About the 2025 AFCA Conference and Trade Show
Get ready to be captivated as we unveil the incredible lineup for our AFCA Conference & Tradeshow in the vibrant city of Calgary, Alberta. Discover a world of endless possibilities as we bring you the latest trends, cutting-edge technologies, and insights in the firefighting industry.
Join us at the iconic BMO Centre for an immersive experience like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this is the event to ignite your passion and propel you towards excellence.
Mark your calendar and get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure with the AFCA Conference & Tradeshow!
Accommodations & Host Hotel
HOTEL ARTS (Host Hotel)
Delegates of the 2025 AFCA Conference can self book accommodations at the Hotel Arts located at 119 – 12th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta.
Luxury Two Queens -$193/ night + taxes
Two queen-size beds, bright decor, smart functionality and a balcony with a city or pool view. Free high-speed Internet.
Luxury - One King Bed - $193/ night + taxes
389 sq ft luxury rooms feature one king-size bed, bright decor, smart functionality and a balcony with a city or pool view. Free high-speed Internet.
Luxury Suite - King - $253/ night + taxes
spacious 610 sq ft luxury suites are beautifully appointed with designer décor, roomy lounge areas and a full-size wet bar. Free high-speed Internet
Telephone: 403.206.9565
Email: [email protected]
Web Page: https://www.hotelarts.ca
Delegates should identify themselves as members of Alberta Fire Chiefs Association.
To book, visit Hotel Arts booking link for the AFCA.
Room block will close Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
Hotel Parking
Complimentary surface and underground parking with Hotel Arts.
Height restrictions in underground hotel parkade. Surface lots available.
FAIRFIELD INN and SUITES CALGARY DOWNTOWN (Secondary Hotel)
Delegates of the 2025 AFCA Conference can book accommodations at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Calgary Downtown, located at 239 – 12th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta.
Standard Room $169 / night + taxes
Stand room includes your choice of two queen beds, one queen bed, or one king bed, in a room.
Mini fridge, Microwave, 200sqft/18sqm, Wireless internet, complimentary, Wired internet, complimentary, Coffee/tea maker.
Telephone: 403-351-6500 or 877-236-2427
Fairfield Inn and Suites Calgary Downtown Website: Marriott.com/YYCFI
Delegates should identify themselves as members of Alberta Fire Chiefs Association.
Visit Fairfield Inn and Suites Calgary Downtown booking link for the AFCA by visiting this link Book Your Group/Corporate Rate | Marriott International.
Reservations can be cancelled up to 72 hours prior to arrival without penalty. If an individual reservation is cancelled within 72 hours of the scheduled arrival, a cancellation fee equal to one (1) night’s room revenue will be charged. Additional costs for triple and quadruple occupancy may apply.
Room block will close on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Hotel Parking
Parking is available and fees will apply.
Hotel – BMO Shuttle Service
Complementary shuttle service between the hotels and BMO centre will be available Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
See links for shuttle service schedule.
Tradeshow – BMO Centre
Stampede Park, Calgary Alberta
The Alberta Fire Chiefs Association will be hosting its 77th Annual Conference and Trade Show at the BMO Centre located at 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary, AB. The Trade Show is scheduled on Sunday, May 25 from 18:00 to 21:00 and Monday, May 26 from 09:00 to 16:30.
You must be a registered Trade Member of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association to participate in the 2025 Trade Show.
Set-up time for Trade Show participants takes place Sunday, May 25 from 08:00 to 15:00 for all inside trade show booths.
Trades must have a booth in order to do business on the trade show floor.
All booths and displays must remain until 4:30 pm on Monday, May 26, 2025. AFCA will consider an early departure administration fee of $250 if you depart earlier then the end of the show.
INSURANCE
Proof of insurance certificate is required.
$2 Million, listing BMO, Calgary Stampede and AFCA on the certificate.
Insurance Certificate is due at time of payment. Please forward to Kelly Legris [email protected]. Booth and Apparatus spots will be confirmed upon receipt of the insurance certificate.
CANOPIES
Inside canopies must have CANULC S109 Fire Rating in order to be inside Halls D and E. A canopy without this rating will be removed.
LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Electric vehicles with Lithium-ion batteries are required to have an alternative way to show features. Electric vehicles can not be charged inside Halls D and E.
Portable tools with Lithium-Ion batteries can not be charged overnight in Halls D and E.
Fire apparatus vehicles must have a 1/4 tank of fuel or less while parked inside Halls D and E.
Click Below to view PDF of BMO Centre
LOAD-IN ACCESS
AFCA Trades Load in Access Details
AFCA Trades – Load-in Access
Trades will have access to load into Hall D and E from 09:00 to 3:30 pm through Over Head Doors (OH) #21, OH #22 and OH #23. LOADING DOCKS 15′-7″ (H) x 8′-3″ (W) (WILL BE RAISED DURING SET-UP).
Please ensure you have a confirmed Voyage Control booking as it is required for access to the BMO Centre loading apron. This is mandatory.
Please reference the Trade Show Floor Plan.
All display materials must be loaded in by 15:00. A forklift and operator will assist with movement of crates for the inside trade show booths. This service is complimentary to AFCA trade members.
If a trade requires assistance to move crates and boxes, they must arrive early to ensure a smooth load in and movement on the trade show floor.
Apparatus Parking
Apparatus will commence parking at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 25 through Over Head Doors (OH) #18 to Hall D and OH #24 to Hall E. Vehicles will not be allowed to park at the doors as this will block fire apparatus access.
Please complete the Vehicle Inspection Form and Vehicle Access Form for Calgary Stampede. These forms are mandatory for all apparatus parking in Halls D and E. The Vehicle Inspection Form is required to remain on the dashboard during the trade show.
The apparatus parking schedule will be emailed to trades on Monday, May 13.
BMO Centre Policy – PLEASE REFERENCE
Electric vehicles can not be charged inside Halls D and E at any point in time.
Trades will need to have an alternative way to show features if there is a Lithium-ion battery is in the vehicle.
Portable tools can not be charged overnight in Halls D and E.
Tools can be charged during trade show hours if there is a trade representative in the booth while the tools are charged.
Drones are required to be tethered in Halls D and E.
Inside Canopies
All inside Canopies must have a CANULC S109 Fire Rating on the canopy. Canopies that do not have the fire rating will be removed from Halls D and E.
Trade Show Hours
The Trade Show is scheduled for Sunday, May 25 from 18:00 to 21:00 and Monday, May 26 from 09:00 to 16:30.
LOAD OUT
Trades can commence to pack up and remove their booth on Monday, May 26 at 16:30.
Trades that require access to the loading docks to load out will be provided a QR code from the BMO Centre exhibitor concierge staff when they are packed and ready to move out of the trade hall.
All booths must be cleared by Monday, May 26 in the evening. Trade Members are responsible for removal of their booth and departure with their preferred courier.
There is a fee of $1,000 invoiced to Trades that leave vehicles or material in the trade halls past the scheduled time on Monday, May 26.
APPARATUS PARKING
Apparatus will commence parking at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday May 25th.
The apparatus parking schedule will be emailed to trades one week prior to the conference and trade show.
Apparatus and all display materials must not exceed assigned space. Number of apparatus are to be equivalent to the apparatus spot(s) purchased.
Click Below to view PDF Enlargement of Halls Trade Show Floor Plan in Halls D & E
Additional Exhibitor Information:
Click Here For Goodkey Exhibitor Kit
BMO Centre Exhibitor Order Form
Annual Golf Tournament –
$175.00
Partners Program
The Partner’s Program fee of $250 plus GST covers the following conference items:
- Trade Show welcome reception on Sunday, May 25, BMO Centre, Calgary
- Breakfast on Monday and Tuesday in the BMO Centre
- Lunch on Monday in the Trade Show at the BMO Centre.
- Lunch on Tuesday in the Ballroom, BMO Centre.
- Breakfast on Wednesday, Spectrum 4 & 5, Hotel Arts.
- AFCA Annual Banquet on Tuesday, May 28, Spectrum 4 & 5, Hotel Arts.
The Partner’s Program Committee has planned extra activities for the 2025 conference. Please visit the Partners Program Page.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Conference Coordinator, Kelly Legris.
$250.00
Sponsors
We invite you to join us as a sponsor and play a crucial role in making this event an unforgettable experience. If you’re eager to make a difference, head over to our Sponsorship Page and discover the exciting opportunities that await you. As a sponsor, your company logo will be proudly showcased alongside other esteemed partners, and you may even have the chance to share potential links to your website, depending on our Sponsorship Levels. Help us shape the future of the AFCA Conference by becoming a sponsor today!
AFCA would like to take this opportunity to thank 2024 Conference Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a guide to assist you in getting the most out of this 77th Annual Conference and Trade Show.
The AFCA will kick-off the Conference on Sunday, May 25 with an opening keynote speaker, two workshops followed by Member Round Table sessions prior to the Opening Ceremonies and Memorial Service.
The Conference will conclude on Wednesday, May 28. Please reference the Conference Schedule to view the details and full line-up of speakers.
ARE THERE ANY ADVANTAGES FOR EARLY REGISTRATION?
Yes, you’ll save $100.00 if you register before Friday, April 4, 2025. Please visit the Delegate Registration Page and complete your registration.
Please view the Conference Schedule to see the line up of keynote speakers and workshop speakers.
Please view the link Speakers Page to see the great line up of speakers for the 2025 Conference and Trade Show.
I CAN’T ATTEND THE WHOLE CONFERENCE. ARE THERE OPTIONS TO PARTICIPATE FOR ONE DAY?
Yes, there is a day pass option for those who would like to participate in a portion but not all of the Conference. Please visit the Delegate Registration Page and complete your registration.
DELEGATE GROUP REGISTRATIONS
Departments have the option to register more than one fire service member on a registration form.
The group administrator can manage the registrations. Add the number of delegates you would like to register, and the complete the attendee details on the Checkout Page.
You can also pay the fees online with a credit card.
When the registrations are complete the Group Administrator will receive an email with attendee tickets and information. Please check your spam and junk folder for the email if your server blocks external emails.
If you require assistance, please contact Conference Coordinator Kelly Legris at [email protected].
CAN MY REGISTERED PARTNER ATTEND ANY OF THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS?
Yes. We would be pleased to have your partner participate. Please refer to the Partners Program Page for schedule of dates and times.
HOW WILL I BE IDENTIFIED AS A CONFERENCE PARTICIPANT?
All registered delegates will receive an Event Name Badge. Your Event Badge will allow access to all activities throughout the Conference. Delegates and Trades are distinguished by the name badge. Day passes will be valid for the date indicated on the badge.
CONFERENCE APP
The AFCA will have a Conference App at the AFCA 2025 Annual Conference and Trade Show. The App will include the conference schedule; speakers; trade show floor plan; the ability to communicate between delegates, amongst other features. The conference app will be available to registered delegates, trade members and partners. Registrants must provide an email address in order to access the conference app.
WILL THERE BE A GOLF TOURNAMENT THIS YEAR?
Golf BBQ Only Tickets
The golf tournament BBQ is open to non-golfers. Please join your AFCA members, trades and sponsors for a delicious BBQ dinner and an opportunity to reconnect with your AFCA friends. The fee for the BBQ is $50.00 plus GST. Please follow the link to the Golf Registration Page.
WHAT CAN MY PARTNER PARTICIPATE IN WHILE I AM ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE?
Calgary has many attractions and entertainment options. Several activities are being planned for partners to participate. Please visit the Partner’s Program Page for details, schedule, off property activities and associated fees. If your partner/guest is interested in any off-site activities please complete the on-line Partner Program registration form
WHAT IS THE ATTIRE FOR THE CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW?
The Opening Ceremonies on Sunday, May 25th will be held in the Palomino A-D Room at the BMO Centre. Tuesday, May 27 evening will be the Annual Banquet will be held in Spectrum 4 & 5 at the Hotel Arts. This event has a formal dress code. Class A’s for the opening ceremony events on Sunday evening and then Class A’s again for the Banquet. No Hats. Thereafter, business casual or station wear is the standard everywhere else.
If you are golfing, the dress code is standard golf attire.
