2026 OAFE/OFM Roadshow

The Ontario Association of Fire Educators (OAFE) is thrilled to announce that we are hosting a new provincial workshop series in partnership with the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM).

We’re launching a high-energy, one-day intensive designed for fire public education leaders. By merging OAFE’s community focus with the OFM’s strategic expertise, we’re bringing regional training directly to you to tackle today’s public education challenges head-on.

Who Should Join Us?

This workshop is built for Fire Service Public Educators and Firefighters with public education responsibilities. Whether this is your full-time career or one of the many hats you wear, if you are the voice of safety in your community, this is for you.

Our Shared Goal

Communities are changing. Attention spans are shorter, and expectations for digital and interactive engagement are higher than ever. Our goal is to equip you with modern, engaging, and effective strategies to deliver fire and life safety education that sticks.

We want to move beyond “traditional” and give you practical tools to elevate your programs, ensuring your message resonates with every household in our diverse province.

What’s on the Agenda?

This is a one-day, highly interactive experience divided into four key sessions, including a working lunch designed for networking and peer-to-peer problem-solving.

Expect to walk away with:

Tactics you can implement the very next day.
Creative approaches to maximize impact with limited resources.
A chance to share successes and troubleshoot challenges with fellow educators.
Practical methods for reaching urban, rural, and multicultural populations.

This is about strengthening our collective voice. When we learn from one another, we build a more confident, capable, and connected network of educators across Ontario.

Registration opens March 2^nd, 2026 and closes April 30^th, 2026.

2026 Dates:

June 26 | Thunder Bay, Murillo Community Hall
August 21 | Sudbury, Lionel E. Lalonde Centre
October 22 | Alliston, Nottawasaga Inn & Resort

Join us as we turn knowledge into action. Let’s support one another, sharpen our skills, and continue building a safer Ontario together.

We look forward to seeing you in person and making an impact together!

Please see the workshop schedule outlined below. Sessions are subject to change.

Questions? Email us at: OFM.PubEd@ontario.ca

Public Education Workshops

08:30 - 08:45

Registration & Networking

08:45 - 09:00

Opening Remarks & Introductions

09:00 - 10:15

Session 1 – The Evolving Landscape of Community Risk Reduction

This session dives into Community Risk Reduction (CRR) and the strategic use of data to guide public education efforts. Attendees will explore how shifting from traditional “show and tell” approaches to evidence based, targeted initiatives leads to more meaningful community outcomes.

10:15 - 10:30

Break

10:30 - 11:45

Session 2 – Crafting Compelling Messages for Diverse Audiences

Participants will examine strategies for developing educational messages that effectively resonate with their community’s diverse audiences. The session focuses on adapting communication to different age groups and cultural backgrounds to ensure clarity, relevance, and lasting impact.

11:45 - 12:15

Lunch

12:15 - 12:45

Working Lunch: LinkedIn Skills Mini Session (optional attendance)

This hands-on working lunch guides participants through building a strong professional profile on LinkedIn, including crafting an effective photo, headline, and summary. The session highlights how public educators can showcase their skills, experiences, and media effectively.

13:00 - 14:30

Session 3 – Community Outreach & Maximizing Your Platforms

This session explores how digital platforms and media can significantly extend the reach of public education efforts. Participants will learn best practices in social media, content development, and engaging with media partners to enhance visibility and public engagement no matter how big or small their community is.

14:30 - 14:45

Break

14:45 - 16:00

Session 4 – Building & Developing Successful Partnerships

This session focuses on identifying, engaging, and sustaining effective partnerships with community stakeholders such as schools, senior centers, health organizations, and local businesses. Participants will learn how to demonstrate the value of their educational initiatives, inspire community action through clear calls to action, and how to apply these partnership building skills. Also, tips on how to establish new ways to amplify your messages using local community voices.

16:00 - 16:30

Wrap-Up & Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend these workshops?

These sessions are designed specifically for "boots-on-the-ground" fire prevention leaders and public educators. Whether you are a dedicated Public Education Officer or a firefighter tasked with community outreach, this intensive is built for those delivering frontline safety messaging.

What makes this a "one-day intensive"?

Unlike traditional multi-day conferences, we’ve condensed high-impact strategic tools and creative development into a single, high-energy day. We focus on immediate, actionable takeaways that you can implement in your home department the very next day.

Where and when are the workshops taking place?

To ensure regional accessibility, we are bringing the series directly to you: • Thunder Bay: June 26, 2026 • Sudbury: August 21, 2026 • Alliston: October 22, 2026

How is the OFM involved in these OAFE-hosted sessions?

The OAFE is the primary host and coordinator of the series. The OFM serves as the lead strategic partner, providing the core curriculum, provincial data insights, and expert facilitators to lead the various sessions.

Is there a cost to attend?

Yes, the registration fee is $40, which includes refreshments/light snacks in the morning and afternoon along with lunch. There is also an option to add an OAFE membership for a total of $90.

How do I register?

Registration is managed through the OAFE portal. Spaces are limited for each regional location to ensure an interactive, small-group environment.

What should I bring with me?

Since this is a "working" intensive, please bring: • A laptop or tablet (fully charged) for digital strategy exercises. • Examples of your current local campaign materials for the peer-review session. • An open mind to discuss new approaches to public education in your community

Is there a dress code?

The dress code is business casual or your department uniform. Dress comfortably as there will be some moving around and we recommend dressing in layers as conference room temperatures can vary.

Will I receive a certificate of completion?

Yes. All attendees will receive a certificate co-branded by the OAFE and the OFM. This certificate is not related to professional development credits or your NFPA 1035 certification requirements.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Cancellations made up to 7 days prior to the event are eligible for a full refund. Due to venue and catering commitments, cancellations within the 7-day window are non-refundable, though you may transfer your registration to a colleague from the same department.

Date : 26 June 2026 - 22 October 2026
Time : 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Venue : Murillo Community Hall; Lionel E. Lalonde Centre; Nottawasaga Inn & Resort