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A Look Back at Virtual Academy’s GOLD FLAME Conference 2023
On September 13-14, 2023, professionals from across the industry came together for Virtual Academy’s GOLD FLAME Conference, a dynamic two-day virtual event designed to inspire, educate, and elevate leadership skills.
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This wasn’t just another conference—it was an immersive experience filled with expert insights, actionable strategies, and powerful conversations. Attendees walked away with fresh perspectives, practical tools, and renewed motivation to excel in their roles.
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If you missed it, here’s a glimpse of what made GOLD FLAME 2023 an event to remember:
Day One:
NextGen 911 Basics - Sara Weston and Leah Missildine
NexGen 911 Basics : Understanding technology in your center is a step into a leadership role, self-confidence, positive attitude. Understanding NG911 technology will lessen your fear of change and help ease anxiety. Know that NG911 is not a destination, it’s just what’s next (and it will always be here). Learn how NG911 is going to make the 911 system better on both sides of the call
Investing in Yourself - Doug Showalter and Leslie Whitham
An ECC or PSAP’s most valuable asset is the people who sit in the seat, coordinating emergency response, 24/7, 365. Many agencies are leaders when it comes to providing their employees with personal and professional development. But what happens if you don’t happen to work for one of those innovative departments? Join us for this important discussion to learn how you can start investing in your own future - with or without your agency’s help!
Women in 9-1-1: Leading in a Now-gen Era
Women in 9-1-1 Discussion Panel featuring: Tina Buneta, Director | Aurora911, Karima Holmes, VP of Public Safety | Carbyne, Roxy Vangundy, Director | Lyon County ECC, Melissa Alterio Executive, Director | Cobb County EC
I Am Not A Babysitter - Dominique Mathis
Being a leader is not an easy task. Let us be honest, you may have been called an “overpaid babysitter” at least once in your careers. Telecommunications Supervisors have one of the hardest roles in the Communications Centers. You are responsible for the day-to-day operations 24/7/365. After the completion of this course, you will be a proactive supervisor, apply techniques to engage your team, and develop characteristics/qualities to be an effective leader.
Training and Maintaining: Components to a Successful Training Program - Jennifer Schwendimann
We each have the ability to contribute to the success of federal reclassification. Did you know that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) randomly collects job descriptions as part of their research to classify Public Safety Telecommunicators? They collected 1,000 job descriptions in 2018, contributing to the classification of "clerical." Agencies across the country must update their documentation in anticipation of the next round of BLS research, which is coming in the next few years. Come learn who, what, when, why, and how to update your job descriptions, document technology used, and document policies and procedures to give 911 professionals the best chance at federal reclassification.
Day Two:
Culture Worth Bragging About - Jamison Peevyhouse
Every day, within our communication centers, a culture is growing — a culture that is impacted by multiple variables beyond our immediate control. This is why adding the proper catalyst is so important for establishing a positive work culture. During this session, we’ll share key tools and experiences for promoting a positive culture within your communication center — starting with your most important catalyst (Hint!.... It’s you).
The Top 3 Legit Things you Can Do to Secure Retention and Morale of you ECC Team - Tracy Eldridge and Jim Marshall
Right now in 911, leaders are scrambling to find and keep good people, and the good people already serving at our centers are growing weary. In this session we bring you into intense discussion with two nationally acclaimed trainers- one a 911Pro who has “been there, done that” and the other a mental health pro specializing in 911 psychology: together they led development of the ANSI Standard to Protect the Wellbeing of 911 Professionals (2022). And together they will help you define a wise pathway to upholding your workforce’s wellbeing and morale. Join us to gain the encouragement and vision you need to make it happen.
988 Basics - Jenna Streeter
9-8-8 will be a big part of our crisis continuum in the future by providing the right resource when police, fire, or EMS is not right for the situation. This course addresses the implementation of 9-8-8 and how it coordinates with 9-1-1 to offer crisis resolution and continuation of care beyond the first call.
ABC's of Dispatch: V is for Video - Sondra Wesley
Join us for an immersive and cutting-edge virtual course designed to transform the way you approach emergency dispatching! In this interactive and informative session, we will explore the vital role of video technology in 911 dispatching and how it revolutionizes the ABCs of dispatching: Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity.
Human Trafficking for 911 Frontline - Tracy Ertl
Human Trafficking is designed to bring public safety telecommunicators inside the fastest-growing criminal enterprise in the world. Public safety personnel will learn the cause and what trafficking looks like in their communities. This class will cover questions to ask and how to process calls, as well as information to look for.