International Community
Meet technical rescue professionals and organisations from different countries and operational backgrounds.
International Technical Rescue Association
ITRA Technical Rescue Congress 2026
The first international in-person congress dedicated exclusively to Technical Rescue.
Hosted by
3 DaysConference and workshops
PortoPortugal
Hands-onPractical learning
ITRAParticipation certificates
About the Congress
Building the future of Technical Rescue together.
The ITRA Technical Rescue Congress 2026 marks a historic milestone for the International Technical Rescue Association. This inaugural event brings together rescue professionals, instructors, evaluators, emergency responders, manufacturers and industry partners from around the world.
Hosted by Outside Academy, an ITRA Training Provider for Rope Rescue, Confined Space Rescue and Swiftwater Rescue, the Congress combines technical presentations, practical workshops and professional networking in one international meeting point.
Official Host
Outside Academy
Proud Host of the inaugural ITRA Technical Rescue Congress.
Outside Academy is an accredited ITRA Training Provider for Rope Rescue, Confined Space Rescue and Swiftwater Rescue, delivering internationally recognised training and certification across Europe.
The Academy is honoured to welcome the international Technical Rescue community to Porto for this historic first edition of the ITRA Technical Rescue Congress.
Rope Rescue
Confined Space Rescue
Swiftwater Rescue
Visit Outside Academy
Why attend?
Practical learning, international networking and operational experience.
Hands-on Workshops
Learn through practical workshops led by experienced instructors, partners and specialists.
Professional Development
Receive official certificates of participation for the practical workshops attended.
Innovation
Discover equipment, technologies, case studies and new approaches in Technical Rescue.
Programme
Three days in Porto.
27 September
Opening Conference
- Opening ceremony
- Keynote presentations
- Technical lectures
- Networking
28 September
Hands-on Workshops
- Practical rescue sessions
- Partner demonstrations
- Small group workshops
- Operational experience sharing
29 September
Hands-on Workshops
- Advanced scenarios
- Technical rescue systems
- Workshop rotation
- Closing session
Hands-on Workshops
Practical workshops across the Porto Metropolitan Area.
Workshops will last approximately 2 to 3 hours and will have limited places to ensure quality and participant rotation. The full programme will be published soon.
Venue
Hosted in Porto by Outside Academy.
The opening day will take place at the Outside Academy Training Centre. Practical workshops will be delivered in different locations across Porto and neighbouring municipalities.
Participants should arrange their own accommodation and transportation between workshop locations.
Porto, Portugal
27-29 September 2026
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Event Organizations
Organized internationally. Hosted locally.
International Technical Rescue Association
The international association responsible for the Congress and its mission to advance technical rescue through collaboration, standards and professional development.
Outside Academy
The local host and ITRA Training Provider supporting the conference, practical workshops and participant experience in Porto.
Regimento de Sapadores Bombeiros do Porto
The Porto Professional Fire Brigade will deliver two practical workshops during the Congress: Vehicle Extrication and HazMat Response.
Congress Partners
Become part of the inaugural edition.
We welcome manufacturers, rescue organizations, emergency services and technical specialists interested in supporting the Congress or delivering a practical workshop.
Registration
Join the inaugural ITRA Technical Rescue Congress.
Registration is limited to 120 participants. Fees are designed to keep the first ITRA Congress accessible while recognising active ITRA membership and helping reduce no-shows.
USD $50
Available to participants with a valid ITRA annual membership at the time of registration.
USD $100
Standard registration fee for participants without a valid ITRA annual membership.
Total event capacity is limited to 120 registered participants.
50% of the available places are initially reserved for participants residing outside Portugal.
Registration fees are non-refundable, except if the Congress is cancelled by the organiser.
Participants travelling by air must provide proof of travel within 15 calendar days of registration.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is accommodation included?
No. Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
Is transportation included?
No. Workshops will take place in different locations, so participants should be autonomous in terms of transportation.
Are workshops certified?
Yes. Participants will receive an official certificate of participation for the workshops attended.
Will workshops have limited places?
Yes. Each workshop will have a participant limit to maintain practical quality and allow rotation between sessions.
How much is registration?
Registration costs USD $50 for ITRA members with a valid annual membership and USD $100 for non-members.
Is the registration fee refundable?
No. Registration fees are non-refundable, except if the Congress is cancelled by the organiser.
Are places reserved for international participants?
Yes. 50% of the available places are initially reserved for participants residing outside Portugal.
What is required if I travel by air?
You must provide proof of travel within 15 calendar days of registration. If it is not received within that period, the organiser may cancel the reservation and release the place.
Registration Open
See you in Porto.
Secure your place at the inaugural ITRA Technical Rescue Congress.