FDIC International 2026: Attendee Guide
Updated March 7, 2026
Everything you need to know before arriving in Indianapolis.
FDIC International 2026: April 19–25 · Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium · Full event info
2026 Schedule Highlights
FDIC spans a full week, with pre-conference training starting Sunday. The main expo runs Tuesday through Friday.
Registration opens. SCBA fit testing begins. Arrive early to get your badge and get oriented before the week ramps up.
Pre-conference workshops and hands-on training. Registration continues. A quieter day before the full show opens.
Opening Ceremony: 8:00–10:00 AM. Exhibit Hall opens at 10:00 AM and runs until 5:30 PM. Firefighter Challenge qualifying begins. Expect the biggest crowds of the week.
Exhibit Hall: 11:00 AM–5:30 PM. Firefighter Challenge qualifying continues. Education sessions run throughout the day across multiple tracks.
Exhibit Hall: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at 1:00 PM. Indianapolis Firefighters' Open House, 5:15–10:00 PM — free and open to families.
Exhibit Hall: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM. Firefighter Challenge Finals: 9:00 AM–Noon. Plan your last expo walkthrough early — the hall closes at 1.
Post-conference workshops and wrap-up sessions.
The Expo Floor
The FDIC expo is not like other trade shows. With 800+ exhibitors, it spans three connected spaces: the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and the LOS Connector Hall between them. Live burn demonstrations, working apparatus, and aerial displays are part of the show. Large vehicles and equipment are staged both inside and outside on the surrounding streets.
Even if you're not attending the expo, you'll see it. Fire trucks, aerial platforms, and specialized rescue vehicles park along Illinois Street, Washington Street, and Capitol Avenue surrounding the Convention Center all week. It's one of the most striking sights in downtown Indianapolis.
FDIC runs focused conference tracks alongside the main expo: Metro Fire Officers, EMS Innovation, NextGen Tech, Industrial Fire, Aircraft Fire & Rescue, and Women in Fire. Check the FDIC schedule for session locations and registration requirements.
Download the FDIC app before you arrive. The expo map is complex — knowing where specific exhibitors are saves significant time. Build your must-see list before Tuesday morning.
The Firefighter Challenge
One of the most entertaining events at FDIC. Competitors in full turnout gear complete a series of firefighting tasks against the clock: climb stairs, advance a hose line, drag a dummy, and more. Qualifying rounds run Tuesday through Thursday, with the finals on Friday morning.
The challenge course is set up in and around the Convention Center. It's free to watch and draws a crowd. If you've never seen it, the Friday finals are worth arriving early for — the top competitors are genuinely impressive.
Qualifying: Tuesday April 21 through Thursday April 23 · Finals: Friday April 24, 9:00 AM–Noon
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Every year at FDIC, participants climb the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center in full turnout gear to honor the 343 firefighters killed on September 11, 2001. The climb takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The 2026 climb is scheduled for Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM. It's one of the most solemn and moving events of the week. Even if you're not climbing, watching from outside Lucas Oil Stadium is a meaningful experience.
Registration for the climb is separate from FDIC conference registration. Check the official FDIC site for participation details and available spots.
Indianapolis Firefighters' Open House
On Thursday evening, April 23 from 5:15 to 10:00 PM, the Indianapolis Fire Department hosts an open house. It's free to attend and open to the public — a great option if you have family joining you for part of the week, or if you want to connect with IFD and see local apparatus up close.
Where to Eat During FDIC
35,000 people descend on downtown Indianapolis for a full week. The restaurants near the Convention Center are busy, but the city handles FDIC well — it's been doing this for decades.
Book Reservations NOW
Firefighters and first responders love a good steakhouse. These fill up fast during FDIC week, often 2–3 weeks in advance. If you want a sit-down dinner at one of Indianapolis's famous steakhouses, don't wait.
Indianapolis's most legendary restaurant since 1902. The shrimp cocktail is a rite of passage — it's famous for its heat. FDIC week is one of the busiest weeks of the year for them. Book as early as possible.
St. Elmo's sister restaurant. Same legendary shrimp cocktail, broader menu, slightly easier to get a table. Still books fast during FDIC.
Upscale steakhouse on Illinois Street, steps from the Convention Center. Less famous than St. Elmo's but just as good — and sometimes easier to get a table during major conventions.
After-Hours: The FDIC Social Scene
The unofficial FDIC after-hours headquarters. Massive menu, good beer selection, open late. Don't bother with a reservation — they don't take them. Put your name in when you arrive and grab a spot at the bar. Expect a crowd every evening of FDIC week.
Live music, food until 3 AM. A good FDIC week option for later in the evening after dinner elsewhere.
Indiana's oldest bar (1850). Live blues every night. A classic Indianapolis experience and a favorite with FDIC regulars.
Escape the Convention Center: Walk Mass Ave
Massachusetts Avenue is 12 minutes on foot from the Convention Center — far enough to escape the FDIC crowds, close enough to walk back after dinner. Better food, shorter waits, more neighborhood energy.
Hotels
Hotel rooms for FDIC week go fast. Indianapolis has more than 7,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Convention Center, but FDIC's 35,000 attendees fill up the downtown blocks quickly.
FDIC typically negotiates discounted rates at partner hotels. Check fdic.com for the official housing portal — rates through the block are usually better than booking direct, and room blocks are curated to be walking distance from the ICC.
Several downtown hotels connect directly to the Convention Center via the Indianapolis skywalk system — no need to go outside in April weather. The JW Marriott, Marriott Downtown, Westin, and Hyatt Regency all have skywalk access.
FDIC is one of the largest events Indianapolis hosts. Rooms that are available 6 months out will be gone 3 months out. If you haven't booked yet and the event is approaching, check hotels in Broad Ripple, Midtown, or near the airport — they're 15–20 minutes away and far cheaper.
Parking
Downtown Indianapolis has extensive parking infrastructure for major events. FDIC week does fill up the closest garages, but there's no shortage of parking within a few blocks.
For a full guide to downtown Indianapolis parking garages, rates, and tips: Indianapolis Parking Guide.
Getting Around
The Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and the surrounding hotels are all within a compact walkable area. Downtown Indianapolis is flat and easy to navigate on foot. Most of the restaurants, bars, and hotels you'll need are within 10–15 minutes of the ICC.
Indianapolis has an extensive above-ground skywalk system connecting the Convention Center to several hotels and Lucas Oil Stadium. It's particularly useful on cold or rainy April days. Full map and hotel list: Skywalk Guide.
Uber and Lyft are reliable downtown. Pickup zones are clearly marked near the Convention Center. Surge pricing happens during the Opening Ceremony and at end-of-day. Walk a block or two from the main entrances for shorter wait times and lower fares.
Indianapolis International Airport is about 20 minutes from downtown by rideshare (typically $25–35). The Super Shuttle runs regularly to major downtown hotels. No direct rail link exists between the airport and downtown.
More Indianapolis Resources
Heading to FDIC? These guides will help you plan the rest of your trip.