2026 KSAFC Conference
Margaritaville Hotel, Kansas City Kansas
October 28th - 30th, 2026
The 2026 Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs 110th Annual Conference will be held at the Margaritaville Hotel in Kansas City, KS. Conference Registration, includes access to all programming, including the awards luncheon, keynote speakers, business meeting, and the vendor expo.
2026 KSAFC Conference
October 28-30, 2026
Margaritaville Resort - Kansas City, Kansas
The 2026 Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs 110th Annual Conference will be held at the Margaritaville Hotel in Kansas City, KS. Conference Registration, includes access to all programming, including the awards luncheon, keynote speakers, business meeting, and the vendor expo. See Full Schedule and Registration Details Below.
2026 Conference Schedule:
Tuesday, October 27th
7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - Open Networking (Margaritaville Lobby Bar)
Wednesday, October 28th
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Chief’s Roundtable (FREE - Registration Encouraged!)
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - FMAK Meeting
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - FD Administrative Assistant Forum
5:30 - 11:00 p.m. - Open Networking (Margaritaville Lobby Bar)
Thursday, October 29th
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Registration Open
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Vendor Trade Show
8:00 a.m. - Conference Opening & Welcome
8:30 a.m. - Memorial Service
8:35 a.m. - Elected Officials and Industry Reports
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - KEYNOTE: Dr. David Griffin - In Honor of The Charleston 9
Explore the Charleston 9 tragedy as a powerful case study in organizational culture, leadership, and the lasting impact of a line-of-duty death on a fire department, its firefighters, and their families.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Break with Vendors
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Awards Ceremony & Luncheon
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Break with Vendors
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - KEYNOTE: Dr. David Griffin - In Honor of The Charleston 9
Building from the Charleston 9 lessons, this session takes a deeper look at the real cost of the fire service—mental health, suicide, occupational cancer, principled leadership, and the critical role of family support.
4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Break with Vendors
4:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m. - KSAFC New Business Updates
4:50 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - SAFER Grant Update
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Vendor Night BBQ
Friday, October 30th
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 am - KEYNOTE: Fire Marshal Mark Engholm - Fire Service Leadership
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - KEYNOTE: Dave Carroll - Creating a Storytelling Culture
When faced with a difficult customer service issue with United Airlines in 2009, Dave used his ability as a master storyteller to share his issue with the world. The resulting YouTube music video called “United Breaks Guitars” became an instant viral hit.
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch & Networking
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Business Meeting
4:00 p.m. - Conference Closing
Thursday Luncheon:
Participants of Wednesday sessions are invited to attend the awards luncheon. Please denote any dietary restrictions as you complete the registration process and when prompted for "Special Accommodations."
Sponsors and Vendors - REGISTER NOW!
KSAFC is coordinating sponsorships and vendors to support and attend this conference. If interested in these opportunities, please contact ksafc1@gmail.com or visit www.ksafc.org
Price: $200 for attendance on Thursday and Friday
Refunds:
Cancellations made to before the first day of the conference will be refunded in full upon request. Cancellations thereafter or conference no-shows will not be refunded.