NYSAFC 114th Annual Conference & FIRE 2020 Expo Canceled

The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs board of directors regretfully announces the cancellation of the NYSAFC 114th Annual Conference & FIRE 2020 Expo, which was scheduled for June 10-13 of this year, at The Oncenter in Syracuse, NY.

It was a very hard decision to make, but the well-being of our attendees and vendors is our top priority. After carefully considering current federal recommendations, New York state directives, and local mandates related to COVID-19, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and logistical issues, the board reached the decision not to reschedule the event for later this year. With New York state at the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis, we understand and appreciate that many of our fire and EMS attendees must focus on duties in their home communities during these challenging times.

All attendees and exhibitors will have the option to receive credit for next year's FIRE 2021 registration or a refund. NYSAFC staff continues to work remotely and all registrants and vendors have been contacted. Hotel reservations made through NYSAFC will be canceled by Visit Syracuse and no further action is necessary. Attendees that made hotel reservations outside of the group block and not through the association will be responsible for canceling their own reservations directly with their hotel.

As you know, NYSAFC is a not-for-profit organization. The Annual Conference & FIRE Expo is critical to our core mission of providing education for the emergency services and promoting new technologies. It is also a major source of funding for our year-round activities that benefit the entire service, from training to advocacy to technical support. The cancellation of FIRE 2020 will undoubtedly have an impact on the operations of our association. So, to help us carry on our tradition of “Providing Service To Those Who Serve,” we will need your support moving forward. If possible, we ask that you consider rolling over your registration to FIRE 2021, to take part in our training programs scheduled for later this year, and to renew your NYSAFC membership or join the association.

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on New York state. We have lost many active and retired first responders to the coronavirus. We honor those we have lost and those who continue to tirelessly serve citizens across the Empire State. We thank you for your hard work during these extraordinary times.

This is the first time the NYSAFC conference has been canceled since 1917 and 1918, when it was called off due to World War I. More than a century later, our event continues to grow and thrive, so we know we will make it to the other side of this pandemic stronger. Although we're all disappointed that FIRE 2020 has been canceled, the Annual Conference & FIRE Expo will be back, bigger and better than ever in Syracuse from June 16-19, 2021. Registration will be opening soon. We look forward to seeing you there! Until then, stay safe and healthy.

Attendees with questions can email NYSAFC, while exhibitors should contact FIRE Show Management.