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National First Responder Networking Conference 

September 17-19, 2026

Ridgedale Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN

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Event details

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National First Responder Networking Conference

September 17-19, 2026

Ridgedale Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN

Register Now

Event details

sponsorship

Are you passionate about serving the first responder community with the hope of Christ? Whether you’re a ministry leader, chaplain, church leader, business leader, active or retired first responder, spouse, or anyone with a heart to reach them for Christ—this gathering is for you. Come gather with others from across the nation who share the same desire and calling.

This isn’t your typical conference.
There are no keynote speakers. No packed breakout schedule.

Only leaders, learning from others who understand this unique culture. This is an invitation to connect, collaborate, and encourage one another through intentional and inspirational conversations that explore:

  • The greatest support needs among first responders and their families
  • The personal and ministry challenges of serving those on the front lines
  • Creative ideas, shared resources, and Spirit-led solutions

The conversations will be shaped by you and other leaders who have been walking this road for years—making every interaction deeply relevant and Spirit-filled. The goal is simple: to strengthen and encourage one another, build relationships that last, and fan into flames the fire God has already sparked in your heart.

Register Now
Group of people praying

Who Should Attend?

This conference is ideal for anyone who has a heart to reach our nation’s 4.6 million first responders and their families for Christ including:

  • chaplains
  • church leaders
  • ministry leaders
  • business leaders
  • active or retired first responders
  • spouses
  • anyone who has a heart to reach first responders for Christ

Whether you are an experienced first responder leader or just want to learn how you might be able to make a difference, this event is for you. Those who want more effective organizations, support resources, chaplain programs, and church programs. This event can begin to bridge the gap between the body of Christ and this unseen and under-served mission field. Together we can have a greater Kingdom impact.

Those attending will have two things in common:

1)    Have a heart for our nation’s first responders and their families.

2)    See the need for Real Hope in Christ as the solution to support and love them.

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Group of people praying
Group of people praying
Group of people praying

Why a Networking Conference?

The problems we see across the country:

  • Isolation – among all who have a heart to reach them for Christ
  • Discouragement – from little to no support, fruit, or examples to follow
  • Lack of Awareness –
        • for the first responder culture and the need to reach them for Christ
        • for what other ministries, chaplains, and churches are doing well
        • for how first responders and their families can live out their faith 
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Why a Networking Conference?

The problems we see across the country:

Isolation – among all who have a heart to reach them for Christ

Discouragement – from little to no support, fruit, or examples to follow

Lack of Awareness

  • for the first responder culture and the need to reach them for Christ
  • for what other ministries, chaplains, and churches are doing well
  • for how first responders and their families can live out their faith 
Register Now

Why Should I Attend?

Hear from nationally & internationally recognized speakers & leaders

Personally connect and learn from others all over the country

Be encouraged by how God is moving on this mission field today

Encouragement from Those Who Joined Us

"It was an amazing opportunity to put away titles and pretenses, and simply focus on the thing that matters most. The internal measure of the quality of character of one’s heart...

That was reflected through everyone’s commitment to Christ from the people running the conference to all the attendees. It was a blessing for my wife and I to be a part of such an amazing group of people who were unified for a single purpose. I stand with Jeremy and the rest of the leaders of Mission First Alliance in proclaiming God‘s purpose to provide real hope to first responders throughout our country and the world. What a wonderfully thought out gathering! Many blessings of praise for Jeremy and Ketryna Wade!

– Sgt. Jeff Daukas, Arizona –

"I left the conference with my heart FULL (Remembering God's goodness and that I am not alone)."

My take on the conference…
1. Hospitality was great (the volunteers, food, setting was top notch).
2. Lifting up the name of Jesus through songs and testimonies was very encouraging.
3. The networking and meeting new people from all over the country (even Canada) was very worthwhile.
4. The breakout session I attended was helpful for me to remember my “WHY”.
5. I left the conference with my heart FULL (Remembering God’s goodness and that I am not alone).

– Mike Baldwin – South Carolina –

"So many good connections were made and it was powerful to watch God work throughout this event."

Great conference! Thank you Jeremy, Ketryna, and the many others who put in countless hours behind the scenes. So many good connections were made and it was powerful to watch God work throughout this event. Thanks again and looking forward to seeing what’s in store next!

– Sgt. Jason Sery – Oregon –

"I was beyond blessed to be in attendance with some incredible individuals who all shared one mission: to make a positive impact. The energy in the room was palpable, and it was inspiring to connect with such passionate and dedicated people...

I wholeheartedly echo Mike Baldwin’s sentiments and want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone involved! Your commitment and support have left me feeling renewed and invigorated. It’s amazing what can happen when like-minded individuals come together for a common cause. I look forward to carrying this energy forward and continuing our important work together! Thank you, Jeremy Wade!!

– Dr. Olivia Johnson – Illinois –

"...the networking was amazing, made a lot of new friends. Great to see how God is uniting likeminded leaders...

I agree with everything said… the networking was amazing, made a lot of new friends. Great to see how God is uniting likeminded leaders. It was good to be reminded that I’m not crazy, others see what I see and God is uniting us. Furthermore, I didn’t know one could eat fried chicken biscuits with honey for breakfast 😋 !

– Sgt. Max Gomez – Ontario, Canada –

"There are so many people that desperately want to help first responders and finally have a place they can go to be connected together! There are certain watershed moments that occur in life. This was one of them....

 It’s impossible to connect with people in isolation; therefore, leaders that desire to be intentional and make an impact need to connect through the alliance!

– Anonymous Review –

Event Details

Thursday, September 17th from 5-9pm

Join Us Early – First Responder Family Appreciation Night – Thursday Night Kick-Off 

The event opens with a casual, outdoor, evening of fun, food, and worship open to conference attendees and local first responders families. A great way to begin forming connections before the conference kicks off.

Attendees and local first responder community will enjoy:

  • Free hotdog dinner
  • Activities and games for the kids
  • Local first responder families honored
  • Emergency vehicles to explore
  • Live worship
  • Support resources from local and national ministries and leaders

Families are invited to attend this event at Ridgedale Baptist Church @ The Meadows (across the road from the church).

Friday, September 18, 8am-7pm

Saturday, September 19, 8am-1:30pm

Two days of meaningful, Spirit-led conversations with people who share your mission: bringing the hope of Jesus to those who serve on the front lines.

Come ready to give, receive, share, worship, pray, listen, and grow—together. God is moving. 

You’ll experience:

  • Nationally & internationally recognized speakers & leaders
  • Resources & Encouragement to aid in your work
  • Ample networking opportunity to meet, connect, and collaborate with others
  • Friday – breakfast, lunch, dinner provided. Saturday – breakfast, lunch provided.

There are only 240 seats available for this two-day event on Friday and Saturday. Register to reserve your free space now. This event is not appropriate for children. No childcare will be provided.

Register Now

Accommodation Recommendations

Aloft Chattanooga Hamilton Place  
2090 Hamilton Place Blvd 
Chattanooga, TN 37421 
Contacts:  
Andrea Anderson – General Manager, 859-338-1564, aanderson@vhghotels.com
Joy Hale – Operations Manager, jhale@vhghotels.com

  • 10 King Rooms blocked for Thursday 9/17, Friday 9/18 & Saturday 9/19
  • The rate is $139 per night.
  • 5 Dbl Queen Rooms at $149 per night.
  • Reservations must be made by August 18th
  • Check in: 3pm, Check Out: 11am
  • Complimentary On-Site Parking

BOOK NOW  

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Hamilton Place  
2014 Hamilton Place Blvd. 
Chattanooga, TN 37421 
Contacts:  
Andrea Anderson – General Manager, 859-338-1564, aanderson@vhghotels.com
Joy Hale – Operations Manager, jhale@vhghotels.com

  • 10 King Rooms blocked for Thursday 9/17, Friday 9/18 & Saturday 9/19
  • The rate is $144 per night.
  • 5 Dbl Queen Rooms at $159 per night.
  • Reservations must be made by August 18th
  • Check in: 3pm, Check Out: 11am
  • Complimentary On-Site Parking

BOOK NOW  

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chattanooga – Hamilton Place  
7051 McCutcheon Road
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Contact: 
Jennifer Kuohn – General Manager – 423-899-2300

  • 20 Rooms (10 King, 10 Dbl Queens) blocked for Thursday 9/17, Friday 9/18.
  • The rate is $92 per night (King) and $99 per night (Queens).
  • Reservations must be made by August 27th. Online with link
  • Check in: 3pm, Check Out: 11am
  • Breakfast included

BOOK NOW 

Event Sponsorship Opportunities

Your sponsorship will help cover the operating costs for the National Networking Conference.

The National Networking Conference is free to attend. Your sponsorship is what gives us the ability to offer this great opportunity at no cost to them.

Sponsorship Form

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2026 Networking Conference Registration

2026 Networking Conference Registration

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