NYSAFC | New York State Association of Fire Chiefs 2026
Event Date
June 10–13, 2026
Location
Syracuse, NY
Expected Exhibitors
200
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe NYSAFC Annual Conference & FIRE Expo is the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs' flagship event and, according to organizers, the premier fire service, rescue, and EMS exposition and educational event in the Northeast. The 2026 edition marks the 120th Annual Conference and takes place June 10–13 at The Oncenter in Syracuse, New York.
The event brings together first responders of all ranks — fire chiefs, firefighters, EMS personnel, fire commissioners, and building code officials — for a program built around exhibits, classroom seminars, accredited training, hands-on fireground courses, and networking. Attendees can explore a large exhibit floor showcasing apparatus, equipment, tools, and new technologies, while learning from industry leaders and connecting with peers from across the nation.
Whether you are looking to upgrade skills, source equipment, or network with fellow first responders, the conference offers something for every experience level. It is worth attending for its combination of accredited education, real-world hands-on training, and one of the region's largest gatherings of fire and emergency services professionals and vendors.
Show Highlights
- Three days of exhibits featuring apparatus, equipment, tools, and services from leading fire service and EMS vendors
- 30+ seminars presented by renowned industry leaders for Conference Full Term registrants
- Accredited training available for fire commissioners, EMS personnel, and building code officials
- Hands-On Training (HOT) courses delivered at the Syracuse Fire Department Training Center, led by highly skilled instructors
- Networking events connecting first responders from across the country
- Supports the NYSAFC mission of "Providing Service To Those Who Serve"
Registration
Registration can be completed in advance online or on-site at the Gate 1 (Main Gate) Box Office. Ticket and pass types include:
- Exhibits-Only: Pre-Registration is $25 per person (includes three tickets); On-Site is $10 per person, per day. Valid for entrance to the exhibits only (Thursday–Saturday).
- Full Term Registration: $50 per person for NYSAFC individual members and $100 per person for non-members. This four-day pass covers entry to the conference, including exhibits (Thursday–Saturday) and denoted education programs (Wednesday–Saturday). Wednesday is an education day only, with no exhibits. Organizers have noted lower prices for 2026.
- Kids 15 and Under: Free entry to the exhibits.
- Hands-On Training (HOT): Requires a separate registration form; HOT registration includes Full Term registration for entry to the exhibits and most classes at The Oncenter.
Cancellation note: Full Term and One Day Ticket cancellations must be submitted in writing, a 25% service fee applies, and the deadline for requesting a refund is July 6, 2026.
History
The 2026 event marks the 120th Annual Conference of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, reflecting a long-running tradition as the Northeast's premier fire service, rescue, and EMS exposition and educational event. The conference is organized by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs in support of its mission, "Providing Service To Those Who Serve."
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Venue & Travel
Venue
The Oncenter Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center
800 South State Street
The Oncenter is Syracuse's downtown convention and civic complex, which includes the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center along with adjoining theaters and the Onondaga County War Memorial arena. It hosts the conference's exhibits and many of the classroom education sessions, while the associated Hands-On Training courses are conducted separately at the Syracuse Fire Department Training Center.
Parking
Parking is available in The Oncenter Parking Garage at 800 South State Street, Syracuse, NY 13202. Parking rates vary by vehicle size and entry time, and event-specific rates are posted on entry signage. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and overnight parking is not permitted. Additional garages and lots are available in the surrounding downtown area.
Getting There
The nearest airport is Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), located north of the city roughly 7–9 miles (about a 10–17 minute drive) from downtown and The Oncenter. Public transit between the airport and downtown is limited, but taxis and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are available at SYR. Syracuse is also reachable by Amtrak and Megabus, which stop at the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center, and CENTRO buses serve the downtown area. Interstate 81 provides direct highway access to downtown (Exit 18 toward Harrison St/Adams St).
Nearby Hotels
NYSAFC reserves room blocks in nine hotels; individuals must be registered as an attendee or exhibitor to reserve rooms through the blocks, which are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Nearby downtown options include:
- Marriott Syracuse Downtown — the historic official hotel of The Oncenter, located just steps away (within about a 5-minute walk).
- Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel and Suites — roughly 0.2 miles from the Marriott, in the downtown core.
- Courtyard by Marriott Syracuse Downtown at Armory Square — in the Armory Square district, close to The Oncenter.
- Residence Inn Syracuse Downtown at Armory Square — all-suite property with full kitchens, minutes from The Oncenter.
- The Parkview Hotel — within about a 15-minute walk of The Oncenter.
- Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor — near the downtown/Inner Harbor area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the NYSAFC FIRE 2026 Expo held?
The NYSAFC 120th Annual Conference & FIRE 2026 Expo takes place June 10–13, 2026, at The Oncenter, located at 800 South State Street in downtown Syracuse, New York.
Who should attend the conference?
The event is designed for fire service professionals, rescue teams, and EMS personnel of all ranks, including fire chiefs, firefighters, fire commissioners, EMS providers, and building code officials. First responders from across the nation attend for education, training, exhibits, and networking.
How do I register and how much does it cost?
You can register online in advance or on-site at the Gate 1 Box Office. Full Term registration is $50 per person for NYSAFC members and $100 for non-members, while exhibits-only access is $25 pre-registered (three tickets) or $10 per person per day on-site; kids 15 and under enter the exhibits free.
What does the conference program include?
The program features three days of exhibits from leading vendors, 30+ seminars from industry leaders, accredited training for commissioners, EMS personnel, and code officials, and hands-on training courses at the Syracuse Fire Department Training Center. There are also networking events for first responders.
Where can I stay and how do I get there?
NYSAFC reserves room blocks in nine hotels, including the Marriott Syracuse Downtown just steps from The Oncenter; you must be registered to book through the blocks. The nearest airport is Syracuse Hancock International (SYR), about 7–9 miles away, with taxis and rideshare available, and Interstate 81 provides direct access downtown.
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