‘Meeting Expectations’ is the theme for the 2009 AFAC (Australasian Fire & Emergency Service Authorities Council)/Bushfire CRC Conference. It will examine the expectations of government, community, industry and itself. How do the emergency services interpret and meet the expectations of all these groups? How do they measure, understand and respond to the often contradictory demands and expectations from various sectors? What are we really striving to achieve? There will also be increased emphasis on issues facing urban firefighting and SES activities. The conference will cater to urban and rural fire, state emergency services, land managers, local, state and federal government, private industry and community groups. The call for papers is now open and closes on 1 February 2009.