The City of Cleveland will host the 59th Biennial Convention of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) in 2028.
This announcement comes after a collaborative effort between city leaders, the Association of Cleveland Fire Fighters IAFF Local 93, and Destination Cleveland.
These parties worked together in Boston, MA, to successfully secure the bid for the event.
Nearly 4,000 IAFF members voted to select Cleveland as the host, where fire fighter union leaders will gather to conduct business representing more than 350,000 members from across North America.
Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb and IAFF Local 93 President Jake Konys led the city’s bid, supported by Destination Cleveland.
Mayor Bibb stated: “Our city has a rich tradition of honoring and supporting fire fighters, and we are proud to be selected as the host for this distinguished event.”
The 2028 convention received backing from key figures, including IAFF General President Edward Kelly and General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma.
This event is expected to bring economic benefits to the region and showcase the city’s strengths.
Mayor Bibb acknowledged the hard work of the fire fighters and Local 93 in securing the convention.
“This achievement is a testament to the commitment, hard work, and dedication of our local fire fighters,” said Bibb.
Jake Konys, president of IAFF Local 93, also emphasized the significance of the event for Cleveland: “Our City is rising, and we have much to showcase.
“Cleveland is home to a strong labor force, and we will continue collaborating with our City’s Leadership to build a better tomorrow.”
David Gilbert, president and CEO of Destination Cleveland, highlighted the potential economic benefits of hosting the IAFF convention.
According to Gilbert, the event could generate an estimated $1.8 million and deliver 10,500 room nights.
He added: “Cleveland wins when we collaborate to bring events, meetings, and conventions to our city.”
The city’s preparation for the convention will include partnerships with various stakeholders to ensure the event’s success and that the city’s appeal as an event destination is fully demonstrated.
IAFF leadership expressed confidence in Cleveland’s ability to host a memorable convention.
Edward Kelly stated: “We look forward to working with Local 93 and its impressive partners in Cleveland to make 2028 truly memorable.”
The 2028 IAFF Biennial Convention is expected to follow in the footsteps of previous successful gatherings.
Last month, in Boston, the IAFF hosted speakers such as Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy and former U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.
With the continued support from both local and national IAFF leadership, the Cleveland convention is expected to maintain this level of prominence.
President Konys added: “I look forward to working with Mayor Bibb, and City Hall, and the incredible talent we have at Destination Cleveland to make this convention an economic driver for the region.”
The city aims to use this opportunity to promote its strengths and serve as a backdrop for vital discussions about fire fighters’ safety, working conditions, and related policies.
The City of Cleveland has been selected to host the 59th Biennial Convention of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) in 2028.
The decision followed a successful bid by the city, supported by Cleveland’s leadership, IAFF Local 93, and Destination Cleveland.
Mayor Justin M. Bibb, along with Local 93 President Jake Konys, emphasized the city’s longstanding support for fire fighters.
The convention is expected to bring substantial economic benefits, with an estimated impact of $1.8 million.
IAFF leadership, including General President Edward Kelly, expressed their confidence in Cleveland’s ability to host a successful event.
