Due to the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IAFF Executive Board voted to postpone the 55th IAFF Convention until January 25-29, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After considerable discussion and based on the significantly rising COVID-19 infection rate going into the fall/winter season and the significant travel and meeting restrictions in place – not only in Las Vegas and Vancouver, but also in states and provinces where our members are coming from (and would be going home to quarantine) – the Executive Board voted unanimously to conduct an all-virtual Emergency Convention based on the authority provided in the IAFF Constitution, Article IV, Section 12, with the Convention still occurring January 25-29, 2021.

There are a number of other decisions that still need to be made. We will notify you in the coming days and update this website as decisions are made and more information is available.

FAQS:

How will Convention be conducted this year?

We are developing instructional videos with detailed information about how to participate in debate and vote on resolutions. Only registered and seated delegates will be eligible to access the virtual platform.

What changes have been made to registration and credentialing?

Registration is now $100. Due to the many complexities in building the virtual platform, and the short timeframe to do so, the Executive Board has decided we cannot accommodate guests at this all-virtual emergency convention. All guest fees that have already been paid will be refunded.

Other than the fee reduction and the guest policy change, registration and credentialing will continue with the same process that has been in place since it was re-opened on September 21.

Will there be any in-person meetings?

Other than the chair broadcasting from a studio, there will be no in-person proceedings. Committees will also meet virtually.

How are officer elections being conducted this year?

The Executive Board voted to conduct officer elections by secret mail-in ballot. All delegates must ensure their home mailing address in the IAFF membership database is correct prior to the start of Convention in order to receive a ballot. The chair and vice chair of the 55th IAFF Convention Elections Committee, along with IAFF General Counsel, are preparing the election rules for consideration of the full committee, which will be meeting in the coming weeks. A detailed video on the election process is forthcoming.

I already paid the full price. Now that it is reduced to $100, how do I get a refund?

Delegates who have already registered will be issued a refund for the difference in the coming weeks.

Are guests allowed?

To ensure a secure online event, the Executive Board has decided that we will not have guests at this all-virtual Emergency Convention. All guest fees that have already been paid will be refunded.

I am already registered as a delegate or alternate – is there anything I need to do now that it is virtual?

If you have completed your registration, no further action is needed. We will honor that registration.

I’ve already registered for the 2020 Convention, but I won’t be able to attend on the rescheduled dates. How do I get a refund?

We will be emailing all registered delegates and alternates with instructions on requesting a refund. Email [email protected] or [email protected] to request refunds.

Our local started the credentialing process but did not finish it. Do we need to start over?

You can pick up where you left off and make any needed changes.

What will the new agenda be and when will committees meet?

This will be a strictly business-oriented convention. We will provide additional details as soon as they are ready.