2026 FSPA Conference

Call for Conference Presentations

Overview

The Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) is pleased to announce the Call for Presentation Proposals for our 9^th Annual FSPA Conference in Portland, Oregon, October 15^th and 16^th, 2026. This event will bring together fire service leaders, psychologists, masters-level clinicians, and researchers in the field of fire service psychology to share knowledge, discuss innovative practices, and explore new developments.

We invite you to submit proposals for presentations that will contribute to the advancement of mental health and well-being within the fire service community.

Deadline for Submitting Proposals: April 28, 2026, 5:00 pm PST / 8:00 pm EST

Here are short abstracts for 5 prioritized topics that we at FSPA would love to have presentations for at our Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon in October 2026:

1. Cognitive and Behavioral Science in Fireground Decision-Making
Abstract:
Fireground operations demand rapid decisions under extreme stress and uncertainty. This presentation should explore how cognitive load, fatigue, and stress influence decision-making and situational awareness. Presenters will share research and practical strategies for improving judgment and reducing errors through training, simulation, and behavioral science applications.

2. Resilience and Mental Health in Firefighters
Abstract:
Firefighters face cumulative trauma and high-risk exposures that impact mental health over time. This presentation should highlight evidence-based interventions for building resilience, promoting post-traumatic growth, and addressing burnout. Attendees will learn practical tools for fostering psychological well-being and sustaining long-term career health.

3. Leadership Psychology in Fire Service
Abstract:
Effective leadership in high-stakes environments requires more than technical expertise—it demands psychological insight. This presentation should examine traits and behaviors that create psychologically safe teams, enhance trust, and improve performance. Presenters will discuss leadership models and actionable strategies for cultivating adaptive, resilient fire service organizations.

4. Human Factors and Error Management
Abstract:
Human error remains a leading contributor to operational failures in emergency response. This presentation should delve into cognitive biases, stress-induced mistakes, and systemic vulnerabilities. Presenters will offer frameworks for error reduction, including training approaches and organizational practices that enhance reliability and safety.

5. Psychological Preparedness for Emerging Threats
Abstract:
Climate-driven wildfires, mass casualty incidents, and evolving hazards require new levels of psychological readiness. This presentation should explore mental preparedness strategies for firefighters facing unprecedented challenges. Topics include resilience planning, adaptive coping mechanisms, and organizational approaches to support readiness in a rapidly changing risk landscape.

The Next 5

Technology and Firefighter Psychology
- Impact of AI and predictive analytics on decision-making.
- Virtual reality training and its psychological implications.
Trauma-Informed Practices
- Applying trauma-informed care principles in fire service leadership.
- Peer support programs: effectiveness and best practices.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Fire Service Psychology
- Psychological benefits of inclusive leadership.
- Addressing implicit bias in high-stakes environments.
Psychological Preparedness for Emerging Threats
- Preparing firefighters for climate-driven wildfires.
- Mental readiness for mass casualty and disaster scenarios.
Research Methodologies in Fire Psychology
- Innovative approaches for studying firefighter cognition and behavior.
- Bridging the gap between academic research and field application.

Presenter Benefits

Opportunity to share your expertise with a diverse audience of fire service professionals and mental health practitioners.
Networking opportunities with leaders and peers in the field.
Recognition in conference materials and the FSPA website.
Complimentary registration for the conference.

FSPA will give more consideration in the proposal evaluation phase to presentations on those topics that are delivered by a psychologist and a fire service member.

Scoring Matrix for Presentation Proposals

For questions or further information, please contact the FSPA at info@firepsychology.org.

Presentation Submission Form

Name(Required)

First Middle Last

Email(Required)

Phone

Degree OR Rank(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Presenter CV(Required)

Max. file size: 128 MB.

Please attach a copy of the author’s curriculum vitae.

Are you an FSPA member(Required)

Yes

Presentation

Primary presenter is responsible for notifying co-presenters of ALL presentation details.

Presentation Title(Required)

15 words maximum
This title may be edited by the Conference Committee for clarity and/or marketing.

Presentation Abstract(Required)

50 WORD MAXIMUM
Enter the abstract for your presentation. This description will be used in the Conference marketing materials and in the final program.

Presentation Syllabus / Summary:(Required)

350 WORD MAXIMUM
Type or paste your syllabus describing your presentation

Please provide citations for three peer-reviewed sources that support your presentation(Required)

How long is your presentation?(Required)

Presentation Learning Level:(Required)

What type of audience is your presentation geared for?(Required)

Operations

Consultation

Assessment

Intervention

Check all that apply

Please provide three learning objectives for this presentation. If more than three are listed, the first three only will be used.
In writing your three learning objectives please use measurable terms such as: identify, describe, explain, discuss, and evaluate.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE EXAMPLES: Identify challenges to healthy intimate partner relationships including unpredictability of the nature of work. Explain the role of shift work on relationship dynamics

Objective 1: After attending this presentation participants will be able(Required)

Objective 2: After attending this presentation participants will be able(Required)

Objective 3: After attending this presentation participants will be able(Required)

Method of Teaching

How will the presenter encourage discussion and interaction in your session.(Required)

What will be the take-home points that can be immediately used in practice?

Will your presentation require any other type of equipment in the presentation? (For example, fire apparatus, arson-crime scene investigation material, etc.)

Presenters

How many people will be presenting?(Required)

Are you including a member from a profession other than psychology or the fire service (example: politician or medical doctor)?(Required)

Presenter 2

Presenter 2 Name(Required)

First Last

Presenter 2 Degree OR Rank(Required)

Presenter 2 Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Presenter 2 Phone(Required)

Presenter 2 Email(Required)

Is presenter 2 an FSPA member?(Required)

Presenter 2 CV Upload(Required)

Max. file size: 128 MB.

Presenter 3

Presenter 3 Name(Required)

First Last

Presenter 3 Degree OR Rank(Required)

Presenter 3 Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Presenter 3 Phone(Required)

Presenter 3 Email(Required)

Is Presenter 3 an FSPA member?(Required)

Presenter 3 CV Upload(Required)

Max. file size: 128 MB.

Presenter 4

Presenter 4 Name(Required)

First Last

Presenter 4 Degree OR Rank(Required)

Presenter 4 Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Presenter 4 Phone(Required)

Presenter 4 Email(Required)

Is Presenter 4 an FSPA member?(Required)

Presenter 4 CV Upload(Required)

Max. file size: 128 MB.

Presenter 5

Presenter 5 Name(Required)

First Last

Presenter 5 Degree OR Rank(Required)

Presenter 5 Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Presenter 5 Phone(Required)

Presenter 5 Email(Required)

Is Presenter 5 an FSPA member?(Required)

Presenter 5 CV Upload(Required)

Max. file size: 128 MB.

Agreement

Signature(Required)

2022 5th Annual Conference:

The Four Domains: Psychology in Fire Service Operations

Call for Papers

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE:

October 07, 2022

8:00am-5:00pm PST

Our annual conference is a gathering intended to further bridge the gap between professional psychology and the fire service. If you have a meaningful presentation that you think would contribute to our shared vision of supporting the mental health of our firefighters, please complete the following application today.

Send completed applications to info@firepsychology.org

Primary Presenter/Applicant Information:

First Name:______________________Last Name:_______________Middle Name(or Initial):___

Degree:________OR Rank:_________________

Address Line 1:_________________________________________________________________

Address Line 2: ________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________State: _____________Zip/Postal Code: _____________________

Phone: _______________________________________________________________________

Email Address: _________________________________________________________________

Are you an FSPA member?

 Yes

 No

•PRESENTER CV: Please attach a copy of the author’s curriculum vitae. Without thisdocument, the application will be considered incomplete and your application will notbe processed.

—————————————————————————————————

Identification:

NAME/DEGREE/TITLE/AFFILIATION/ LOCATION

(Example: Sally Smith, Ph.D., Director, Private Practice, Los Angeles, CA OR Battalion Chief John Doe, Health and Safety Officer, Modesto Fire Department, Modesto CA) Please type in your information so it is similar to the above example. What you type in the box below will be listed in all of the conference promotional materials.

______________________________________________________________________________

Suggested Presentation Title:

Enter presentation title in the space below. 15 WORD MAXIMUM

This title may be edited by the Conference Committee for clarity and/or marketing.

TITLE:

Presentation Abstract:

Enter the abstract for your presentation in the space below, 50 WORD MAXIMUM. This description will be used in the Conference marketing materials and in the final program.

ABSTRACT ______________________________________________________________________________

Presentation Syllabus / Summary:

Type or paste your syllabus describing your presentation in the space below, 350 WORD MAXIMUM

Syllabus: ______________________________________________________________________________

Are you proposing a 20, 60 minute, or 90 minute presentation?

 20 minutes

 60 minutes

 90 minutes

———————————————————————————————–

Presentation Learning Level:

 Beginner (No CE Eligibility for Mental Health Providers/ Intended Audience Fire Service Personnel)

 Intermediate

 Advanced

———————————————————————————————–

What type of audience is your presentation geared for?

 Operations

 Consultation

 Assessment

 Intervention

———————————————————————————————-

Presentation Learning Objectives:

Please provide three learning objectives for this presentation. If more than three are listed, the first three only will be used.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE EXAMPLES: Identify challenges to healthy intimate partner relationships including unpredictability of the nature of work. Explain the role of shift work on relationship dynamics

In writing your three learning objectives please use measurable terms such as: identify, describe, explain, discuss, and evaluate.

1.After attending this presentation participants will be able to:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.After attending this presentation participants will be able to:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.After attending this presentation participants will be able to:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

———————————————————————————————

Method of Teaching:

1.How will the presenter encourage discussion and interaction in your session.

______________________________________________________________________________

2.What will be the take-home points that can be immediately used in practice?

______________________________________________________________________________

Participants:

I will be the only presenter for this workshop.

 Yes

 Νο

If you are proposing a panel, are you including a member from a profession other than psychology or the fire service (example: politician or medical doctor)?

 Yes

 No

Additional Presenters (if applicable):

All information is required.

PRESENTER 2:

First Name:______________________Last Name:_______________Middle Name(or Initial):___

Degree:________OR Rank:____________

Address Line 1:_________________________________________________________________

Address Line 2: ________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________State: _____________Zip/Postal Code: _____________________

Phone: _______________________________________________________________________

Email Address: _________________________________________________________________

Are they an FSPA member?

 Yes

 No

•CV Requirement: Please attach a copy of the presenter’s curriculum vitae. Without thisdocument, the application will be considered incomplete and your application will notbe processed.

PRESENTER 3:

First Name:______________________Last Name:_______________Middle Name(or Initial):___

Degree:________OR Rank:______________

Address Line 1:_________________________________________________________________

Address Line 2: ________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________State: _____________Zip/Postal Code: _____________________

Phone: _______________________________________________________________________

Email Address: _________________________________________________________________

Are they an FSPA member?

 Yes

 No

CV Requirement: Please attach a copy of the presenter’s curriculum vitae. Without thisdocument, the application will be considered incomplete and your application will notbe processed.

PRESENTER 4:

First Name:______________________Last Name:_______________Middle Name(or Initial):___

Degree:________OR Rank:______________

Address Line 1:_________________________________________________________________

Address Line 2: ________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________State: _____________Zip/Postal Code: _____________________

Phone: _______________________________________________________________________

Email Address: _________________________________________________________________

Are they an FSPA member?

 Yes

 No

•PRESENTER CV: Please attach a copy of the presenter’s curriculum vitae. Without thisdocument, the application will be considered incomplete and your application will notbe processed.

Will your presentation require any other type of equipment in the presentation? (For example, fire apparatus, arson-crime scene investigation material, etc.)

Authorization – By submitting this proposal I agree to the following:

 All of the information is true and complete. This application is a accurate representation of the information I am proposing to present at the FSPA conference.

 I understand and agree to all of the instructions and rules.

 I understand that, if my proposal is accepted, all presenters in my session will be required to register for the conference and will receive a reduced registration rate.

 I give permission to FSPA to use all or part of my presentation for publicity purposes.

 I agree that all presenters in my session will appear and deliver the presentation, if accepted.

 I give permission to FSPA to edit my presentation title and/or abstract as necessary for publication purposes.

 Unless otherwise agreed upon, I understand that I will not be paid to present my workshop(s) and I will not be reimbursed for any expenses.

 I agree to provide electronic files of my handouts to FSPA by the deadline in the presenter contract.

I understand that if my proposal is incomplete it will not be reviewed by the program committee.

 I understand that I will be responsible to provide a laptop if I wish to use PowerPoint during my presentation.

NOTE: Primary presenter is responsible for notifying co-presenters of ALL presentation details. I agree with the above. NAME:_______________________________________________DATE:____________________ SIGNATURE:____________________________________________________________________

Important Dates / Deadlines

August 31, 2022 – Proposal Deadline

September 5, 2022 – Notification of presentation acceptance or rejection sent via email to the primary presenter.