FDIC International Sparks Record Attendance in Indianapolis
May 16, 2024
Offering world-class education, innovative firefighting apparatus and fire industry technology, products and services for fire and rescue professionals from across the globe, the 2024 Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) International achieved a blazing success with its most highly attended event in its 89-year history. Organized by Clarion Events, the annual trade show and conference is also one of Indianapolis’s largest conventions.
Who, When & Where: FDIC International 2024, April 15-20, Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Show size: The event attracted 36,537 fire industry professionals and 811 exhibitors across 495,749 square feet.
Looking back: Attendance grew by 6% with 34,357 attendees in 2023. Contributing to this growth was the 8% uptick in conference and training attendance, which welcomed 15,663 attendees in 2024 compared to 14,450 in 2023.
New features & products: In addition to the latest electric firetrucks and apparatus on display, the show also featured the latest in technology for personal protection equipment, rescue tools, drones, robotics and thermal imaging. FDIC’s new Lucas Oil Stadium Experience featured experiential activations dedicated to firefighter health and wellness, command and control technology, emergency services and a drill yard and rescue zone featuring on-the-show floor training using advanced simulation technology.
Beyond the show floor: The event kicked off at the beginning of the week with Hands-On Training, where participants were shuttled to 14 different locations throughout greater Indianapolis and Illinois for live fire training classes. The conference program also includes more than 255 classes and workshops that take place Monday-Friday, with the exhibit hall open Thursday–Saturday.
Additionally, FDIC hosts and produces several co-located and niche events at the beginning of the week, including Women in Fire, The Tall Buildings Summit, Metro Officers Innovation Briefing and JEMS Innovation Summit, which bring together specialized audiences and high-ranking officers for peer-to-peer learning and sharing.
What they are saying: “We are thrilled to continue to see growth year over year for FDIC International, in its 89th year!” said Eric Schlett, executive vice president, Clarion Events Fire Rescue Portfolio. “It is not lost on us that FDIC comes to life because of the continued support of the fire service, sponsors, exhibitors and partners. Their profound sense of purpose and dedication inspire us to bring together content and activations that push boundaries and redefine industry standards. Our unwavering commitment is to bring together the best and most trusted minds in the field to train, innovate and provide tools to keep those on the job safe.”
Looking ahead: FDIC International will return April 7-12, 2025, to the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium. Exhibit space is already sold out, fueling expectations for another robustly attended trade show and conference.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment