2026 OAFE Annual Public Education Conference
Mark your calendars for the Ontario Association of Fire Educators (OAFE) Annual Public Education Conference happening on October 20 & 21, 2026!
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Great Speakers: Hear from fire safety experts from the local areas and across Canada.
- Lots to Learn:Â Engage in educational sessions, webinars, and training that cover the latest in fire safety and prevention.
- Networking Opportunities:Â Connect with fellow fire educators and professionals to share knowledge and experiences.
- Interactive Sessions:Â Participate in discussions and activities designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in fire education.
- Trade Show: Check out our sponsoring vendors.
- Award Presentation:Â Join us in honouring the Program of the Year award winner!Â
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this conference offers something for everyone. Join us for two days of learning, growth, and camaraderie in the fire education community! Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best and be part of a community dedicated to fire safety and education.
The Details
Conference Location
Nottawasaga Resort & Conference Centre
6015 ON-89
Alliston, ON
L9R 1A4
Conference Pricing & Deadlines
Early Bird Member (until September 1) – $600
Early Bird Non-Member (until September 1) – $680
Member (after September 1) – $675
Non-Member (after September 1) – $750
Registration Deadline: September 30th, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Not an OAFE member? Register here and enjoy exclusive trainings and discounts (like for the conference!)
Hotel Information
NOTTAWASAGA RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTRE
6015 ON-89, Alliston, ON L9R 1A4
All reservations must be made directly through the Reservations Department. Reservations will only be accepted at time of booking with a credit card. Any room additions after this date will be made as long as rooms are still available within the hotel.Â
2026 BED AND BREAKFAST RATES (Individual payment)
(includes accommodation and breakfast for one person)
Single Resort Room- $260 per person per night
Single Deluxe Resort Room – $280 per person per night
PLUS 13% HST
https://reservations.nottawasagaresort.com/#/roomsBooking/group/
GROUP CODE: 441557
Please know that check-in time is anytime after 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is no later than 11:00 a.m. for bedrooms reserved.
RED PINE INN
497 Victoria St E, Alliston, ON L9R 1T9
Rooms will be held until 60 days prior (Wednesday, August 19, 2026) at which time any rooms held without names will be released. Once bedroom block is released, additional bedrooms may be reserved based on availability at the higher applicable rate. All reservations must be made directly through the Group Reservations Department. Reservations will only be accepted at time of booking with a credit card.
Red Pine Inn – 2026 RACK ROOM RATES
Standard; Single OR Double – $165. per room per night PLUS 13% HST
https://reservations.nottawasagaresort.com/#/roomsBooking/group/Â
GROUP CODE: 441677
Please know that check-in time is anytime after 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is no later than 11:00 a.m. for bedrooms reserved.
Agenda
Tuesday October 20
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM – Welcome and Introductions
9:15 AM – 12:30 PM – Personality Dimensions® Workshop
This interactive and insightful workshop helps participants explore their unique personality styles using the Personality Dimensions® framework. Rooted in leading-edge research on temperament theory and personality type, the session promotes self-awareness, appreciation of differences, and stronger interpersonal communication.
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM LUNCH
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM – Winning Hearts and Minds, Saving Lives and Property!
Michael Lewis is back this year with an engaging and motivational session focused on turning fire safety education into meaningful action. Learn practical strategies to inspire community members, families, seniors, and businesses to take fire prevention seriously and adopt life-saving fire safety practices. From smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to fire extinguishers and kitchen safety, this presentation reinforces the importance of prevention and the lasting impact of effective public education.
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM – OFM/ Public Education & NFPA 1030 Update
Â
Wednesday October 21
8:45 AM – 9:45 AM – Supporting Autism and Neurodiversity in Emergency Response
Jamie Kovacs and Autism Canada Executive Director Jamie McCleary will provide an update on the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) and its expanding partnership with Autism Canada. Members will learn about current efforts to support autistic and neurodivergent individuals during emergency situations, as well as practical strategies and best practices that can help firefighters deliver safer, more effective, and inclusive emergency response services.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM – OAFE Program of the Year Award and Presentation
This session will celebrate excellence in fire education by announcing and honoring this year’s winning fire department. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the best as the winning department presents their innovative and effective fire education program.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Rapid-Fire Networking for Fire Educators
The “Speed Networking” session will provide a dynamic platform for fire educators to rapidly connect with peers, share experiences, and expand their professional networks. Participants will engage in brief, timed interactions, fostering valuable connections and potential collaborations within the fire education community.
12:00 – 1:00 PM – LUNCH
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – YFPI Update
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM – Ontario Municipal Management InstituteÂ
Join OAFE Board Members Jason and Shelley as they present an exciting new opportunity currently in development for OAFE members to earn enhancement credits as a complement to the Certified Municipal Manager (CMM) designation.
