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2026 SCEMSA Leadership Conference
This three-day experience is designed to challenge, equip, and inspire EMS professionals at every leadership level. Whether you are managing field operations or influencing policy, this is where bold ideas and practical strategies come together to move EMS forward.
Location
Embassy Suites Charleston Airport Hotel & Convention Center
5055 International Blvd, N. Charleston, SC 29416
Practical leadership for today’s EMS challenges.
Sessions will focus on leadership maturity, resilience, succession planning, organizational culture, community value, grief and loss, employment law, and leading with hope.
Leadership Content Built for EMS
The SCEMSA Leadership Conference brings together EMS professionals from across South Carolina to explore critical topics in leadership, management, and organizational development.
What to Expect
Featured Speakers
Nationally recognized leaders and subject matter experts will deliver practical, leadership-focused sessions for EMS professionals.
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Leadership Conference Schedule
Click any session title to view the full description in a pop-up window.
| Time | Session Title | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM – 1:45 PM | Exhibitor Setup | |
| 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Registration Open | |
| 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM | Welcome and Announcements | SCEMSA |
| 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM | David Griffin | |
| 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM | Exhibit Hall Opening | |
| 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Kolby Miller | |
| 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Break: Visit Exhibit Hall | |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | David Griffin | |
| 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Welcome Reception |
| Time | Session Title | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration Open (Light Breakfast Available) | |
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Kolby Miller | |
| 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Break: Visit Exhibit Hall | |
| 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Scott Lail | |
| 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch & Visit Exhibit Hall | |
| 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Charles Blankenship | |
| 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Break: Visit Exhibit Hall | |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Scott Lail | |
| 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Break: Visit Exhibit Hall – Last Chance | |
| 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Kolby Miller |
| Time | Session Title | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration (Light Breakfast Available) | |
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Sexual Harassment Education in the #MeToo Age | Scott Moore |
| 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Break | |
| 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | Maria Bianchi | |
| 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Break | |
| 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Scott Moore |
Meet the Faculty
David Griffin
David Griffin is a nationally recognized leadership speaker, bestselling author, and Assistant Chief of Administration for the Charleston Fire Department. Drawing from his experience during the tragic Charleston 9 fire, he speaks on leadership, organizational culture, resilience, and change following tragedy.
Kolby Miller
Kolby Miller is a nationally recognized EMS leader focused on system design, workforce development, and succession planning. As CEO of MedStar, he has helped advance community-integrated care models, clinical innovation, and leadership development.
Scott Lail
Scott Lail is the Fire Chief for the Cleburne Fire Department in Texas and a nationally recognized speaker on leadership, team performance, and responder wellness.
Charles Blankenship
Charles Blankenship is the Division Chief of Support Services for Mobile Integrated Health at Novant Health and CEO of 711 Global Consulting. He has more than 30 years of experience in emergency services.
Maria Bianchi
Maria Bianchi is the CEO of the American Ambulance Association and has more than 40 years of experience in nonprofit healthcare management, EMS advocacy, and association management.
Scott Moore
Scott Moore is an EMS attorney, consultant, and active EMT with more than 34 years of experience in emergency services. He specializes in human resources, employment law, compliance, and operational leadership.
Registration Information
| Registration Type | Early Rate | After August 14, 2026 | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCEMSA Member | $200 | $250 | Members must log in to access the discounted rate. |
| Nonmember | $300 | $350 | Available for nonmember attendees. |
On-Site Registration Fee: An additional $25 fee will apply to registrations completed on-site during the conference.
Embassy Suites Charleston Airport Hotel & Convention Center
Conference Location
Address: 5055 International Blvd, N. Charleston, SC 29416
The 2026 SCEMSA Leadership Conference will take place September 16–18, 2026, in North Charleston.
Room Block
Reserve your stay by Friday, August 14, 2026, to receive the special group rate and enjoy complimentary parking.
Or call 843-747-1882 and request the 2026 SCEMSA special room rate.
Deadlines & Terms
Early Registration Deadline: August 14, 2026 ($50 late fee applies after this date)
Cancellation Deadline: August 14, 2026 (Cancellations received by this date will be refunded, minus a $50 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued after this date.)
Payment Deadline: September 11, 2026
Reserve Your Seat for the 2026 SCEMSA Leadership Conference
Join EMS leaders from across South Carolina for three days of leadership education, networking, and practical strategies.