2026 SDFA Fall Conference and Membership Meeting - (7th Annual)
Friday, October 2, 2026 5:00 PM - Sunday, October 4, 2026 12:00 PM (MDT)
Description
PETE LIEN & SONS SHOOTING SPORTS COMPLEX – PIEDMONT, SD
The 2026 South Dakota Firefighters Association Annual Conference is coming to Piedmont, South Dakota, October 2–4, 2026!
Join firefighters, officers, EMS personnel, and fire service partners from across South Dakota for a weekend of education, networking, fellowship, and opportunities to strengthen the fire service.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
FEATURED SPEAKERS
CALEN MANINGAS
Bridging the Gap: Connecting, Training & Leading Every Generation in the Fire Service
Learn practical strategies for leading, training, and mentoring multiple generations within today’s fire service while building trust, communication, and a stronger team culture.
Saturday, October 3 | 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
SHAWN FISCHER
Through the Smoke: A Family’s Journey After Line-of-Duty Death
Drawing from the loss of her husband, Assistant Fire Chief Dave Fischer, Shawn shares a powerful message about resilience, healing, and the strength of the fire service family following a line-of-duty death.
Saturday, October 3 | 1:30–3:00 p.m.
TOM MERRILL
Forged by Fire
Explore the historic fires, pivotal events, and influential leaders that shaped the American fire service and discover how lessons from the past can strengthen leadership, safety, and decision-making today.
Sunday, October 4 | 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
There will be updates and short sessions from the SDFA and other SD Fire Service Agencies during Membership Meetings

Click Here to download the SDFA Fall Conference Booklet
SEPERATE SPOUSES PROGRAM HOSTED BY THE SOUTH DAKOTA FIRE FIGHTERS AUXILIARY WILL BE HELD SATURDAY OCTOBER 3RD FROM 8:30-11:30

EXHIBITORS/VENDORS:
Exhibitor/Sponsor Registration for the 2026 SDFA Annual Conference is now open! We invite vendors and industry partners to join us in Piedmont and connect with firefighters and departments from across South Dakota.
For information on exhibitor space, sponsorship opportunities, or registration, please visit the Vendor/Exhibitor/Sponsor Registration Page or contact us at info@sdfirefighters.org.
Images
Standard registration cost is $75 with a $25 discount given to attendees that belong to a Department/Agency with a 100% Department Membership or Individuals with and Individual SDFA Membership.
***Early Registration Discount of $30 will be applied to any student attendee registration.
Vendors/Exhibitors - 2 STAFF Attendees Included at no charge with your Vendor/Exhibitor Table Purchase.
Sponsorships DO NOT include any complimentary Attendees or Vendor/Exhibitor Tables
You conference registration includes:
- Friday Evening Social - hors d'oeuvres @ Sports Complex
- Noon Meal on Saturday @ Sports Complex
- Saturday Evening Social- hors d'oeuvres @ Sports Complex
- Break Time Snacks and Beverages will be available both Saturday & Sunday
14514 Bill Janklow Road
Piedmont, SD 57769 United States
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