Attend an Emergency Management Conference in Melbourne

CFA's Chloe Begg presenting on a panel at the 2025 EMC Conference CFA's Chloe Begg presenting on a panel at the 2025 EMC Conference

 

Apply now to attend the Emergency Management or AFAC Conference in 2026.

 

The Expression of Interest (EOI) form to attend conferences in 2026 is now open.

CFA is supporting volunteers and staff to attend the following emergency management conferences:

Emergency Management Conference (EMC): Strengthening Victoria's Future: building capability, cohesion and trust 
Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 July 2026, Pullman Melbourne, Albert Park.

AFAC Conference: Leading Together: Integrity, Inclusion and Impact 
Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 August 2026, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Please note that the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference (ADRC), Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), and Women and Firefighting Australia (WAFA) conferences will again run in conjunction with the AFAC Conference.

For key information on attending, please visit the Conferences Members Online page.


Why should you attend a conference and what's included?

These conferences bring together emergency management professionals from across Australia and beyond. They provide a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and grow through expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and keynote presentations from sector leaders.

CFA also has a wide range of presentations on offer this year at each conference, so we will be encouraging our attendees to support their fellow members at these various presentations at the conferences. 

Attending a conference can support you to:

  • Build your personal learning and professional development
  • Explore relevant and thought-provoking conference themes
  • Gain insights into emerging trends, innovations and best practice
  • Apply lessons learned to your current role and brigade/department
  • Strengthen networks with other CFA members and partner agencies.

As an approved CFA delegate, central funding will cover your conference ticket, accommodation and any reasonable reimbursement of travel costs and meals associated with your conference attendance.


Expression of Interest process

Expressions of interest must be submitted via the online EOI form and address the relevant selection criteria. Submissions will be reviewed and endorsed by department, region and district representatives.


Important dates to remember

Please note these key dates relevant to the internal CFA endorsement process:

  • EOIs close:  Sunday 17 May 2026
  • Notification of internal selection: week beginning 8 June 2026

Dates are subject to change, so please refer to the Conferences Members Online page for the latest updates.


For more information, visit the Conferences Members Online page.

If you have any questions, please contact the People Excellence and Innovation Team at orgdev@cfa.vic.gov.au.

 

  • Poster presentation at the 2025 AFAC conferencePoster presentation at the 2025 AFAC conference
  • CFAs Sarah Harris and Roger Smith at the 2025 EMC Conference CFAs Sarah Harris and Roger Smith at the 2025 EMC Conference
Submitted by Tracey Ruse