The National Association for Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED) conferences are known for bringing Fire and Life Safety professionals from around the United States to network, showcase products, and educate on the latest industry trends.
The first of three in 2026 was no exception. To kick off the two-day event, Commercial Fire hosted a cocktail reception in partnership with Brooks Equipment and the FED Learning Center (FEDLC), fellow brands in the Brooks Safety Solutions family. The evening was built for connection, conversation, and opportunity, for which it surely didn’t disappoint. Brooks Equipment and Water Specialties Company (WSC) President Robert Bell and FEDLC President Melinda Wanke addressed attendees, who heard firsthand about their individual brands and the overall value of Brooks Safety Solutions. The room’s passionate conversations reinforced the importance of these conferences, and of Commercial Fire’s continued involvement.
“The reception went very well—attendance was strong, energy was great, and people stayed engaged the entire time,” Senior Brand Marketing Manager Hillary Keimig said. “We saw a wide mix of affiliates, technicians, distributors, and partners, and the conversations were meaningful.”
Commercial Fire’s impact at the reception was only the beginning. Having the team on the expo floor allowed brand leaders to focus on what matters most: conversations, connections, and opportunities. Even if it means walking attendees over to the FEDLC or Brooks Equipment booths personally to make sure they feel heard, and supply what they need.
With as many booths as there are at NAFED, how attendees are greeted greatly impacts their view of the brand. “The booth experience matters because it’s often where people go to understand who you are and how you can help them,” Keimig explained. “When it’s clean, organized, and easy to navigate, it builds confidence.” 
Over the course of the conference, attendees consistently spoke about their needs from brand partners, and one theme stood out across all the conversations. “People in general crave support and consistent communication; they want to feel connected, informed, and guided,” Keimig said. “They look to their brand partnerships to help them be successful. Customers want clarity and simplicity—easy-to-use content, training, and communication that helps them save time.”
Commercial Fire remains committed to providing support and guidance beyond these events by releasing app updates, helping affiliates get paid faster, providing ongoing education, and staying in touch throughout the year.
Whether you visited the Commercial Fire booth or attended the cocktail reception, your support is truly appreciated. Contact Mike Cox to begin leveraging all of what Brooks Safety Solutions has to offer by emailing MCox@BrooksEquipment.com or calling 800-826-3473 EXT. 4911. Click here to learn more about future NAFED events.
