology-driven fabric solutions for first responders, military, outdoor and other high-performance textiles. An Elevate Textiles company, Safety Components has been manufacturing textile fabrics for over 100 years at its plant in Greenville, South Carolina.

TenCate Protective Fabrics

As a leading global producer of protective fabrics, TenCate is enabling millions of people worldwide to be great at what they do. Generations of professionals in industry, fire service, healthcare, military and police have been relying on our fabrics for safety, comfort and confidence. From the harshest working conditions to the welcoming sight of home. Because we recognize that the people we’re protecting are unique individuals whose lives extend beyond work. Supporting their evolving needs, our innovations lead the way in user-centered design, technology and sustainability. At TenCate we are proud to carry on our 300-year-old manufacturing tradition into the future as we continue to design, develop and produce fabrics that bring out the best in professionals. In work as well as in life.

W.L. Gore & Associates

To improve your safety and deliver 360° protection, Gore continues to push the technical capabilities of PPE. Our portfolio of products for the fire industry provides durable and reliable performance that prevents skin contamination, minimizes potential injury and delivers the highest breathability across multiple environments. We can’t change the conditions that you work in, but we continue to engineer gear to address your challenges. For more information on product performance, visit us at crosstech.com.

Exhibitors

Aetna

Aetna, a subsidiary company of CVS Health Corporation, has been providing health insurance benefits for over 165 years. Aetna partnered with the IAFF Financial Corporation (IAFF-FC) to offer retired IAFF fire fighters and their spouses the option to enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage. Aetna has four different plans to choose from. To find out more, go to iaff-fc.aetnamedicare.com or call Aetna at 1-866-246-8039 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6: 00 p.m. in all time zones.

Columbia Southern University

Achieve your goals on your own terms. At Columbia Southern University (CSU), we truly believe in offering students flexible, affordable online degree programs with exceptional service. Those programs include an associate’s degree in fire science; a bachelor’s degree in fire administration, EMS administration or occupational safety and health; a master’s degree in emergency services management or public administration; and more. By giving our students the tools they need to succeed, we provide them with an opportunity to take charge of their education in a way that no other university offers. Learn how CSU can help you achieve your dreams through education. Contact Kim Plash at [email protected] or (251) 979-6167 for more information.

Convention 2020

Visit the IAFF Convention 2020 planning team. Members of several Central Florida locals will be on site networking for potential sponsors for the upcoming IAFF Convention in Orlando, Florida, August 10-14, 2020.

Firefighter Cancer Support Network

Since 2005, the nonprofit Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) has provided assistance and one-on-one mentoring to thousands of cancer-stricken firefighters and their families. FCSN also delivers extensive firefighter cancer awareness and prevention training nationwide.

FirstNet Built With AT&T

FirstNet is a nationwide network that provides interoperable communications for the public safety community, enabling information sharing across disciplines and jurisdictions, and improved situational awareness.

IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery

The IAFF Center of Excellence is a full-service mental health and substance use disorder facility designed specifically for IAFF members. With evidence-based therapies, healing amenities and reflective activities, fire fighters and paramedics can heal alongside fellow IAFF members.

IAFF Online Store

Visit the IAFF Online Store for products ready to ship for custom-made wholesale for IAFF locals. We also create zero-inventory stores, a perfect way for smaller locals to have an e-commerce presence with little or no inventory position.

IAFF SMART

A platform to help leadership “communicate, connect and collect” with their members. SMART is a complete set of tools for communication, member engagement, roster updates, dues, PAC and charity collections, discipline and grievance tracking, contract and employer administration, direct social media integration and website administration.

IFSTA/Fire Protection Publications

Experience teaching and learning excellence with IFSTA (International Fire Service Training Association). NEW – Essentials of Fire Fighting, 7th Edition, with a full suite of support products for instructors and firefighters. Download The Essentials 7th Edition app in the App Store to stream 173 skills videos, practice tool identification and sample exam prep. The Instructor Resource Kit is priced at a SAVINGS for instructors. Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, 9th Edition – JUST RELEASED. See sample chapter at IFSTA.org. Firefighter training is our ONLY business. IFSTA training content is validated by firefighters for firefighters. IFSTA is a worldwide leader, publishing fire and emergency responder training materials for North America and the world. All IFSTA manuals are available as eBooks to meet the needs of emergency responders who are fully connected and immersed in mobile devices to communicate, socialize and learn. Find IFSTA apps in the App Store and Google Play. IFSTA – Making GOOD firefighters GREAT!

International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI)

A new international, non-profit organization has been formed to help local fire departments gather, organize and translate their data into actionable insights to improve how they evaluate risks, deploy resources and respond to fires and other emergencies. The International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI) is a collaborative of national fire service organizations, including the IAFF, and is the parent organization of FireCARES and the National Fire Operations Reporting System (NFORS). The IPSDI serves as the leading research, development and training organization focused on using data science to provide analytical tools and information to the fire service. Specifically, the IPSDI procures, assembles, analyzes and reports information from fire and rescue data then presents that information back to local departments through live dashboards. The information is used to improve how these agencies evaluate risks, deploy resources and respond to emergencies.

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

The partnership between the IAFF and MDA began in 1954 when the organization committed by proclamation to support MDA until a cure is found, and the organization’s unwavering commitment to MDA has remained strong to this day. As MDA’s largest national partner, they have raised more than $650 million for the MDA to date. Today the IAFF/MDA partnership is finding new ways to save lives by working to expand newborn screenings in the U.S. with Pompe disease or Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), so that they can be immediately eligible for lifesaving and life changing therapies.

National Diagnostic Services

National Diagnostic Services (NDS) Wellness is a leading provider of mobile clinics for large corporations, manufacturers, self-insured companies, fire departments and more. NDS provides fire fighters with early detection and preventative health physical exams directly at their station. The Annual Firefighter Wellness Visit focuses on educating the team member about his/her own health, establishing and then maintaining a personalized prevention plan that takes a comprehensive approach to improving health and preventing disease.

Oregon State Fire Fighters Council – Decal Program

The Oregon State Fire Fighters Council Decal Program has been providing IAFF decals and logo items for over 30 years. All of our products are U.S. and union made and our profits go towards our state council’s efforts on behalf of fire fighter issues throughout the state.

PBI Performance Products

PBI-blended fabrics have been trusted in the fire service for over 30 years. Recognized as the leading high-performance protective fabrics, PBI products are the preferred choice of active departments across the Americas looking for increased thermal performance, durability and comfort.

Reedy Creek, FL Local 2117

Stop by the host local’s booth for local information and merchandise.

Security Benefit

Security Benefit is an official partner of the IAFF Financial Corporation, offering the Responders First program. The Responders First program is an optional retirement program to help members, retirees and their families create supplemental lifetime income by rolling a portion of the 457 deferred compensation, IRA or DROP monies at retirement. Three key advantages to the program include: protection – your money avoids market volatility, predictability – your money earns 8% when taken as a payout and peace of mind – you are creating another source of guaranteed income for you or you and your spouse. For more program derails, contact John Piper at (561) 676-0977 or [email protected].

University of Miami – Firefighter Cancer Initiative

Faculty and staff from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine will be present to discuss current research studies and will be providing free skin cancer screenings and thyroid function tests with ultrasound. Screenings are by appointment on Sunday, January 19; Monday, January 20; and Tuesday, January 21 from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Stop by the exhibit booth to schedule your appointment.

Travel & Lodging

Hotel Information

Coronado Springs Resort

1000 West Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8403
(407) 939-1000

Reserve your hotel room online

The hotel group room rates* during the conferences:

Single/Double: $199
*Not including tax. The hotel cutoff date for the room rate is December 30, 2019.

The hotel is conveniently located across the street from Downtown Disney and 20 minutes from downtown Orlando and Orlando International Airport.

For assistance booking hotel rooms, contact the Coronado Springs Resort directly at (407) 939-4686.

Disney’s Magical Express

When staying at the Walt Disney World Resort, guests are eligible for Disney’s Magical Express service, which provides transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport. Prior to arrival, you will receive information in the mail from Disney’s Magical Express with documents regarding your transportation information and luggage tags. You must book your hotel before booking transportation.

Book Disney’s Magical Express

Disney’s Magical Express Information – PDF

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Map

Travel Information

Air Canada – KAJCV3D1
To book a flight using the promotion code, go to aircanada.com and enter the promotion code in the search panel.

Delta – NMTW3

To book flights, go to delta.com and enter the promo code for the special discounts for IAFF members or call Delta Meeting Network at 1.800.328.1111 and refer to the meeting event code.

United – ZHWY175295

Book online via united.com/meetingtravel or call United Reservations Meetings Desk at 800.426.1122 and enter the offer code box to receive your discount.

Hertz – CV#022Q9339

Union Strong 5K Fun Run

Join your IAFF brothers, sisters and their families for the Union Strong 5K Fun Run at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, January 20.

The 5K race is a fun and healthy way to kick off the conference and see the entire Disney Coronado Springs Resort property.

5K Fun Run Course Map

The 5K Fun Run registration is $30 per entrant. Proceeds directly benefit the IAFF Foundation. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and top three female finishers.

Race packet pick-up is Saturday, January 18 (3:00–5:00 p.m.) and Sunday, January 19 (7:00–8:30 a.m.) at the North Registration Desk.

All participants are required to sign the Disney Sports Waiver and Permission Form prior to the event.

Elected Human Relations Committee

The Elected Human Relations Committee (EHRC) consists of 16 members nominated and elected every four years at the corresponding IAFF Affiliate Leadership Training Summit/Human Relations Conference (ALTS/HRC), and two members nominated and elected at the IAFF Canadian Conference held during the election year. Each affiliate in attendance is allowed one vote.

All Elected Human Relations Committee members elected will begin their four-year term upon the conclusion of the conference.

Authorized Voting Delegate

Each local attending the Conference is entitled to one authorized voting delegate. The authorized voting delegate shall be either the local president or another attendee designated by the local president. A local president may designate an authorized voting delegate via the authorized delegate form.

Nomination Procedures

Nominations will begin at the conclusion of the General Session. Following the close of nominations, candidates will have two hours to accept their nominations in writing. Absent written acceptance, the nomination will be considered to have been declined. Nominee acceptance forms will be accepted at the designated Education office on Monday, January 20, 2020.

Voting and Election Procedures

Each registered local and state/provincial association in attendance will be issued one ballot at the time of voting: one local, one vote.

The president or the authorized delegate of each registered local is eligible to vote.
The president or the authorized delegate of each registered state/provincial association is eligible to vote.
Only authorized voting delegates are eligible to vote.

The election will be held on the second day of ALTS/HRC on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Voting will take place between 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. in El Paso 1-2.

Election Rules

No campaign material will be posted in or affixed to the hotel property. This includes elevators, common area tables, rooms or corridors
There will be no distribution of campaign material in any of the workshops.
The IAFF office will not print, copy or assist with any campaign material.
Candidates may place campaign material on tables at breakfast and lunch only.

FIREPAC Contribution:

Two Options for Making FIREPAC Contributions:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

FIRE OPS 101 (Train-the-Trainer) 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Offsite Transportation at 7:15 a.m. & 7:30 a.m., Coronado Ballroom Lobby

Human Relations Case Studies and Best Practices 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Yucatan 1/2/3

Media Relations: Owning the News Cycle 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Coronado D/E & F/G

Mentoring the Next Generation of Leadership 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Coronado H

New Leadership Seminar: Maximizing IAFF Resources 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Coronado J

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

3:30-4:30 p.m.

2020 Political Landscape

Accreditation and Professional Credentialing: What’s in It for Us?

Advertising Basics

Advertising on Facebook

Analysis of 2019 Canadian Federal Election

Canadian Human Relations Issues

Directors & Officers Liability Insurance/Labor Organization Bond

Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport, the ET3 Opportunity

Human Relations Technical Assistance

IAFF SMART

IAFF-FC/Aetna Medicare Advantage Program

JANUS Updates

LGBTQ Q&A

Lifestyle Countermeasures for Fire Fighters

NFPA 1710 Updates

Need Money for Training and Equipment? Grants Aren’t That Hard

Not Just a Report: Using Your Standards of Cover

Pension Analysis Practical Session

Pregnancy/Women's Issues

Social Media Basics

Tracking Your Cancer and Behavioral Health Exposures With the NFORS App

The 24-Hour Shift: Legal Q&A

Using IAFF Toolkits

Where’s the Tax Money Going? Meet Subsidy Tracker and GASB Statement 77

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

Session 1, January 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

Session 2, January 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

Session 3, January 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Session 4, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

Session 5, January 22, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

Session 6, January 22, 10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m

CANADIAN WORKSHOPS

COMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNICATIONS - MEMBER ENGAGEMENT TRACK

FEDERAL FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING

FRONTLINE UNION REPRESENTATIVE TRACK

GRANTS

HEALTH AND SAFETY

HUMAN RELATIONS

LEADERSHIP

LEGAL

NEGOTIATIONS BOOTCAMP TRACK

NEW OFFICER TRACK

PENSION AND RETIREMENT

POLITICS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

UNION ADMINISTRATION

UNION LEADERSHIP TRACK

Apply to Exhibit/Sponsor

Exhibitor Information

Exhibiting Sponsors

Exhibitors

Hotel Information

Coronado Springs Resort

Travel Information

Elected Human Relations Committee

FIRE OPS 101 (Train-the-Trainer)
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Offsite
Transportation at 7:15 a.m. & 7:30 a.m., Coronado Ballroom Lobby

Human Relations Case Studies and Best Practices
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Yucatan 1/2/3

Media Relations: Owning the News Cycle
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Coronado D/E & F/G

Mentoring the Next Generation of Leadership
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Coronado H

New Leadership Seminar: Maximizing IAFF Resources
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Coronado J