IAEM 2026 Virtual Health, Wellness, and Networking Activity to Benefit the IAEM Scholarship Program
Join IAEM as we are Charting a Course to Long Beach and have fun on our virtual health and fitness journey. Participation will remind you to exercise daily and highlight the importance of mental health and wellness, even when life is busy.
The event is open to anyone who wants to support the IAEM Scholarship Program. (IAEM membership is not required.) So, invite your family and friends to walk, run, or move with you virtually.
Why Participate?
This event is a win-win for YOU and the organization.
- All participants receive a challenge coin.
- Prizes for the top three teams.
- Help provide scholarships to emerging professionals in emergency management.
- Tracking your steps is a reminder to move. There is a connection between daily activity and mental health and wellness.
- Network with teammates and competitors in the competition app.
What You Need to Know
You will compete against other teams in a virtual race that starts at Crisis City (near Salina, Kansas) and ends in Long Beach, California, where the 2026 IAEM Annual Conference & EMEX will be held.
Teams are eight people – see below for how teams will be formed and how you can tell us who you want on your team.
Team Selection
New this year, you can create a team or ask to be added to a team with people you know. Here’s how!!
Teams of Eight
There are two ways to register a full team.
- Option 1: The team leader can register and pay for all members. Just select 8 tickets and check out. Assign the tickets to your teammates.
- Option 2: Each teammate individually registers and puts the team leader’s name in the optional registration question, “Group Captain.” Be sure that everyone puts the name in this field.
Groups of Three to Seven
IAEM will randomly build teams for individuals or groups that register and have fewer than eight. If you want to walk virtually together and have a group of three to seven, follow Option 2 above.
IAEM will put individuals and smaller groups together to form teams of eight for the competition.
How to Track Activity
Distances will be tracked by daily steps, recorded in the Count.It App. The app will connect to your existing trackers (e.g., FitBit, Apple Watch) or sync with the health app on your phone.
IMPORTANT: Every participant will receive an email with instructions and a personal code for the Count.It app. Download the app the day you register.
Registration
The fee to participate is $45. Following the event, the participants will be credited for donations to the IAEM Scholarship fund. Registration is through BetterWorld. Participants may choose to cover credit card fees when registering, ensuring the full $45 is allocated to the program. NOTE: BetterWorld will also suggest a donation that helps cover the costs of their program. To change the amount or remove it totally, click on the "Question Mark" beside it. At the bottom of the description, click on "Here" and change or delete the fee.
Register Here
Rewards – Prizes!
- Everybody who participates wins because they will move more. The goal is to do your best, support each other, and have fun.
- All participants will receive the special Charting the Course to Long Beach Challenge Coin. (Note: The coin will be available for pickup at the conference. If you are unable to pick up the coin, U.S. participants will be asked to pay a $5 shipping and handling fee once the address is confirmed. Participants outside the U.S. will be asked to pay a $15 S&H fee.)
- Special prizes will be awarded to the members of the top three teams.
- Prizes will be distributed to attendees at the Annual Conference and mailed to those who are unable to attend.
- Watch this page to see the prizes!
Event Timeline
| August 7 | Registration Opens - Participants begin joining the Count.It App |
| September 14 | Registration Closes! All Registrants must be in the Count.It App |
| September 21 | Teams will be announced, and the Race begins. |
| October 26 | The race ends! |
Information
Contact Albon Yowell with questions.
We will see you at the finish line!