When and where is Fire-Rescue International (FRI) 2026?

FRI 2026 takes place August 12–14, 2026, in Kansas City, MO. The host venue is the Kansas City Convention Center, with related events at nearby downtown locations including the T-Mobile Center and KC Live!.

Who should attend Fire-Rescue International?

FRI is designed for fire and emergency service leaders, including fire/EMS chiefs, chief officers, and company officers. It draws thousands of attendees from across North America and around the world for leadership education, networking, and an industry expo.

How do I register for FRI 2026?

Registration is open through the official IAFC registration portal. Pass options include the All Access Pass and the Discover Pass, and some special events require tickets that must be purchased in advance during registration. You must register for the conference before you can secure a hotel room in the housing block.

How much does it cost to exhibit at FRI 2026?

General exhibitor booths are $22.00 per square foot for 100–2,500 SF and $20.00 per square foot for 2,501+ SF, with lower rates for Expo and GEM Partners. Tech Zone booths are $27.00 per square foot and include carpet, a table, two chairs, and a wastebasket. Each 10x10 booth includes three complimentary exhibitor badges.

What are the featured highlights of FRI 2026?

FRI 2026 features an Opening General Session with keynote speaker Nick Lavery and a Closing General Session with AI and innovation expert Dan Chuparkoff. New for 2026 are the Discovery Stage on the show floor and a streamlined two-day exhibit hall, plus special events like the Kick-Off Party, Future Focus Lunch, Health & Wellness Experience, and Block Party.

Fire-Rescue International (FRI) 2026 — Kansas City, MO | Trade Show Event Directory

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Fire-Rescue International (FRI) 2026 — Kansas City, MO | Trade Show Event Directory | Trade Show Directory

Attendance

FRI 2025, held in Orlando, Florida, drew more than 5,000 fire and EMS professionals from across the globe for the 152nd IAFC Fire-Rescue International conference. The audience is made up primarily of fire and emergency service leaders — fire chiefs, chief officers, and company officers — from across North America and around the world.

Booth Pricing

Exhibit space at FRI 2026 is priced per square foot, with tiered rates for General Exhibitors, Expo Partners, and GEM Partners:

100–2,500 SF: $22.00/SF (General), $20.00/SF (Expo Partner), $19.25/SF (GEM Partner)
2,501+ SF: $20.00/SF (General), $19.00/SF (Expo Partner), $17.50/SF (GEM Partner)
Tech Zone booths: $27.00/SF (all tiers); the Tech Zone package includes carpet, one 6' draped table, two chairs, and a wastebasket

Partner fees are $2,500 (Expo Partner) and $7,500 (GEM Partner). Each 10x10 booth receives 3 complimentary exhibitor badges, with 2 additional badges for every extra 100 SF. Standard linear booths include an 8' pipe-and-drape backwall, 3' side rails, and an ID sign, but do not include carpet, furniture (except Tech Zone), or electrical. Contract and payment are due within 30 days of booth reservation.

Registration

Registration for FRI 2026 is open through the official IAFC registration portal (iafc.swoogo.com/fri2026). Pass options include the All Access Pass and the Discover (Discovery) Pass; a Discovery Pass is a $50 value that provides access to the Expo Hall, General Sessions, and the Thursday Health & Wellness event.

Special events can be added during registration — some are complimentary while others require a ticket that must be purchased in advance. All Access Pass holders receive a ticket to the Kick-Off Party, while Discover Pass attendees may purchase tickets; All Access attendees may also purchase additional guest tickets. You must register for the conference in order to secure hotel housing — the housing block link appears on the final page of registration and in your confirmation email.

History

Fire-Rescue International traces its roots to 1873, when fire service leaders first met to share innovations and improve fire department operations. Over more than 150 years it has grown into the premier leadership conference for the fire and EMS community. The event is hosted annually by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and rotates among host cities across the United States, typically in August. The 2025 edition in Orlando marked the 152nd IAFC Fire-Rescue International conference.