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Stand with the leaders shaping the future of the fire and emergency service.
Fire‑Rescue International (FRI) brings together more than 3,500 fire service leaders, decision‑makers, innovators, and influencers from across the globe. Sponsorship at FRI positions your organization at the center of the conversations, connections, and innovations driving the profession forward.
Whether your goal is brand visibility, thought leadership, product discovery, or meaningful engagement, FRI 2026 offers a strategic mix of high‑impact opportunities—many newly expanded for this year’s event.
Why Sponsor at FRI 2026?
- Reach a Right Audience: FRI attendees include Fire Chiefs, senior officers, company officers, EMS leaders, and government stakeholders—professionals with purchasing authority and operational influence.
“Attendees come to FRI not just to observe trends, but to evaluate solutions, establish partnerships, and make decisions…”
- Align With Leadership & Innovation: Sponsors gain visibility across the conference experience—from general sessions to immersive lounges, digital platforms, and high‑traffic networking events.
- Engage Through Experiences: FRI 2026 introduces new, interactive sponsorships designed to bring attendees directly to you—on the show floor, in learning environments, and throughout the week’s signature events.
What's New in 2026
- Discovery Stage
- The Discovery Stage is the centerpiece of peer‑to‑peer learning, featuring leadership talks, case studies, and product spotlights. As a co‑sponsor, your brand receives premium visibility and a dedicated 25‑minute presentation each day.
“Branding on the theater… and one 25‑minute presentation slot per day.”
- Spotlight Sessions on the Discovery Stage
- Share your expertise in a high‑impact, 25‑minute session. Spotlight Sessions allow industry innovators and fire service leaders to dive deep into emerging trends and technologies. Open to all full‑conference and Discovery Pass attendees.
“High‑impact content… 25‑minute presentation slots.”
- Three Immersive Lounges:
- Create a branded destination inside the Expo Hall. Three redesigned lounges—Campfire, Pathfinder, and Base Camp—offer themed environments for conversation, learning, and wellness. Each lounge includes branded seating pods, signage, and optional activation upgrades.
“The Immersive Lounges are designed as high‑energy hubs… fostering deeper engagement.”
- Health & Wellness Morning (Thursday, 7:00 - 9:00 AM)
- Connect with attendees during FRI’s most energizing morning event. Held at T‑Mobile Center, this experience includes a 5K run/walk, goat/puppy yoga, CrossFit sessions, health screenings, smoothie tastings, and more. Sponsors can brand activations, digital displays, giveaways, and signage.
“Participants can join in on a 5K… goat/puppy yoga… CrossFit… smoothie tastings.”
- Tuesday Night Kick-Off Party (Tuesday, 6:30 - 9:00 PM)
- Position your brand at the center of the opening night celebration! Expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees, this high-energy event is sure to provide a memorable start to the conference. Located in the heart of Kansas City’s Power & Light District, KC Live! is a premier open-air entertainment venue featuring restaurants, bars, live music stages, and a vibrant social atmosphere providing the perfect backdrop for networking, celebration, and brand engagement. Sponsors have the opportunity for exclusive branding at one of four prominent KC Live! restaurants, creating a unique space to welcome attendees and showcase your brand. Sponsorship includes food and beverage service, along with the ability to host custom activations, giveaways, and promotional materials within the venue.
- Thursday Block Party in the Expo Hall (4:30 - 6:00 PM)
- Drive traffic directly to your booth. The Block Party brings attendees onto the show floor for a high‑energy networking event featuring music, demos, and sponsor activations. Sponsors can offer snacks, drinks, giveaways, or raffles to attract visitors.
“A lively Block Party… the perfect opportunity to showcase your products and connect with fire service leaders.”
- General Session Coffee Breaks (Wednesday & Friday, 8:30 - 9:00 AM)
- Put your brand in front of thousands as attendees gather before FRI’s most influential programming. Includes branded sleeves, signage, and stage recognition.
“One of the strongest visibility moments on the show schedule.”
Additional Opportunities
- Digital & Branding Opportunities
- Mobile App Title Sponsor
- Your brand becomes the digital gateway to FRI—featured on the app homepage, rotating banners, and push notifications.
- Website & Email Advertising
- Rotating website ads, mobile banners, and email placements keep your brand top‑of‑mind before and during the event.
- Onsite Branding
- Column wraps, window clings, charging lounges, and graphic walls offer high‑impact visibility in the busiest areas of the convention center.
- Thought Leadership Opportunities
- Solution Sessions
- Host a 60‑minute educational session to share insights, case studies, and innovations.
- Affiliate Events
- Hold private meetings or hosted gatherings during approved times.
Leadership Development Sponsorships
Align with IAFC’s premier officer development programs, including Chief’s Edge, Reaching for the Gold, and ODP. Includes opportunity to welcome hundreds of targeted attendees with three concurrent classes per leadership level across three days of education!
💡 View More Options and Check Availability
There are many more options for your considerations and if we are open to new ideas and custom packages!
Expo Schedule
| Date |
Time |
Activity |
| Aug 12 |
12 PM – 6 PM |
Exhibit Hall Open (Happy Hour 4:30 - 6 PM) |
| Aug 13 (Thurs) |
10 AM – 6 PM |
Exhibit Hall Open (Block Party 4 - 6 PM) |
Ready to Elevate Your Brand?
Sponsorship at FRI 2026 is your opportunity to stand alongside the leaders shaping the future of the fire and emergency service. Many opportunities have limited availability and sell out quickly.
Explore options and secure your placement:
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