FAQ
Have questions about the Strive for Excellence Summit? Our FAQ covers the basics. For everything else, tap the button below to send us an email.
Registration & Payment
What is the Strive for Excellence Summit?
Strive for Excellence is the IAFF’s premier educational conference.
Beginning March 29, 2026, the week-long event will offer 100 new workshops across 19 focused topics, including sessions offering CEUs and critical fire-industry accreditation. Members can build a custom schedule from a range of areas, including operations, EMS, bargaining, union leadership, health and safety, communications, research, peak human performance, and union administration.
The summit features five full days of new, hands-on training at the Carpenters International Training Center and the North Las Vegas Fire Department Training Center, providing members with scenario-based instruction rooted in the realities of today’s fire service.
Strive for Excellence will also include an IAFF Olympics, inviting members from both nations to compete in a fire-centric test of physical ability.
Who can attend?
Strive for Excellence is open to all IAFF members. With more than 200 workshops, Strive for Excellence prepares IAFF members for leadership on the fire ground and in the union hall.
Is this just for union officers?
No. Many Strive for Excellence classes are built for success on the fireground, especially our new hands-on workshops.
How do I register?
You register online through the IAFF Strive for Excellence website. Click the red button that says “Register Now.”
During registration, you’ll be able to choose your workshops and tracks, as well as submit payment for yourself and others. You will also have the option to contribute to FIREPAC during the registration process.
Can my Local pay my registration?
Yes. During registration, you can select “register myself” or “register someone else.” The latter option allows you to register and pay for other IAFF members.
Can I apply my Strive for Excellence registration to FIREPAC?
Yes. Registrations after Jan. 1 can be applied to the current FIREPAC year.
U.S. members who select one of the FIREPAC options to register must use a personal credit card. U.S. members cannot use a union or corporate credit card or seek reimbursement for their contribution to FIREPAC. One person cannot use a personal credit card to cover multiple registrants contributing to FIREPAC.
Contributions to FIREPAC are not tax-deductible, and previous FIREPAC contributions cannot be applied toward the FIREPAC registration option.
Travel & Lodging
How do I book my hotel?
IAFF provides a discounted room rate for Strive for Excellence attendees at the MGM Grand Hotel, the summit’s main venue. You can book your room and learn more on our Travel and Lodging page.
How do I book a flight?
Several airlines, including Air Canada, Delta, and United, have promotional codes available for IAFF members attending Strive for Excellence. You can learn more on our Travel and Lodging page.
Do I need to attend all five days?
No. Registrants can attend any part of the Strive for Excellence Summit. When selecting workshops, you can build a schedule that fits the days you are in Las Vegas.
Are meals provided?
Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all Strive for Excellence Summit registrants. We will also have a Welcome Reception at the MGM Grand on Monday, March 30.
Workshops & Schedule
How do I choose my classes?
In addition to five days of workshops at the MGM Grand, Strive offers five full days of hands-on training held offsite at the state-of-the-art Carpenters International Training Center and the North Las Vegas Fire Department Training Center. Our agenda features a fully searchable schedule. You’ll be able to select courses based on availability and your interests. Some classes fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended.
How do I update my workshop selections after registering?
You can update your workshops through the IAFF Strive for Excellence website.
- Click the red “Register Now” button to sign in with your IAFF Username and password.
- Select your program and view it by Day.
- Use the red “Add” button to add workshops.
- Use the “Remove” link to delete workshops.
- Resolve any schedule conflicts highlighted in red.
- When finished, click Proceed to Checkout, then Submit Order to save your changes.
Can I earn certifications or CEUs?
Yes. Many Strive courses offer industry certifications, continuing education units (CEUs), and IAFF training credit. These details are listed in each course description.