EAS Daily Agenda
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
8:00-8:30 a.m. – Welcome & Introductions
Speakers:
- Chrissy Bartel, Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association
- Scott Gilmore, National Registry of EMTs
- Chris Way, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
- Jamie Pafford-Gresham, American Ambulance Association
Kick off the event with a coordinated welcome from volunteer leadership representing participating organizations, with remarks from Scott Gilmore, Chris Way, and Jamie Pafford-Gresham on behalf of their organizations. Chrissy Bartel will then offer a separate welcome as the state host. The session will include a brief overview of the goals and vision for the gathering, setting the tone for a purposeful and connected start.
8:30-9:30 a.m. – Keynote Panel: Strategic Partnerships & Associations for All EMS Types – Why We Need to Work Together
Panelists:
- Bill Seifarth, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, National Registry of EMTs
- Maria Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer, American Ambulance Association
- Deb Lally, Executive Director, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
This keynote panel brings together national EMS leaders to discuss why collaboration across agencies, roles, and professional associations is essential to the future of emergency medical services. Panelists will explore shared challenges, opportunities for alignment, and how unified advocacy strengthens the entire EMS system. Attendees will gain insight into how strategic partnerships improve workforce development, patient outcomes, and industry sustainability.
This panel is sponsored by:
9:50-10:50 a.m. – Breakout 1: Board Basics: Governance, Roles, & Legal Essentials
Speakers:
- Scott Moore, WMK Law Group
- Thornton Kirby, South Carolina EMS Association
Designed for both new and experienced board members, this session offers a practical overview of the core responsibilities involved in serving on a nonprofit association board. Scott Moore will discuss key legal and regulatory requirements, while Thornton Kirby provides insights from the perspective of association leadership. Topics include board roles and fiduciary duties, governance documents, and compliance expectations. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how strong governance fosters a healthy, mission-driven organization.
9:50-10:50 a.m. – Breakout 2: Boost Your Association: Finance & Operations Insights
Speaker:
- Donna Newchurch
This session dives into the core practices that keep associations running smoothly and sustainably. Participants will learn strategies for effective financial management, streamlined operations, and strong organizational leadership. Whether you’re a board member, staff, or volunteer, you’ll gain practical tools and insights to strengthen your association’s performance and impact.
11:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. – Breakout 1: Successful Strategic Planning
Speaker:
- Chris Way, Charleston County EMS and National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
This session helps board members develop actionable strategic plans that guide their association toward its goals. Participants will learn how to create clear, practical strategies and effectively engage board members in meaningful tasks to ensure follow-through. Attendees will leave with tools and techniques to keep their board active, aligned, and productive.
11:10 a.m.–12:10 p.m. – Breakout 2: From Ideas to Impact: Events & Education Success
Speaker:
- Mary Napier, Napier Communications/SCEMSA
- Butch Oberhoff, Texas EMS Alliance
Join this interactive session to explore what makes association events and continuing education programs successful and what pitfalls to avoid. Through lively group discussion, participants will share real-world experiences, innovative ideas, and lessons learned from both successes and failures. Walk away with practical strategies to plan engaging events and deliver meaningful educational opportunities for your members.
1:10-2:10 p.m. - Breakout 1: Panel - Advocacy and Legislative Update: Washington Insights
Panelists:
- Shawn Baird, WMK Consulting
- Tristan North, American Ambulance Association
- Kim Krenik, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
Join national EMS advocacy leaders for a timely discussion on federal policy and advocacy efforts affecting the profession. This panel will cover key topics including: balanced billing, EMS add-on payments, SIREN grant program, Treat in Place, Mobile Integrated Healthcare, and more. Attendees will gain an up-to-date understanding of legislative developments, practical advocacy strategies, and how these policies impact EMS operations and patient care.
1:10-2:10 p.m. - Breakout 2: Strengthening EMS Through Strategic Communication
Speaker:
- Kelly Watson, South Carolina EMS Association
Using a simplified storytelling framework, participants will learn how to highlight EMS professionals as the focus of their communication while positioning their association as the support system that helps them succeed. Attendees will leave with a communication plan, content pillars tailored to EMS, and realistic strategies for improving websites, emails, social media, and event promotion.
2:30-3:30 p.m. – Breakout 1: Building Stronger Relationships
Speaker:
- Thornton Kirby, South Carolina EMS Association
Successful associations are built on strong, intentional relationships. This session provides practical strategies for strengthening connections with industry partners, enhancing collaboration between board and staff, and fostering trust and communication among board members themselves. Participants will learn how effective relationship-building improves governance, supports advocacy, and drives the overall success of their organization.
2:30-3:30 p.m. – Breakout 2: Member Expectations, Engagement, & Management
Speaker:
- Tammie Patterson, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
This session equips association staff with practical strategies for managing member needs and expectations while streamlining daily operations. Participants will explore best practices in membership communication, retention, and engagement, along with an overview of software tools that can simplify workflows and improve the member experience. Ideal for staff looking to enhance efficiency, strengthen relationships, and deliver greater value to their members.
3:50-5:20 p.m. – Popcorn Topics Mixer
In this final session of the day, participants will dive into emerging trends, creative solutions, and forward-thinking approaches in a lively “Popcorn Topics” mixer and group discussion, where rapid-fire themed prompts encourage open conversation, idea-sharing, and collaboration across organizations. It’s a fun, energizing way to wrap up the day, reflect on what you’ve learned, and build connections that can support your work long after the event ends.
5:30-8:00 p.m. - Happy Hour
Join us for a casual happy hour prior to the Code 3 screening. Enjoy light refreshments and informal networking before the evening’s main event.
8:10 p.m. - Code 3 Movie Screening and Meet-and-Greet with Co-Writer Patrick Pianezza
We are excited to share that we will host a special screening of the film Code 3 followed by a meet-and-greet with the film’s co-writer, Patrick Pianezza, on Wednesday evening, February 18. This shared viewing experience will provide an opportunity to reflect on the film’s themes and their connection to the first responder community. Following the screening, Patrick will join us for an informal conversation, offering insights into the film’s inspiration, storytelling, and writing process.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
8:00-9:00 a.m. – Day Two Keynote: State EMS Associations Panel – Working Together & Building Trust
Kick off Day 2 with insights from state EMS association leaders and staff in this interactive panel discussion. The conversation will focus on building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and creating trust between associations, staff, and stakeholders. Attendees will gain practical strategies for enhancing teamwork, improving communication, and strengthening the overall impact of their state EMS organizations.
This panel is sponsored by:
9:20-10:20 a.m. – Breakout 1: Creating New Pathways: Non-Dues Revenue, Grants & Partnerships
Speakers:
- Butch Oberhoff, Texas EMS Alliance
- Henry Lewis, South Carolina EMS Association
Join Butch Oberhoff and Henry Lewis for a practical session on expanding your association’s resources and opportunities. Learn how to develop non-dues revenue streams, identify and secure grant funding, and cultivate strategic partnerships that strengthen your organization’s mission. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and strategies to diversify income, build sustainable programs, and create new pathways for growth and success.
9:20-10:20 a.m. – Breakout 2: Tech that Connects: Practical Tools for Engagement, Operations & Collaboration in Associations
Speaker:
- Rob Lawrence, California Ambulance Association
In a world where members are overloaded, volunteers are stretched, and board engagement competes with countless digital distractions, associations must use technology not for complexity—but for connection. This highly interactive session explores the practical tools and tech-enabled approaches that help associations communicate better, collaborate smarter, and streamline their daily operations.
Drawing from real-world experience in producing nationally recognized podcasts, managing association communications, and leading geographically dispersed teams, Rob Lawrence will walk participants through the simple, effective technologies that strengthen relationships with members and board members alike. From multimedia engagement and modern communication platforms to operations tools that make staff and volunteer workflows more efficient, this session focuses on what works—and why.
Participants will then shift into group-led discovery, sharing solutions, platforms, and processes that have solved engagement or collaboration challenges in their own organizations. Expect lively discussion, quick wins, and a collective “best of” resource list you can take home and immediately put into practice.
Whether your association is powered by a small volunteer board or a large professional staff, you will leave with practical tools, shared strategies, and new ideas to increase engagement, improve communication, and create a more connected membership experience.
Come ready to share, learn, and discover the tech that truly connects.
10:40-11:40 a.m. – Breakout 1: Shaping the Future of EMS: Industry Trends & Initiatives
Speakers:
- Terence Ramotar, Global Medical Response
- Heather Harris, American Ambulance Association of PA
This session explores the latest trends and innovations topics shaping the EMS industry beyond current federal legislation. Topics include the Big Beautiful Bill, Rural Health Transformation Funds, Mobile Integrated Healthcare/Community Paramedicine (MIH/CP), and workforce development initiatives. Attendees will learn how these emerging strategies are impacting patient care, operational efficiency, and the future of the EMS profession.
10:40-11:40 a.m. – Breakout 2: Small Marketing/Communications Staff, Big Association Voice
Speaker:
- Curtis Kitchen, Society for Simulation in Healthcare
Too often, the lack of effective marketing and communications consistency and growth efforts are blamed on the size of the staff or even the association itself. “We’re too small to achieve big things” is often felt. This session will teach small staffs how to think big – how to determine realistic, actionable goals; how to determine where and how to automate key communications duties and outputs; and how to keep an eye on new workflow tools, including AI that can help small associations achieve a “big” perception among their members and in their industry.
12:40-1:40 p.m. – Breakout 1: Essential Risk Management for Associations: Pitfalls to Avoid
Speaker:
- Scott Moore, WMK Law Group
Join Scott Moore for a practical session on risk management tailored to associations and nonprofits. Participants will learn how to identify, assess, and mitigate common risks that can impact operations, governance, and compliance. The session also highlights common pitfalls and offers strategies to protect your organization, ensuring long-term stability and effective mission-driven work.
12:40-1:40 p.m. – Breakout 2: Critical Conversations: Engaging Board & Staff
Speaker:
- Shannon Chambers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC)
This dynamic session will equip board members, staff and executive directors with tools to look within the organizations they are serving by using methods around leadership roles, ways to have critical conversations and more. Attendees will engage in practical exercises and receive immediate, actionable handouts and tools to implement back at their organizations, ensuring the insights from this session become lasting institutional practice.
2:00-3:00 p.m. – Breakout 1: Navigating Difficult Conversations in Associations
Speaker:
- Kim Godden
This session offers actionable guidance for handling challenging conversations within associations. Participants will learn how to communicate effectively during board meetings, manage conflicts among board members, and navigate sensitive discussions between board and staff or among staff members. Attendees will gain tools to foster understanding, maintain professionalism, and strengthen collaboration across their organizations.
2:00-3:00 p.m. – Breakout 2: Membership Engagement & Demonstrating Value
Speaker:
- Ashley Bentley
This facilitated discussion brings association staff together to share ideas and strategies for engaging members and highlighting the value of membership. Participants will explore best practices, creative approaches, and real-world examples to strengthen retention, increase participation, and ensure members see the impact of their involvement. The session encourages interactive dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of actionable insights that can be applied immediately within your organization.
3:20-4:20 p.m. – The Future & Role of Associations in an Industry with Agency Consolidation & Declining Membership
Speaker:
- Shannon Chambers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC)
This essential working session provides association leaders with practical strategies to redefine their value proposition amidst industry consolidation and declining membership. We will explore innovative membership opportunities, focus on enhancing individual professional benefits, and identify strategic partnerships for collaboration. By prioritizing the development of future leaders and amplifying advocacy efforts, this session equips you with the tools to ensure your association’s long-term relevance and success.
4:40-5:40 p.m. – Closing Keynote Panel: What’s Next for EMS Association Collaboration
Panelists:
- Jamie Pafford, American Ambulance Association
- Chris Way, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
- Scott Gilmore, National Registry of EMTs
- Chrissy Bartel, Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association
Join national and state EMS volunteer leaders for a forward-looking discussion on the future of collaboration in the EMS community. This session will explore opportunities to strengthen partnerships, enhance communication, and unify efforts across the industry and outline a path forward to advance cooperative initiatives that benefit the entire EMS profession.
This panel is sponsored by:
