Page 27 - InCommand Volume 30

Conference Info
Dear Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association Members and our Vendor Friends,
It is once again time to start making your plans
and register for the 2020 Ohio Fire & Rescue Officer Development Conference being held on July 16-20, 2020
at the Columbus Hilton at Easton. The theme for 2020 is “A New Decade of Dedication and Opportunities,” which will offer you and your members and officers to gain current knowledge on our ever-changing service.
Once again, the Conference will be held at the Hilton Columbus at Easton. You are encouraged to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible so that you can be a part of the discounted block prices. We do usually run out of the blocked rooms, so make sure to make your reservations early! Once it gets closer to Conference time, we will have on the website a dress code that should help make your packing a little easier, especially for all of the first-time attendees.
To our vendors, we need you to get your things in line for your booth space that you want. Booth spaces are being sold daily, and your “favorite” spot may be taken! This information is available on the OFCA website. If you are a vendor interested in sponsoring any of our classes or events, please let me know ASAP. We are very fortunate to have
our vendor friends as a constant support to our Association, and we appreciate your willingness to help carry out another successful Conference.
Please make sure to pay attention to the registration forms. There is a form for the OFCA member and a form for the member’s partner/guest. Read these forms over (I encourage you to go to the website to see the forms). You will see that you can make choices of packages and event tickets. We ask that you send in your registration forms at the same time to alleviate any confusion.
The educational program is coming together nicely, and include some of the educators that you have asked for. I am sure that you will look forward to learning from them.
This year, we will be utilizing a color tracking system for you to hopefully create your own schedule to fit your needs. There will be classes pertaining to five different tracking systems to take advantage of:
1. Officer Development
2. Wellness and Safety
3. Human Relations
4. Volunteer Opportunities
5. Special Classes
We hope that the tracking system will help you form a schedule of classes that are beneficial to YOU.
Thursday, July 16, 2020: As always, there are pre- Conference opportunities available to you, which are on the OFCA website. We will have an ISO class on Thursday, July 16, 2020.
Friday, July 17, 2020: There are opportunities to visit with our Vendors on Friday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM and again, on Saturday, July 18, 2020 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. On Saturday evening, we will enjoy America’s Funniest Comedy Magician, Dewayne Hill.
Sunday, July 19, 2020: In the morning, you will have the opportunity to gather for a worship service. We will also have workshops from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. The Presidential Banquet will be held Sunday evening.
Monday, July 20, 2020: We will conclude the 2020 Conference with a special 3-hour workshop with our keynote speaker.
Certificates will be available for class attendees, and they will be given out after class.
Please make sure you share any information with your fellow Chiefs, especially those who have not attended Conference in the past. Also share with your members, officers, and partners. We are planning to host a Saturday and Sunday daytime event for partners at the hotel, so make sure your partners know!
The Easton area is continually growing – how can you forget about the shopping and restaurants available in the area? I am sure that the Conference will be a great family outing for everyone!
Update information will be available on the OFCA website as it comes available, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!
I look forward to seeing you in July at the 2020 Ohio Fire & Rescue Officer Development Conference!
Stay Safe!
Retired Chief Thomas Wallace Conference Director chiefwallace@station67.org Cell: (937) 623-2863
APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 • www.ohiofirechiefs.org I n C o m m a n d 27