My notebook overfloweth! In the last 10 days, I've attended three great conferences: Fire-Rescue International in Denver, the Department of Defense and Military Section Conference (following FRI in Denver) and the Chicago Fire Department High-Rise Conference.

Please pardon me while the dust in my brain settles on all the knowledge shared and observed along the way. In the meantime, here's my Top 10 "scanner's list" for Command Post readers:

1. The International Association of Fire Chief's decision to move Fire-Rescue International to Denver was a good one. The city is easy to get around.

2. Denver firefighters took a big risk in not wearing seatbelts while cruising in their rigs in the downtown area. Lots of people noticed.

3. The new Denver Convention Center is really big. The expo floor was well laid out, but conference rooms were a long walk away. Next time -- Segways?

4. Whether FRI has three days of exhibits or two, packed or not, some exhibitors will always break down their booth two hours before closing.

5. The majority of exhibitors I spoke to were very pleased with the attendees. The same people who complain every year complained again. (Overheard at FRI: "The quality of the attendees is great!")

6. The IAFC raised the standard with the red backpacks for registered attendees. Best-quality giveaway ever distributed at any conference!

7. According to incoming IAFC President Bill Killen, in Tennessee people often say, "I appreciate you" rather than "thank you."

8. Terry Bradshaw proved once a good ol' boy, always a good ol' boy. While his keynote was funny, Bradshaw had a chance to say something meaningful and make a difference. Instead of a touchdown, he scored a field goal.

9. We asked attendees to print the name of best new product they saw at the show on the back of their business cards and drop them off at our booth for a drawing for a mini iPod. The drawing winner was Chief Doug Eggiman of Midway Fire Rescue, Pawleys Island, S.C.

10. The Department of Defense and the IAFC's Federal Military Section ran a very efficient awards program. In exactly three hours, more than 650 attendees enjoyed hospitality, patriotic ceremonies, speeches, dinner and an awards presentation. Bravo.

I am happy to report my dog still remembered me when I got home! More on the Chicago High-Rise Conference later. System processing...

Janet Wilmoth, Editor