IAFC | International Hazardous Materials Response Teams 2026
Event Date
June 19–21, 2026
Location
Baltimore, MD
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference (Hazmat), organized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), is a leading annual training event for hazardous materials professionals. It is described as the largest and most comprehensive hazardous materials event in the world, bringing together 120+ world-class instructors, cutting-edge content, and professionals from all 50 states and more than 15 countries.
Held each spring, the IAFC's Hazmat Conference provides the latest classroom, hands-on and field trip-based training on what's new in hazmat, covering all aspects of hazmat, including transportation, safety, WMD, gear, terrorism, mass decontamination, bioterrorism and more. The program spans core disciplines including detection and monitoring, decontamination, incident command, responder safety, and emerging threats.
From brand-new technicians to seasoned special operations commanders, every level of expertise is challenged and elevated. With all major training organizations under one roof, plus networking and innovative exhibits, it is a must-attend event for anyone serious about Hazmat response.
Show Highlights
- 120+ world-class instructors and content spanning every level of Hazmat expertise.
- Exclusive sessions, with over 30% never presented before, leadership development opportunities, and direct access to policy and standards leaders.
- A hazmat exhibit floor that includes outdoor demonstrations of hazardous materials gear and equipment.
- Sessions focused on hazardous materials response tactics, chemical and transportation incidents, and emerging threats such as lithium batteries, alternative fuels, and illicit drugs, plus detection and monitoring, decontamination, incident command, responder safety and health, WMD response, environmental impact, and disaster management.
- Networking with all major training organizations under one roof, alongside innovative exhibits.
Attendance
The conference draws a broad, international audience. The IAFC Hazmat Conference 2026 draws hazmat professionals from all 50 states and more than 15 countries for four days of learning and collaboration. Published sources do not state a specific total attendee count.
Registration
Registration is handled online through the official conference site and the IAFC. New users are prompted to create an account, which becomes available upon conference registration. For lodging, the conference room block will open for reservations in February 2026. For exhibitors, 2025 exhibitors could lock in their 2025 booth until 5 pm on Friday, June 13, and current exhibitors could select other available booths beginning at 10 AM on Saturday, June 14. General inquiries can be directed to the IAFC at 703-896-4834 or conferences@iafc.org.
History
The conference is a long-running annual event produced by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Hazmat 2026 will be held again at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland. The four-day event is held each year at the Hilton in Baltimore, Maryland. It is produced under the guidance of the IAFC Hazardous Materials Committee, which serves as the IAFC's subject matter expert on hazardous materials and dangerous goods. Publicly available sources do not state the exact founding year.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor
401 W Pratt St.
The Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor is a downtown convention hotel. It is the only hotel connected by an enclosed, temperature-controlled sky bridge to the Baltimore Convention Center. The hotel sits next to Camden Yards, is connected to the Baltimore Convention Center, and is near Inner Harbor attractions. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, on-site parking, complimentary Wi-Fi access in guest rooms and meeting areas, and an on-site restaurant.
Parking
On-site parking is available at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor. The parking facility has a maximum vehicle height of 7'2". Additional public garages and lots operate nearby in the downtown/Camden Yards area for those who prefer off-site options.
Getting There
The nearest airport is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). BWI Airport is about a 14-minute drive from the hotel. For public transit, Camden Station's light rail is a three-minute walk and offers airport transit to nearby BWI Marshall Airport. Rideshare and taxi service are readily available throughout downtown Baltimore.
Nearby Hotels
The Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor is the host hotel; a conference room block is available (opening for reservations in February 2026). The venue is in Baltimore's Downtown West district, placing numerous additional hotels within walking distance. The hotel is well placed to visit the Baltimore Convention Center and Oriole Park at Camden Yards, both within a 5-minute walk, with M&T Bank Stadium within half a mile and the National Aquarium in Baltimore within 2 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 IAFC Hazmat Conference?
Hazmat 2026 takes place June 19-21, 2026, at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland. The IAFC also schedules pre-conference training days ahead of the main program.
Who should attend the Hazmat Conference?
The event is designed for hazardous materials professionals at every level, from brand-new technicians to seasoned special operations commanders. Attendees come from all 50 states and more than 15 countries.
What kind of training and content does the conference offer?
It provides classroom, hands-on, and field trip-based training covering all aspects of hazmat, including transportation, safety, WMD, gear, terrorism, mass decontamination, and bioterrorism. The exhibit floor also features outdoor demonstrations of hazardous materials gear and equipment.
How do I register and book a hotel room?
Registration is completed online through the official conference site, where new users create an account. The conference hotel room block opens for reservations in February 2026.
How do I get to the venue from the airport?
The nearest airport is BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, roughly a 14-minute drive from the hotel. Camden Station's light rail is a three-minute walk from the Hilton and connects directly to BWI.
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