The Woodlands welcomes the 49th Biennial Convention for the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters (TSAFF) at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott from July 14-17, 2025.

Twelve people stand in front of a fire truck at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott for the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters (TSAFF) 49th Biennial Convention. Featured are: two male firefighters, Ryan Greenwood, Josie Lewis, TWPFFA President Erik Secrest, Julie Quinn, Fire Chief Palmer Buck, Linda Nelson, (a man in a gray suit), Ashley Fenner, Elizabeth Eddins, and another firefighter.

TSAFF, TWPFFA, and Visit The Woodlands at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott

ABOUT TSAFF BIENNIAL CONVENTION

The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters (TSAFF) serves almost 20,000 professional firefighters across Texas. Every two years, hundreds of affiliates attend this four-day convention to elect key officials and address issues regarding public health and safety standards. This year's gathering takes place soon after a regular legislative session, during which TSAFF passed a state-association record of 11 bills on these issues.

“This gathering is about more than training—it’s about uniting our profession, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the safety of every Texas community,” said Erik Secrest, President, The Woodlands Professional Fire Fighters Association (TWPFFA). “We’re proud to welcome our fellow firefighters to The Woodlands and grateful for the chance to showcase the partnerships that define our home.”

Visit The Woodlands Chairman of the Board Linda Nelson speaks at the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters 49th Biennial Convention. Nelson is in a bright blue dress, standing behind a podium bearing the TSAFF seal/emblem/logo.

Linda Nelson speaks at TSAFF

TWPFFA President Erik Secrest speaks at the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters 49th Biennial Convention. Secrest is in a black (or very dark navy) suit, standing behind a podium on a makeshift stage, addressing the TSAFF audience.

Erik Secrest addresses TSAFF attendees

LOCAL SPEAKERS

Local speakers at the convention include Erik Secrest; Brad Bailey, Chairman of the Board for The Woodlands Township; Linda Nelson, Chairman of the Board for Visit The Woodlands; Palmer Buck, Chief of The Woodlands Fire Department; Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough; Chief Deputy Jonathan Zitzmann of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department; and others.

THE IMPACT

Hosting TSAFF has resulted in over 1,000 hotel rooms booked in The Woodlands, which represents a local economic impact of more than $650,000. This is significant because, unlike cities, almost 60% of The Woodlands Township's budget comes from hotel occupancy taxes, sales taxes, and mixed-use beverage taxes. These funds from visitors and conventioneers are vital, not only to the maintenance and development of the community, but also in keeping one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation.

A PREMIERE HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE

After winning the bid for the event, Visit The Woodlands assisted TWPFFA with everything from the hotel proposal process to incentive fund offerings, site tour planning, and enhanced servicing efforts. These servicing options included support for coordinating a pub crawl, developing event collateral, and hosting an information booth during select days of the convention. Meanwhile, TWPFFA organized ancillary events like a golf tournament and the President's Banquet.

“We applaud TWPFFA and the Visit The Woodlands team for their hard work in earning the honor of hosting the TSAFF convention," said John Riddle, President, TSAFF. “Over the past two years, they have been outstanding partners in bringing this event to life. The community’s resources and spirit of hospitality make it an ideal place to conduct our business while also enjoying everything The Woodlands has to offer.”

Interested in bringing your next event to The Woodlands? Submit an RFP! Already booked in The Woodlands? Reach out to Julie Quinn, Servicing Specialist for support in executing an outstanding event.

The Visit The Woodlands Sales Team, featuring Josie Lewis, Ryan Greenwood, Julie Quinn, and Ashley Fenner. They are dressed business professional, standing between a window at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott (overlooking a lush green copse of trees) and the Visit The Woodlands information booth set up for the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters' 49th Biennial Convention. On the table are metal bins full of individual bags of flavored popcorn as well as rack cards, a vase of peach and white roses, and other promotional items.

The Sales Team for Visit The Woodlands

BACKYARD SALES CAMPAIGN

Make a difference in The Woodlands by joining the Backyard Sales Campaign! This group of local advocates connects professional associations with their hometown, enhancing The Woodlands' reputation as a meetings destination, creating jobs, feeding the local economy, and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Erik Secrest spent years advocating for the opportunity to bring TSAFF to The Woodlands. His efforts ultimately paid off when Visit The Woodlands won the bid for their business at the 2023 convention in El Paso, and the success of this year's gathering is largely due to him going the extra mile.

“This achievement is the result of the exceptional advocacy and leadership of TWPFFA, whose efforts were instrumental in bringing this prestigious event here," said Nick Wolda, President, Visit The Woodlands. “Our strong partnership exemplifies what can be accomplished through shared vision and collaboration, and we look forward to delivering an outstanding experience for all attendees.”

For more information about how to get involved, contact Josie Lewis, Director of Sales.