The 2024 PPE Symposium is being held in beautiful downtown Greenville, SC. We are also hosting pre-symposium seminars on Sunday, March 17 that will feature both classroom and hands-on-training (HOT) sessions. Main symposium registration includes breakfast all three days, lunch on Monday and Tuesday, dedicated exhibit hall/networking breaks, a professionally bound Resource Manual, electronic copies of all presentations (distributed after the event). Topics include: 

• Current science regarding PPE Performance/Contamination Control/PFAs
• PPE Inspection/Maintenance
• Conducting proper PER
• PPE Care/Use
• PPE Fundamentals
• PPE Program Management 
• Other areas of PPE Research/Innovation/Use 

PRE SYMPOSIUM SEMINARS

PPE Fundamentals & Program Management - (Space is limited) This seminar is perfect for both new PPE program managers and experienced PPE specialists. Topis will include a comprehensive overview of the NFPA process, current (and possible future) NFPA 1851 requirements, how/why to conduct risk assessments and wear trials, how to develop gear specs that meet your departments needs, explanation of third-party verification and testing processes, and more! The seminar will conclude with a Q&A with the subject matter experts.

Advanced Gear Inspection Hands-on-Training Session - (Space is limited to 30 participants) Chief Bruce Varner and Engineer/Paramedic Tim Tomlinson will lead an all-day hands-on seminar on how to thoroughly and properly conduct an inspection of your PPE. Very few firefighters know how to conduct an inspection that is compliant with NFPA 1851 to provide the level of protection their members deserve. Participants will have clean gear available to conduct an inspection under the guidance of Bruce and Tim. Every fire department should have a few members that are properly trained to conduct an inspection. They will also cover other pertinent parts of caring for your PPE. This is a tremendous opportunity and it sells out quickly.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for both seminars. Pre-symposium attendees are welcome to attend the Networking Reception immediately following the end of class on Sunday.