Thank you for attending the 2008 Ernest A. "Buddy" Mass Human Relations Conference in Now Orleans.

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“As General President of the IAFF, the Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Human Relations Conference reflects my commitment to you to ensure that we continue to adapt to the changes of the 21st century as we embrace opportunities to make us stronger and more effective. Our ability to work together—as brothers and sisters—is the key to our success today, tomorrow, and in the years ahead. As we come together in New Orleans for this significant event, we remember the challenges that this city has endured. Its strength and revival is an inspiration to as all, as we learn from our fellow IAFF members and share ideas during this important conference.”

Fire fighting in the 21st century is a highly skilled profession—requiring not only physical strength, but interpersonal skills which make a different in providing fast care and service. Each professional responder uses their experience and skills to resolve the crisis in a safe and competent manner. On the front lines of their workplace, IAFF affiliates need to efficiently use the knowledge and background of all their members to resolve the problems they encounter. The conference will provide participants with new approaches and ideas to leveraging diversity within the local, the firehouse and the community. The theme of the 2008 Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Human Relations Conference is Many Faces, Many Voices, One Dream, One Union, focusing on current issues in current issues in the fire service.

The conference will take place at The Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana from January 20-23, 2008. The program includes three full days of interactive events featuring roundtable discussions, breakout workshops and presentations from a variety of union and fire service leaders.

Featured Events

Hosted by the Department of Education, the Human Relations Conference includes the following events:

• Conference Panels – Topics include recent human relations cases and diverse recruitment
• Workshops – Choose from a series of workshops related to union advocacy of diversity issues in the emergency response community
• Roundtable Discussions – Participate in a discussions of key issues affecting the fire service
• Networking – Opportunities to network with other IAFF members and leaders from across the United States and Canada
• Engaging Key Note Speakers – General sessions provide a forum for updating members on the latest issues and programs in the IAFF