It's always interesting to visit the different fire service trade shows and conferences. Each show tries to market itself as different, yet the same instructors tend to make the circuit, tweaking their messages to different audiences. While finding new and exciting instructors is always a challenge, there's no doubt that attendees are the "pulse" of both good shows and bad.

Traditionally, Firehouse Expo in Baltimore is referred to as a firefighters' and buffs' show, due in part to the high number of T-shirts and kitsch vendors, and that's fine.

I have my own views on T-shirts. I believe that if you wear a T-shirt with the logo of a sports team, university or other organization, at the very least you should have some passion or history to go with the proclamation on your shirt.

T-shirts emblazoned with messages usually precede first impressions, and it's tough to look someone in the eye when their shirt states "Firefighters fart proudly" ... or maybe it was "loudly." I was too embarrassed to look again.

I've always advised young people starting their careers to dress professionally to be taken seriously. They already have to overcome their "green-ness"; don't add to it by dressing like a high school or college student. Years ago, there was a book called Dress for Success that pretty much promoted the "you are what you wear" philosophy. I still believe it.

Having said that, it was good to pop into one session presented by former Phoenix Fire Department Chief Alan Brunacini and Capt. John Brunacini. Alan Brunacini is well-known for wearing Hawaiian shirts anywhere and everywhere. It takes a unique person to do that, but then the chief is a unique individual. Some have tried to emulate him, but they just can't pull it off without looking like a Bruno-wannabe.

Just down the hall from the Brunacinis was retired Mesa, Ariz., Chief Dennis Compton, also a former officer with Phoenix Fire Department. Dressed in a striped polo shirt, Compton was just wrapping up his class.

In another room, Bob Barraclough and Alan Saulsbury gave their presentation on new ideas and trends in fire apparatus and emergency vehicles. Each wore traditional polo shirts — no logos on these two guys.

As I looked around the classrooms and on the exhibit floor in Baltimore, I saw every style of clothing. Lots of navy department T-shirts, Harley-Davidson shirts and assorted other summer clothing for the 90° temperatures.

It really didn't matter what people were wearing because they were there to learn something new and see people. When it comes to meeting people, finding common ground is a good start. A shirt from your department, the name of an apparatus manufacturer or some other shirt in which you have a vested interest serves as an easy way to meet people.

Make mine Harley.

janet@firechief.com