Fire investigation isn’t just a science. It’s a craft and a calling. And for those who choose this career, there’s no better gathering of the tribe than the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Annual Conference.
If you’ve never been, you’re in for a week that might just reset your professional compass.
The IAAI Conference isn’t your average industry event. It’s not about flashy booths and gimmicks. It’s about sharpened skills, stronger professional relationships, and the kind of knowledge transfer that doesn’t happen in a classroom.
This guide is built for first-timers but has insights seasoned vets will appreciate, too.
We’ll cover everything from what to expect on day one to how to squeeze every ounce of value out of your week in St. Louis.
Table of Contents
What to Expect from IAAI 2026
IAAI’s 2026 International Training Conference (ITC) is slated for April 26–30, 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri.
This isn’t a trade show with a side of CEUs. It’s five days of immersive training, live burn analysis, courtroom simulation labs, hands-on workshops, and policy-level insight from some of the most respected names in fire investigation.
Expect:
- Hundreds of attendees from around the world
- Classes based on the latest NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033 editions
- Opportunity to develop connections with peers
- Networking with federal and state departments and agencies
This event is much more than a PowerPoint in a beige ballroom. This is the kind of learning that sticks because it feels real.
How to Register
Registration typically opens in December before the event. The IAAI website will have tiered pricing for:
- IAAI Members (best rates)
- Non-members
- Groups/Agencies
- Virtual attendees (if offered)
If you’re CFI-certified, bring your CFI ID for fast-track credits. If you’re not certified yet, you can still start earning points toward your credential, and you’ll meet people who’ve taken the exam and lived to tell the tale.
What to prep:
- Agency letter of support or training authorization
- Digital or printed ticket/QR
- Notebook + pen
- Updated business cards
Core Tracks and Sessions Worth Prioritizing
The conference typically breaks down into thematic training tracks, each focusing on a different slice of the investigative process. You’ll choose sessions à la carte, so here’s what to watch for:
Scene Analysis and Documentation
From 3D laser scanning to drone recon, you’ll get deep into the weeds of documenting complex fire scenes, including urban, wildland-urban interface (WUI), and post-blast cases.
Legal and Courtroom Preparedness
Testimony technique. Chain of custody. Cross-examination scenarios. These sessions are gold, especially for anyone preparing for expert witness duty.
Emerging Tech and Hazards
Sessions in 2026 may spotlight:
Hands-On Burn Cells and Live Scene Exercises
Bring boots. These exercises replicate real scenes down to the accelerants and ventilation profiles.
Prioritize 2–3 core sessions daily. Leave room for hallway learning. Some of the best insight comes over coffee or shared case stories between sessions.
Travel and Lodging Advice
IAAI 2026 is hosted at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. This historic venue offers ample space for vendors, labs, and off-site transport coordination.
Flights and Arrival
Fly into St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), located approximately 15 miles from the conference venue. Travel time by car or shuttle is about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Book early. Flights to St. Louis can become more expensive 6–8 weeks before the event, especially with spring events increasing demand.
Hotels
Staying onsite at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel is highly recommended. Offsite attendees often miss early-morning sessions or late-night networking opportunities. The hotel typically offers discounted block rates for conference attendees, but these rooms fill up quickly.
Alternate lodging options within walking distance or a short drive include:
- Drury Inn St. Louis at Union Station
- The Westin St. Louis
- Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark
Gear Checklist
Ensure you're prepared for the conference by bringing the following items:
- Waterproof boots or duty shoes (for burn cell exercises)
- A digital camera or high-resolution smartphone (for documentation training)
- Portable USB charger
- Badge lanyard and ID holder
- Small flashlight for scene work
No, you don’t need to pack an evidence dryer. But some basic prep goes a long way.
Here are a few must-haves:
- Field notebook
- Small folder with key forms (NFPA 921, 1033 summary, CV, agency letter)
- Business cards (you’ll hand out more than you think)
- LinkedIn profile updated with recent work
Here are a few things to set up in advance:
- Download the IAAI mobile app
- Follow IAAI on Facebook
- Bookmark your session picks
- Build a “hit list” of vendors or contacts you want to speak with
Networking Without Feeling Like a Rookie
It’s intimidating. Everyone seems to know everyone. They’re talking about cases with acronyms you haven’t heard since field school.
But here’s the truth. Everyone remembers their first IAAI. And 90% of attendees are more than happy to make space at a table if you show up curious and respectful.
Here are a few tips to break the ice:
- Ask what session someone just came from
- Compliment someone’s agency patch or lanyard
- Ask how long they’ve been coming to the conference
Here’s a golden question we recommend asking. “What’s one case you think about often?” You’ll get some incredible stories and probably a few tips you won’t find in any NFPA manual.
How to Earn CFI Points While You’re There
IAAI sessions earn CFI Trainer points that count toward:
Each session will display its point value, typically 1.0 point per hour. Make sure your badge is scanned at entry (or check-in via the app). Keep your receipts and certificates for documentation.
Don’t skip the “CFI Prep” or “Exam Insights” sessions. Even if you’re not testing yet, they’ll give you a roadmap for planning your path.
What Vendors and Exhibitors Actually Offer
Yes, there are booths. But this isn’t a sales expo. The vendors at IAAI are legitimate resources. Many of them are former fire investigators or forensic experts themselves.
Expect to see:
- Software for fire modeling, data logging, and reporting
- Evidence storage and documentation systems
- Scene lighting and thermal imaging
- Insurance/legal service liaisons
- Drone and imaging vendors
If you’re planning to invest, ask:
- “What use case is this best for?”
- “Which departments have adopted this already?”
- “Can I see a case study in action?”
Off-Site Training and Hands-On Opportunities
IAAI isn’t just lectures and slides. Many of the best experiences happen off-site.
What to expect:
- Live burns in mock structures (ventilation and flow path exercises)
- Vehicle fire analysis (EVs included)
- Wildland scene reconstruction
- Canine demonstrations (ignitable liquid detection)
These often require pre-registration and may be capped. Sign up early during registration or at check-in.
Bring:
- Full PPE (or confirm if it’s provided)
- Camera + notebook
- Closed-toe boots and long pants
Final Tips to Get the Most Out of Your First IAAI Conference
This event isn’t just about learning. It’s about embedding yourself in a network of investigators who share your mission.
Here’s how to get the most out of your week:
- Plan like a prosecutor. Pick your sessions with intent. What gaps do you need to fill?
- Talk to someone new at every break. You’re building a professional bench that might last decades.
- Don’t skip the evening events. They’re informal but full of value.
- Follow up. After you meet someone, drop a quick note post-conference. It cements the connection.
- Keep learning. Sign up for CFITrainer.net modules based on sessions you liked. It helps you retain better.
The IAAI 2026 Conference is more than an event. It’s a signal that you take this work seriously and that you’re part of a global community holding the line between speculation and science.
If you’re walking in for the first time, take a breath. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
