FCA Conference
2026 Florida CERT Association Conference: Prepared in Paradise
We’re thrilled to announce that the 2026 Florida CERT Association Conference will be held at the Renaissance Orlando Resort — Disney Springs® Area!
Join us for three days of training, collaboration, and leadership development as we come together to be Prepared in Paradise.
August 3–7, 2026
2026 Florida CERT Conference
Preliminary Schedule of Sessions & Events
Pre-Conference
Monday, August 3, 2026
Tuesday
August 4, 2026 — Day 1
Keynote: Shaping the Future of Florida CERT
What is Fire Fighter Rehab (NFPA 1584)? How to use CERT to start a program on a small budget?
Discover easy, interactive activities designed to keep CERT members engaged while reinforcing key skills. These fun, low-prep ideas are perfect for meetings, trainings, and community events, helping build teamwork, confidence, and readiness
This course highlights how CERT teams support safety at sports and special events through first aid, crowd management, de-escalation, hydration, and recognizing human trafficking indicators, using real-world examples from Miami Beach CERT.
The CERT Program Manager Course is a two-day course, designed to prepare participants to establish the CERT Program Manager course should be used as part of an program manager development strategy and is not designed to be the sole requirement to become a CERT Program Manager.
How to expand a firefighter rehab program through sponsorships and outreach. Teaching CERT members how to take vitals and meet all requirements for NFPA 1584.
Designed for shelter operations, this course teaches how to recognize dementia symptoms and respond with compassion and safety. Participants learn communication techniques, de-escalation strategies, and best practices for supporting individuals with cognitive impairments.
A focused course on developing CERT leaders from within your program. Topics include leadership pathways, mentoring, succession planning, and building confident team leads who can support operations and training.
The CERT Program Manager Course is a two-day course, designed to prepare participants to establish the CERT Program Manager course should be used as part of an program manager development strategy and is not designed to be the sole requirement to become a CERT Program Manager.
CERT offers another pathway for community-wide preparedness through the Business Emergency Response Team (BERT). BERT focuses on workplace safety, business continuity, and private family preparedness. Workplace CERT programs further strengthen organizational resilience by equipping employees with essential disaster response skills using the CERT Basic Training curriculum.
This workshop provides a practical roadmap for starting and growing a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. Participants will learn the foundational steps for program development, including building partnerships, recruiting and retaining volunteers, securing leadership support, managing training, and sustaining long-term engagement.
Florida Georgia Lutheran Early Response Become informed how the Florida Georgia Lutheran Early Response team can assist in a disaster- specifically with our Chain Saw Squads.
The CERT Program Manager Course is a two-day course, designed to prepare participants to establish the CERT Program Manager course should be used as part of an program manager development strategy and is not designed to be the sole requirement to become a CERT Program Manager.
The Annual Members Meeting is a chance for CERT volunteers from across Florida to come together, celebrate accomplishments, hear statewide updates, and help shape the future of the Florida CERT Association. Members will connect with regional leaders, learn about new initiatives, share program successes, and take part in discussions that strengthen collaboration and volunteer engagement statewide.
Wednesday
August 5, 2026 — Day 2
Table Top Exercise - Part 1
This tabletop session explores the unique ways CERT volunteers can enhance airport preparedness by supporting large‑scale exercise activities such as passenger assistance, crowd management, family reunification, basic first aid, and situational awareness.
The CERT Program Manager Course is a two-day course, designed to prepare participants to establish the CERT Program Manager course should be used as part of an program manager development strategy and is not designed to be the sole requirement to become a CERT Program Manager.
The Hybrid CERT Train-the-Trainer (TtT) course prepares instructors to deliver the FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training using a blend of 12 hours online study and 16 hours in-person skills practice. It focuses on enabling trainers to teach disaster skills, manage classroom learning, and follow the 2019 curriculum.
This training will allow CERT Volunteers to complete their CERT Volunteer Task Books. Participants will have an opportunity to demonstrate all the skills and abilities found in the FEMA CERT Resource Typing Task Book for Volunteers.
Table Top Exercise - Part 2
This tabletop session explores the unique ways CERT volunteers can enhance airport preparedness by supporting large‑scale exercise activities such as passenger assistance, crowd management, family reunification, basic first aid, and situational awareness.
Discover how one of the nation's first mixed-use Workplace CERT programs evolved from training security staff into a community-wide preparedness program. Learn how CERT improved safety, strengthened emergency response, increased employee engagement, reduced turnover, and created lasting value for staff, residents, and public safety partners.
The CERT Program Manager Course is a two-day course, designed to prepare participants to establish the CERT Program Manager course should be used as part of an program manager development strategy and is not designed to be the sole requirement to become a CERT Program Manager.
The Hybrid CERT Train-the-Trainer (TtT) course prepares instructors to deliver the FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training using a blend of 12 hours online study and 16 hours in-person skills practice. It focuses on enabling trainers to teach disaster skills, manage classroom learning, and follow the 2019 curriculum.
This course gives an overview of incident specific documentation while CERT members demonstrate their ability to complete incident administrative tasks.
This session addresses stress, fatigue, and burnout in emergency response and volunteer roles. Participants learn to recognize warning signs, build resilience, and apply practical self-care strategies to sustain long-term involvement.
Learn how human trafficking impacts Florida communities and how the Collier County Sheriff's Office is working to combat this crime through investigations, victim support, community partnerships, and public education. This session will help attendees recognize warning signs, understand current trends, and learn practical ways to help make Florida safer.
The CERT Program Manager Course is a two-day course, designed to prepare participants to establish the CERT Program Manager course should be used as part of an program manager development strategy and is not designed to be the sole requirement to become a CERT Program Manager.
The Hybrid CERT Train-the-Trainer (TtT) course prepares instructors to deliver the FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training using a blend of 12 hours online study and 16 hours in-person skills practice. It focuses on enabling trainers to teach disaster skills, manage classroom learning, and follow the 2019 curriculum.
Learn techniques to share relevant information to accomplish objectives in a potentially rapidly changing environment.
Discover how resident input shapes stronger, more resilient communities. Participants learn the techniques the Tampa Bay Region used to gather, analyze, and apply public feedback to their post-disaster redevelopment efforts.
This will include a review of FEMA guidelines, and a demo of up to three live action games.
The CERT Program Manager Course is a two-day course, designed to prepare participants to establish the CERT Program Manager course should be used as part of an program manager development strategy and is not designed to be the sole requirement to become a CERT Program Manager.
The Hybrid CERT Train-the-Trainer (TtT) course prepares instructors to deliver the FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training using a blend of 12 hours online study and 16 hours in-person skills practice. It focuses on enabling trainers to teach disaster skills, manage classroom learning, and follow the 2019 curriculum.
Table Top Exercise
This table top exercise will allow volunteers to sign off their training for the CERT Volunteer Task Book.
CERT members are dropped into a dynamic scenario with limited equipment, incomplete information, and only a small window of time; teams must organize, plan, and execute a safe rescue strategy.
Thursday
August 6, 2026 — Day 3
This workshop provides a practical, step‑by‑step introduction to grant management, compliance, and program documentation. Participants learn how to navigate the full grant lifecycle, including understanding requirements, shaping a clear program narrative, budgeting, and documenting progress. The session also highlights strategies for demonstrating program impact through success stories, data‑driven communication, and effective use of technology with grants.
Learn how the Florida State Agricultural Response Team (SART) became a national leader in animal and agricultural emergency management. This session highlights SART’s role in building statewide response capabilities, partnering with local agencies, and opportunities for CERT members and volunteers to support agricultural and animal disaster response.
This session explores the difference between appreciation—valuing volunteers for who they are—and recognition—celebrating what they do—while offering practical, meaningful ways to honor CERT members in ways that strengthen motivation, belonging, and long‑term engagement.
This training, delivered by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, provides an overview of POD operations, including site selection, staffing, resource management, and coordination with partner agencies. The session will conclude with a tabletop exercise to apply key concepts in a simulated disaster scenario.
Participants will learn practical strategies for tracking data, highlighting impact stories, calculating volunteer value, and creating clear reports for leadership and stakeholders.
Representatives from rural, city, and county CERT programs share their approaches, challenges, and best practices to highlight how different communities build resilience through volunteer engagement and coordinated emergency response.
Learn practical techniques to lead meetings, engage volunteers, manage group dynamics, and facilitate productive discussions. This workshop provides CERT leaders with tools to build collaboration and keep teams focused on achieving their goals.
This training, delivered by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, provides an overview of POD operations, including site selection, staffing, resource management, and coordination with partner agencies. The session will conclude with a tabletop exercise to apply key concepts in a simulated disaster scenario.
This session covers hands-only CPR, proper use of an AED, and how to administer Narcan, giving participants the confidence to respond quickly and effectively when every second counts.
CERT engagement varies by state hazards: Florida’s predictable hurricane season supports planned preparedness and storm‑response activities, while California’s sudden earthquakes require year‑round readiness and creative strategies to keep volunteers involved. Concord, California’s Teen CERT Program became a standout solution, inspiring hands‑on, practical, and fun activities that boosted engagement across all ages.
Florida HOSA students are preparing to become future healthcare professionals, while Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers are trained to support their communities before, during, and after disasters. This session explores how these two programs can work together to strengthen community resilience, public health, and emergency preparedness.
This training, delivered by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, provides an overview of POD operations, including site selection, staffing, resource management, and coordination with partner agencies. The session will conclude with a tabletop exercise to apply key concepts in a simulated disaster scenario.
This course gives CERT leaders and volunteers practical tools to navigate disagreements, personality clashes, and stressful activation environments by focusing on communication, expectations, and teamwork.
This course prepares CERT members to safely recognize, avoid, and respond to snake‑related incidents by covering local venomous species, scene safety, victim support within CERT’s scope, and effective communication with EMS during snakebite emergencies.
This session explores common pitfalls in CERT program development and management, paired with practical insights on what could be done differently to strengthen volunteer engagement, improve operations, and build a more resilient, sustainable program.
This training, delivered by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, provides an overview of POD operations, including site selection, staffing, resource management, and coordination with partner agencies. The session will conclude with a tabletop exercise to apply key concepts in a simulated disaster scenario.
Put your CERT skills to the test in this interactive, scenario-based mystery game. Teams will follow clues, solve problems, and apply core training concepts—like triage, fire safety, and size-up—to unravel what happened and complete the mission before time runs out.
Friday
August 7, 2026 — Day 4
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Register early to join us at the 2026 Florida CERT Association Conference! Pricing is based on your membership status with the Florida CERT Association.
Registration Rates
Member Rate: $175
For all current Florida CERT Association members.
Non-Member Rate: $225
For attendees who are not current members
Important Note
If you are not a current member, a $25 membership fee will be applied at check-in if you select member registration.
Hotel Information
Renaissance Orlando Resort & Spa – Disney Springs® Resort Area
Attendees can take advantage of a special group rate at the Renaissance Orlando Resort – Disney Springs® Area for just $99 per night. This discounted rate is available for stays between Friday, July 31, 2026, and Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Rooms at this rate are limited and must be booked by Monday, July 13, 2026.
Address:
1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Sponsorship
PLATINUM
SPONSOR
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Prime Exhibitor Space
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One (1) Six Foot Table
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Two (2) Chairs
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Wireless Internet Access
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Three Quarter (3/4) Page Ad in Participant Packet
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Inclusion of Samples or Literature in Conference Tote Bags
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Access to Contact List of Conference Registrants
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Four (4) Complimentary Conference Registrations
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Opportunity to Sell CERT/EM Related Merchandise
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Social Media Recognition
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Website Recognition
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Special Recognition During Opening Plenary Session (Day 1)
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Featured Presence on All Conference Promotional emails
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VIP Seating at Awards Breakfast
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Logo Prominently Displayed on Signage in Exhibit Hall
GOLD
SPONSOR
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Prime Exhibitor Space
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One (1) Six Foot Table
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Two (2) Chairs
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Wireless Internet Access
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One Half (1/2) Page Ad in Participant Packet
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Inclusion of Samples or Literature in Conference Tote Bags
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Access to Contact List of Conference Registrants
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Three (3) Complimentary Conference Registrations
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Opportunity to Sell CERT/EM Related Merchandise
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Social Media Recognition
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Website Recognition
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Special Recognition During Opening Plenary Session (Day 1)
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Featured Presence on All Conference Promotional emails
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VIP Seating at Awards Breakfast
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Logo Prominently Displayed on Signage in Exhibit Hall
SILVER
SPONSOR
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Prime Exhibitor Space
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One (1) Six Foot Table
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Two (2) Chairs
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Wireless Internet Access
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One Quarter (1/4) Page Ad in Participant Packet
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Inclusion of Samples or Literature in Conference Tote Bags
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Access to Contact List of Conference Registrants
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Two (2) Complimentary Conference Registrations
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Opportunity to Sell CERT/EM Related Merchandise
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Social Media Recognition
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Website Recognition
BRONZE
SPONSOR
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Prime Exhibitor Space
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One (1) Six Foot Table
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Two (2) Chairs
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Wireless Internet Access
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One Quarter (1/4) Page Ad in Participant Packet
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Inclusion of Samples or Literature in Conference Tote Bags
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Access to Contact List of Conference Registrants
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Two (2) Complimentary Conference Registrations
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Opportunity to Sell CERT/EM Related Merchandise
TITLE
SPONSOR
One Slot Available
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Prime Exhibitor Space
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One (1) Six Foot Table
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Two (2) Chairs
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Wireless Internet Access
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Full Page Ad in Participant Packet
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Inclusion of Samples or Literature in Conference Tote Bags
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Access to Contact List of Conference Registrants
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Five (5) Complimentary Conference Registrations
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Opportunity to Sell CERT/EM Related Merchandise
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Social Media Recognition
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Website Recognition
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Special Recognition During Opening Plenary Session (Day 1)
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Featured Presence on All Conference Promotional emails
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VIP Seating at awards breakfast
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Logo Prominently Displayed on Signage in Exhibit Hall
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Opportunity to Speak During Open Plenary Session (Day 1)
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Opportunity to Assist with Awards Presentations
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Opportunity to Speak at Awards Breakfast
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Opportunity to Provide Video on Website
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Opportunity to Provide Official Conference Tote Bag with Your Company Logo
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LUNCH
SPONSOR
One Slot Available
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Prime Exhibitor Space
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One (1) Six Foot Table
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Two (2) Chairs
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Wireless Internet Access
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Three Quarter (3/4) Page Ad in Participant Packet
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Inclusion of Samples or Literature in Conference Tote Bags
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Access to Contact List of Conference Registrants
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Four (4) Complimentary Conference Registrations
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Opportunity to Sell CERT/EM Related Merchandise
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Social Media Recognition
-
Website Recognition
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Special Recognition During Opening Plenary Session (Day 1)
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Featured Presence on All Conference Promotional emails
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VIP Seating at Awards Lunch
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Logo Prominently Displayed on Signage in Exhibit Hall
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Opportunity to Speak at Awards Lunch
AWARDS BREAKFAST
SPONSOR
One Slot Available
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Prime Exhibitor Space
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One (1) Six Foot Table
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Two (2) Chairs
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Wireless Internet Access
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Three Quarter (3/4) Page Ad in Participant Packet
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Inclusion of Samples or Literature in Conference Tote Bags
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Access to Contact List of Conference Registrants
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Four (4 Complimentary Conference Registrations
-
Opportunity to Sell CERT/EM Related Merchandise
-
Social Media Recognition
-
Website Recognition
-
Special Recognition During Opening Plenary Session (Day 1)
-
Featured Presence on All Conference Promotional emails
-
VIP Seating at Awards Breakfast
-
Logo Prominently Displayed on Signage in Exhibit Hall
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Opportunity to Speak at Awards Breakfast
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Opportunity to Assist with Awards Presentations
COFFEE
SPONSOR
Two Slots Available
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Prime Exhibitor Space
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One (1) Six Foot Table
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Two (2) Chairs
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Wireless Internet Access
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One Half (1/2) Page Ad in Participant Packet
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Inclusion of Samples or Literature in Conference Tote Bags
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Access to Contact List of Conference Registrants
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Three (3) Complimentary Conference Registrations
-
Opportunity to Sell CERT/EM Related Merchandise
-
Social Media Recognition
-
Website Recognition
-
Special Recognition During Opening Plenary Session (Day 1)
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Featured Presence on All Conference Promotional emails
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VIP Seating at Awards Breakfast
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Logo Prominently Displayed on Signage in Exhibit Hall
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Prominent Signage During Morning Coffee Service either Wednesday or Thursday
AWARD NOMINATIONS
Silver Star Award
Presented to an individual in Florida whose dedicated, unselfish and enthusiastic service has contributed to the growth and development of the CERT and Emergency Management communities.
Distinguished Service Award
Presented to a long-standing Florida CERT volunteer who has demonstrated extensive leadership through sustained and significant contributions to the CERT organization.
Florida CERT Team of the Year
Presented to the Community Emergency Response Team that created/implemented an initiative and/or innovation that improves the ability of their CERT program to achieve innovative and sustainable practices in emergency management to make their jurisdiction safer, stronger, better prepared, and more resilient (e.g. in the areas of public education, training and engagement; government/non-government partnerships and integration of services, capacity building, etc.)
Florida CERT Member of the Year
Presented to a CERT volunteer for outstanding contribution to their CERT program and community as an unpaid program manager, instructor, team leader or general volunteer.
PRESENT At THE FCA CONFERENCE
Do you have innovative ideas, success stories, or lessons learned that could inspire and strengthen CERT programs across Florida? The Florida CERT Conference is looking for presenters to share their expertise and experiences with fellow volunteers, coordinators, and emergency management professionals. This is your chance to showcase your work, connect with peers, and help build stronger, more resilient communities statewide.
If you would like to be a presenter at the annual Florida CERT Conference, please complete the conference speaker application and a member of our planning team will contact you. Applications will be accepted until 2 months before the conference date.
Presenters who are chosen will be sent an acceptance email once vetting process is complete.
Buildings Division
I called in the complaint on the building; why was I summoned to a hearing?
Why does the City keep sending me a notice for this property? I told them several times that I do not own the property. How do I prove this fact?
Your name appeared as result of a title search. Most likely, you will need to file a motion to set-aside the default to resolve the case in a hearing. Also, you may wish to contact the Ownership Unit at the Department of Law for review. You may contact 312.742.0007 for further information.
How can I contact the building inspectors?
To contact a building inspector, please call 311, the City of Chicago’s general information line, or contact the Department of Buildings main telephone number at 365.583.8700.
I fixed the building problems while the inspector was standing there…why do I have to come to court?
The Department of Buildings is alleging that the violations were still there on the date of inspection. The hearing is your opportunity to contest any allegations and show proof that the problems were corrected.
Safety & Consumer Affairs
I cut my grass already while the inspector was standing there…why do I have to come to court?
The violation(s) already existed which is why the inspector wrote the ticket, therefore you must attend the scheduled hearing to contest the allegation and show proof that the violation(s) were corrected.
What do I need to bring to a “boot” hearing?
To assist in your hearing, you should obtain a “print out” of the violations consolidated on the booted vehicle’s license plate. This can be obtained from the Department of Revenue cashier at any of the hearing facilities, and will assist you in preparing for your hearing.
I received a notice of violation regarding a building I do not own. What can I do about it?
Do not ignore the notice. Appear for your hearing and explain your circumstances to the Administrative Law Judge or the City representative. Also, you may contact the City department which issued the notice, or call the telephone number indicated on your document to determine why your name appeared as a party to the action.
How long do I have to pay a parking ticket before it doubles?
Some code violations do allow you to pay the fine instead of appearing for the hearing. However, most require that you appear in-person. If you have two violations on one ticket and one violation allows you to prepay but the other requires that you appear, then you must appear for the hearing on both violations.
Municipal FAQs
I was not the driver of the vehicle at the time it was impounded nor was I the passenger who was found with drugs on them. Why am I being held responsible?
The City Municipal code imposes responsibility on the owner of a vehicle that is used in violation of any one of 19 impoundment offenses, regardless of who was driving. The most common of these offenses involve vehicles that contain: illegal drugs, an illegally transported firearm, vehicles that are used, Where’s my tax refund? while driving under the influence (DUI) or used in the solicitation of a prostitute. Specifically, code section 7-24-225 imposes responsibility on the owner of a vehicle that contains any illegal drugs, i.e.; controlled substance or cannabis with no exceptions.
What does the court date on the front of my notice of vehicle impoundment represent?
The Circuit Court date on the front of the notice of vehicle impoundment is associated with the offense or charge that caused your vehicle to be impounded. Do not confuse that Circuit Court date with the Department of Administrative Hearings. You may request a separate hearing at the Department of Administrative Hearings for the impoundment of the vehicle. Please refer to your police district of arrest for further information regarding the court date on the front of your vehicle impoundment notice.
I’ve already paid to get my car from the auto pound. Do I have to request a hearing?
If you do not wish to challenge the impoundment of your vehicle, you are not required to request a hearing. However, please keep the receipts from the auto pound for your records.
My car is still in the auto pound. Do I have to request a hearing?
Although you do not have to request a hearing, your vehicle will continue to accrue storage fees while impounded. You could be financially responsible for these storage fees. You mayrequest a hearing tochallenge the impoundment.
Trafic
I never owned this vehicle but I am getting parking tickets in my name. What can I do?
You should contact the parking ticket help line at 312.744.7275. They can walk you through the process of how to contest the tickets or they can review both your records and the tickets, to possibly resolve any ownership issues. You may also want to check with the Secretary of State.
I contested these tickets by mail. When will I get a response? Why has it doubled? What shall I do?
If you submitted a timely hearing contest, you will receive a hearing decision in the mail, which will be sent to the registration address for your vehicle, as recorded in the Secretary of State’s database. You can call the parking ticket help line at 312.744.7275 to confirm timely receipt of your contest by mail. If your request for a hearing was late, the ticket may have doubled.
How long do I have to pay a parking ticket before it doubles?
You have 25 days from the date of decision to pay the ticket before it doubles. Additionally, if you fail to contest a ticket, you have 25 days fromthe date of initial default determination to pay the ticket before it doubles.
I received a collection notice but I prepaid the ticket. Why did I receive it?
If you paid the ticket after the scheduled hearing date, your case will be defaulted. For most cases, you must file a motion to set-aside the default; for Streets & Sanitation tickets only, if you paid before the hearing date, you may call the telephone number on the ticket for further assistance.