VAFR Convention
2026 VAFR Convention & Training Event
October 8–11, 2026
Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Annual Convention & Training
The Virginia Association of First Responders Annual Convention & Training Event brings together first responders from across Virginia for training, networking, leadership development, competitions, fellowship, and recognition.
160+ Hours
Continuing Education
40+ Courses
Across Multiple Tracks
Live Competitions
EMS, EVOC & Firefighter Events
Social Events
Picnic, Cornhole & Casino Night
Registration Information
Convention Registration Fee: $100 per attendee
Pre-registration closes: September 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
On-site registration: $150, credit card payment only
Registration Includes:
- Convention training sessions
- Friday Night Picnic
- Saturday Awards Ceremony & Memorial Service
- Saturday Casino Night
- Vendor displays
- Door prize entry
- Convention t-shirt while supplies last
Hotel Reservations
Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center
710 South Main Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone Reservations:
Call (540) 564-0200
Ask for the “VAFR – Virginia Association of First Responders” room block.
Room Block Deadline:
September 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Convention Training Schedule Highlights
Wednesday, October 7
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Convention Registration Open
Thursday, October 8
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Registration Open
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Convention Training Sessions
Featured Courses:
MOI, TECC, Leadership Workshop, Aviation Emergencies, Pediatric TECC
Friday, October 9
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Training Sessions
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
BLS, ALS, EVOC & Firefighter Competitions
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Picnic & Cornhole Tournament
Saturday, October 10
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Convention Training Sessions
9:00 AM – Noon
Board of Governors Meeting
4:00 PM
Awards Ceremony & Memorial Service
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Casino Night
Sunday, October 11
8:00 AM – Noon
Convention Training Sessions
Featured:
Pediatric Sessions, Fire Ground Rehab, Intro to VAFR Leadership
Competition Registration
Sign-up sheets are now available for the 2026 VAFR Convention & Training Event competitions. Participation is first come, first served. Advance registration is encouraged as space is limited.
The VAFR has 5 scholarships of up to $400 each available for individuals to attend the Virginia First Responder Convention and Training Event in Harrisonburg, October 8 – 11, 2026.
Criteria for selection:
Applicants must not have reached their 22nd birthday before September 15, 2026.
Applicants must be a member of an agency that is a current member of VAFR.
Applicants must register for the First Responder Convention and Training Event before registration deadline.
Applicants will be notified by September 15, 2026, if approved.
Funds will be reimbursed by VAFR based on submission of receipts following symposium for registration, hotel room, meals (maximum of $40 per day), and maximum of $50 for travel.
Click here to download application
Before You Sign Up
- Select only one time slot per competition.
- Enter your name, agency, and registration date in an available slot.
- Please do not modify or remove another participant’s registration.
- If you need to cancel or change your slot, contact the VAFR Office.
- Competition schedules may be adjusted based on participation levels.
View the Competition Rules.
Class 3 EVOC / Extrication
Friday, October 9, 2026
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Requirements:
- Two-person team
- Driver must have Class 3 EVOC
- At least one team member must have a current Extrication Certification
Specialty Courses Requiring Separate Registration
Download the Convention Brochure
View the complete brochure, course listings, schedules, competitions, hotel information, and event details.