TDEM Opens 2026 Texas Emergency Management Conference in Fort Worth

|  May 26, 2026  |

FORT WORTH, Texas – The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) today opened the 2026 Texas Emergency Management Conference at the Fort Worth Convention Center, bringing together more than 4,000 emergency management professionals, first responders, elected officials, public and private sector partners, nongovernmental organizations, voluntary organizations active in disaster, and other decision-makers from across Texas and the nation.

“The Conference showcases innovation, collaboration, and education each year and this year is no exception,” said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “This event is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared mission in support of Texas communities.”

The Conference runs May 26-29 and features three-and-a-half days of workshops, training courses, exhibit hall engagement, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen coordination, operational readiness, and resilience across the emergency management community. The Opening Session began at 1:00 p.m. May 26 in the Convention Center Arena.

This year’s programming includes sessions focused on emergency sheltering, crisis communications, emerging technologies supporting first responders, disaster finance and grant management, recovery operations, cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, and whole community coordination. Workshops are led by subject matter experts representing local, state, and federal agencies, private-sector partners, nonprofit organizations, and other emergency management disciplines.

In addition to remarks from Chief Kidd, the Opening Session featured Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare. Kerrville Fire Chief Eric Maloney and Kerrville Police Assistant Chief Jerel Haley delivered the keynote presentation.

The exhibit hall spans more than 180,000 square feet, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, review emerging products and services, and engage with partners that support emergency management operations. Exhibit hall hours are Wednesday, May 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Thursday, May 28, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Additional major events include the Texas Emergency Management Awards Luncheon at noon on May 28 in the Convention Center Arena and the Closing Session Concert scheduled for 8:00 p.m. May 28 in the Arena.

Throughout the week, emergency management professionals will share lessons learned, practical tools, and operational strategies that can be applied to help communities prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the impacts of disasters.

Access the full schedule and event details on The Conference 2026 website and learn more at tdem.texas.gov/conference.

(Photo: Texas Division of Emergency Management/Gabriel Pérez)

(Photo: Texas Division of Emergency Management/Gabriel Pérez)

(Photo: Texas Division of Emergency Management/Nate Purvis)

(Photo: Texas Division of Emergency Management/Gabriel Pérez) ###