FAMA FIRE APPARATUS DESIGN SYMPOSIUM 2025

Join us at the FAMA Fire Apparatus Design Symposium this October 2025 in Orlando, Florida!

Date and Time

October 21 · 3pm - October 24 · 11am EDT

Location

Rosen Centre

9840 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819

New for this year, the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association is hosting the first annual Fire Apparatus Design Symposium. Participants will gain insight into key aspects of fire apparatus features that will help them when specifying new apparatus. Presentations will begin by covering the basics of apparatus specification writing, and quickly transition to in-depth training on various aspects of apparatus design. Do not expect a sales pitch! Factory representatives will provide informative and balanced presentations aimed at educating, not selling. Attendance should pay back in spades by allowing you to make better informed decisions on your next apparatus purchase; saving money, time, and having an apparatus that is better suited to your operations.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Members of apparatus spec committees
• Fire chiefs
• Fleet managers
• Anyone seeking an education on key aspects of apparatus design

2025 SYMPOSIUM AGENDA

Apparatus Specification Writing 101

This is your first time on an apparatus purchasing committee, you have not done this in a while, or you just want to hone your skills. This session will review all the basic things you should consider when preparing to purchase a fire apparatus.

Multiplexed Electronics

Fire apparatus have almost universally made the switch from old-school wire bundles and relays, to multiplex electronics. Learn the basic theory of multiplexing, and how it is applied to fire apparatus.

Apparatus Equipment Storage and Mounting

An effective equipment layout and mounting program helps ensure: quick in-service availability for new apparatus, efficient fire scene operations, safe and secure storage to maximize equipment life and minimize loss. Attend this session to learn why equipment mounting is so important, and how you can plan equipment storage and mounting so that everything you need is where you want it every time.

Foam Systems

As technology advances, the use of foam in the fire service gets simpler. Attend this session to learn about advances in foam and compressed air foam systems and controls.

Warning Light Automation

Warning light control has advanced tremendously over the past decade and is spreading from Police to Fire and Ambulance design. Analog adjustment and dip switch settings are making way for fully programmable systems. In this session you will learn about the current offerings and how they can improve emergency response safety for both the first responder and the public.

Lighting Fixture Placement On-Scene

Having adequate lighting on scene is crucial to night operations, but simply having more and brighter lights is not the end of the story. This session will present the fundamentals of scene lighting, and then consider the nuances of lighting design such as selection, placement and aiming to enhance the safety of your fire ground operations.

Diesel Engines for 2027

EPA regulations are changing again for 2027. The NOx standards drop by a factor of ten, and engines must be clean even before they are warmed up. This means significant changes to the engine technology. This session will highlight the changes in store and explore the impact of these changes on upcoming apparatus design.

Air Bags and Occupant Protection

Occupant protection systems are available in all custom apparatus, and their acceptance in the industry is now almost universal. Learn about the devices that make up these system, how they perform, and how they work to reduce deaths and injuries in a crash.

Aerial Device Controls

Aerial device control design can be basic hydraulics, or highly technical electro-mechanical systems. This session will explain the benefits to safety and performance with the adoption of more technically advanced systems.

Idle Reduction

Idle reduction technology is becoming ever more popular in many departments, both as a means of saving fuel, and for saving the environment. It can also reduce first responder exposure to exhaust emissions. Learn about the latest methods employed to reduce the amount of time the big diesel engine in an apparatus is running.