• Register now!
• Conference brochure
• Pre/Post-Conference Seminars
• Schedule-at-a-glance
• Expo
• Association Technical Meeting
• General Session
• Travel and hotels
• Media/Promotional Partners
• Event sponsors
• Blog
• Chicago View
• International visitors
• Discounts for attendees
• ADA Accessibility for McCormick Place visitors

Pre/Post-Conference Seminars

 

Pre-registration required (Includes the General Session and Expo. Does not include Conference. All seminars are from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm unless otherwise noted.

• 3-day pre-conference seminars
• 2-day pre-conference seminars
• 1-day pre-conference seminars
• Post-conference seminars 

3-Day Seminars
Sat/Sun/Mon, June 8-10

NFPA 70E® Electrical Safety in the Workplace Certificate
Instructor: Drake Drobnick, Safety Engineer Consultant, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and an Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST)
Get the clear, authoritative instruction you need to identify electrical safety hazards in the workplace and reduce employee exposure to those hazards. This expert-led seminar helps you understand NFPA 70E®, Electrical Safety in the Workplace, the Standard originally developed at OSHA’s request. Dynamic classroom instruction addresses the 2012 NFPA 70E, including the new direct current (dc) task table and how to correctly perform “hazard identification” and “risk assessment.” Don’t let tragedies happen on your watch! Whether you are an employer responsible for personnel safety or an employee tasked with identifying and addressing electrical hazards, this seminar is the key to saving lives. Upon completion, you should be able to: understand the interaction between NFPA 70E and OSHA requirements; define electrical safety hazards and how to protect against shock and arc flash; and identify safety policies and procedures employers are legally required to provide for their workers. (Includes a copy of the 2012 NFPA 70E®)
Non-member $1475 / Member $1330

NFPA 72® National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (2013)
Instructor: Richard Roux, SET, FAI, FAM, Senior Electrical Specialist, National Fire Protection Association
Understand critical Code provisions by participating in this interactive, redesigned NFPA seminar. An activity-rich course taught by industry authorities addresses initiating devices, notification appliances, control units and power supplies, circuits and pathways, and emergency control functions. It’s a unique opportunity for system designers, installers, contractors, auditors, and project managers to broaden their fire alarm and signaling system expertise. Upon completion, you should be able to: locate, interpret, and apply NFPA 72 requirements; understand how to reference and use the new 2013 chapter on documentation, with forms for simple and complex systems; and apply new requirements for methods of visual inspection, test methods and test frequencies, and other major Code updates. (Includes a copy of the 2013 NFPA 72®)
Non-member $1345 / Member $1210

NFPA 13 Installation of Sprinkler Systems (2013)
Instructor: Gerald Schultz, PE, Principal, The Fire Protection International Consortium, Inc.
Water-based fire protection strategies have recently changed! Benefit from state-of-the-art training on how to apply today’s NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, based on hazard classification. Collaborative exercises and interactive discussion led by sprinkler authorities share vital fundamentals and the knowledge needed for top-quality work. Engineers, plan reviewers, designers, installers, and inspectors will get up-to-date on compatibility requirements for nonmetallic piping; the latest on antifreeze, and heat tracing; new backflow preventer rules; updated elevator provisions; and other changes in the 2013 NFPA 13. Upon completion, you should be able to: select appropriate occupancy classifications and commodity classes; identify criteria used to select specific system types and design approaches; and apply requirements for different system components. (Includes a copy of the 2013 NFPA 13)
Non-member $1345 / Member $1210

NFPA 101® Life Safety Code®
Instructor: Ron Coté, PE, Principal Life Safety Engineer, National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 101 continues to address new technologies and design approaches. This engaging seminar provides the tools you need to apply requirements, including new Code rules for interior finish and elevators. Hands-on exercises let you verify your knowledge. Ideal for facility or risk managers, inspectors, safety directors, and anyone responsible for occupant safety and Code compliance. Upon completion, you should be able to: explain requirements for new, existing, and rehabilitated buildings; explain classification of occupancies; and determine requirements for enclosure and protection of the means of egress. (Includes a copy of the 2012 NFPA 101®)   
Non-member $1345 / Member $1210

2-Day Seminars
Sat/Sun, June 8-9

Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Alarms Certificate (2013 NFPA 72®)
Instructor: Warren Olsen, CFPS CBO, Fire Protection Consultant, and Partner, FSCI-Fire Safety Consultants, Inc.
Gain the know-how to navigate and apply the 2013 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code’s inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements in this dynamic seminar. Collaborative learning and scenario-based activities provides a firm grasp of how to ensure system readiness, improve system effectiveness, and achieve fire protection objectives. NFPA’s reformatted course addresses changes in the 2013 NFPA 72 and how to identify Code deficiencies in the field. Provides essential training for anyone concerned with system reliability, including architects, system engineers, maintenance professionals, and fire marshals. Upon completion, you should be able to: navigate the 2013 NFPA 72 to find needed Code provisions and apply them with confidence; determine how frequently visual inspections should be accomplished to ensure there are no changes affecting equipment performance; and use appropriate methods to test devices and components, and determine how frequently to conduct each test. (Includes a copy of the 2013 NFPA 72®)
Non-member $1050 / Member $945

NFPA 1 Fire Code
Instructor: James Dolan, Regional Manager, National Fire Protection Association
Fire safety, life safety, and property protection depend on your ability to correctly apply information in NFPA 1, Fire Code, in a wide range of scenarios. Gain a thorough understanding of provisions—especially those concerning sprinklers, fire alarms, means of egress, and fire lanes—at this seminar led by a hand-picked team of Code experts. Fire protection engineers, architects, and other professionals need a firm grasp of NFPA 1, Fire Code, and this training program delivers. Upon completion, you should be able to: identify the scope and purpose of NFPA 1, Fire Code, and define the concept of equivalency; determine occupant load and means of egress requirements; classify selected uses into the appropriate occupancy classification; and determine general requirements for buildings containing hazardous materials. (Includes a copy of NFPA 1). 
Non-member $945 / Member $850

NFPA 25 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Certificate
Instructor: Brandon Frakes, CFPS, Senior Consultant, XL Global Asset Protection Services
Sprinklers are highly effective, but even the best designed system can fail with improper maintenance. Get a firm grasp of how the 2011 NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, works to ensure systems are ready for action. Engaging discussion covers inspection and testing rules for components, the owner’s responsibilities for compliance, signs of corrosion, and the process for managing impairments. Anyone who evaluates water-based fire protection systems—including maintenance managers, contractors, building owners, and fire inspectors—needs the information in this comprehensive program. Upon completion you should be able to: recognize the requirements and procedures for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of private service mains, valve components, system valves, and sprinkler and standpipe systems; plot flow test results to determine causes of water supply problems; and identify who can perform inspection, testing and maintenance. (Includes a copy of NFPA 25)
Non-member $1050 / Member $945

Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Primer
Instructor: Michael Kernan, CFPS, Maryland Fire Research Institute (MFRI), University of Maryland
Success on the CFPS examination demands a high level of proficiency with the fire, life, and building safety facts in NFPA®’s 20th edition Fire Protection Handbook® (FPH®), which serves as the official body of knowledge for the examination. While not a test prep seminar, the CFPS Primer does offer practical, hands-on instruction that will help you quickly locate specific information within the FPH. Upon completion you should be able to: quickly reference facts and information in the Fire Protection Handbook; understand the organization of content found in the Fire Protection Handbook; and describe the six strategies of the Systems Approach to Building Fire Safety. (Includes the 2-volume Fire Protection Handbook®; The CFPS examination is offered in pencil-and-paper format on Monday. Pre-qualification is required to sit for the examination. For information on CFPS certification and to obtain a CFPS exam application, go to nfpa.org/certification.)
Non-member $945 / Member $850

NFPA 921 Fire and Explosion Investigations
Instructor: Dennis Smith, Senior Fire Expert, Kodiak Enterprises, Inc.
Become more proficient at determining the origin and cause of fires using the procedures and guidelines in NFPA 921 for conducting safe, thorough, and effective investigations. Experts who have conducted thousands of investigations and developed the Code will teach the core chapters of NFPA 921, including basic methodology, basic fire science, fire patterns, electricity and fire, appliances, spoliation, origin determination and cause determination. Fire inspectors and investigators, forensic engineers, litigators, and insurance loss control specialists will all benefit. (Includes a copy of NFPA 921)
Non-member $945 / Member $850 

NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code
Instructors: Richard Bielen, PE, Director of Fire Protection Applications and Chemical Engineering, National Fire Protection Association and Jonathan Hart, Associate Fire Protection Engineer, National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code, reflects the new environment of patient care—where procedures are performed in a wide variety of locations, requiring safety guidelines based on a risk-based framework to facilitate adoption and enforcement. Health care authorities and NFPA 99 experts guide you through the Code’s revised COPY and complete reorganization, taking an in-depth look at how to conduct a risk-based analysis. Exercises and activities give engineers, facility managers, AHJs, plumbers, gas and vacuum system installers, and many others an essential working knowledge of the Code. Upon completion, you should be able to: discuss how the 2012 NFPA 99 has been rewritten and reorganized to apply a risk-based approach to requirements; correctly apply requirements that consider operating rooms as wet locations unless a risk assessment of the area determines otherwise; understand and apply NFPA 99’s added chapters on security, fire protection, and information technology. (Price includes a copy of NFPA 99.)
Non-member $945 / Member $850

NFPA 654 Dust Explosion Hazards (2013)
Instructor: Guy Colonna, PE, Division Manager, National Fire Protection Association
In this intensive seminar, you’ll learn how to analyze typical examples of dust hazardous areas and apply the 2013 NFPA 654 to manage hazards in a manner consistent with fire and building codes and OSHA’s Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP). We will review recent incident data; examine case studies; and discuss federal, state, local, and NFPA code and standard requirements. Upon completion, you should be able to: identify, evaluate, and control dust fire and explosion hazards; list combustible dust properties and characteristics, and apply them to the hazard; and define key terms describing combustible dusts. (Includes a copy of the 2013 NFPA 654)
Non-member $945 / Member $850

NFPA 1600 Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs
Instructor: Dean Larson, PhD, President, Larson Performance Consulting, LLC
Acknowledged by both the Department of Homeland Security and the 9/11 Commission, the national preparedness standard provides a “total program approach” to the challenge of integrating disaster and emergency management with business continuity planning. You will learn to use a standardized process to mitigate and prepare for disasters and emergency situations, while developing response and recovery plans. Whether you are establishing a new program or reviewing and improving your existing program, you will find this practical seminar essential. (Includes a copy of NFPA 1600) Only available in Chicago!
Non-member $945 / Member $850

Special Suppression Systems
Instructor: Milosh Puchovsky, PE, FSFPE, Professor of Practice in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering and Director of Corporate and Professional Education at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
This seminar will provide an overview of the major requirements contained within numerous NFPA codes and standards that deal with suppression systems. Discussion will cover: NFPA 11, Standard for Low, Medium, and High Expansion Foam; NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems; NFPA 15, Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection; NFPA 17 Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems; NFPA 17A, Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems; NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection; NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems; NFPA 2010, Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems. Only available in Chicago!   
Non-member $945 / Member $850

1-Day Seminars
Sat, June 8

Behind-the-Scenes Tour — UL Facility
9:00 am - 3:00 pm - Compliments of UL
Join us for a tour of Underwriters Laboratories Northbrook, IL, corporate campus.  Witness PV fire tests and monitor a large-scale fire test within UL’s state-of-the-art fire safety engineering testing laboratory, one of the largest of its kind in the world.  See how various building materials, building content, fire alarm and sprinkler systems are tested and certified to applicable safety standards.  Also, participate in a lively, informative presentation by UL fire safety engineers and regulatory staff on research, testing and installation code requirements. Space is limited, so register early! (Must be over 18 years of age and wear close-toed shoes. (Price includes lunch and transportation from McCormick Place.

Fire Protection Concepts and Analysis for Property Loss Prevention
Instructor: Bruce Clarke, CFPS, LEED AP, XL Global Asset Protection Services
This seminar will cover property and business continuity facility hazard evaluations and identify which codes and standards are involved. Discussion will include how engineering analyses, referencing specific NFPA standards and other resources, are used to analyze and properly protect and analyze commercial property. Additional topics will include critical aspects of effective management loss prevention programs, evaluating and analyzing related fixed fire protection systems and construction features, identification and analysis of special occupancy hazards, and aspects of effective emergency response planning. You will also hear how insurance companies structure property insurance programs and evaluate “risk” to select and underwrite “good” business. You will learn what vital resources are available to help you analyze and potentially reduce your company’s exposure to property loss. Only available in Chicago! 
Non-member $525 / Member $475

1-Day Seminars
Sun, June 9

NEC® for Photovoltaics
Instructor: Jake West, Senior Engineering Instructor, Knowledge Services, UL LLC, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
Presented by UL and NFPA. In the field’s only NEC seminar of its kind, you’ll learn how to design, install, and inspect photovoltaic (PV) systems to meet rising consumer demand without compromising compliance. Conductor selection, ampacity calculations, overcurrent devices and disconnects will be addressed along with utility-interactive systems. Engineers, architects, lab technicians, installers, and maintenance personnel will gain a detailed understanding of how photovoltaic systems are addressed in the 2011 National Electrical Code. Attend this seminar to: understand NEC general photovoltaic requirements, recognize and promote the use of safe, cost-effective PV power systems, and avoid common mistakes in system design and installation. Basic NEC knowledge is required. (Includes a copy of the NEC)
Non-member $525 / Member $475

NFPA 101® Healthcare Update, 2000-2012
Instructor: James Lathrop, FSFPE, Vice President, Koffel Associates, Inc.
This seminar will offer an overview of the requirements contained in the 2012 Edition of NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, as they apply to health care occupancies. Get a handle on which provisions have been revised, added, or deleted since the 2000 edition. Many of these changes will make it easier to apply the Code to a health care facility. With both the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Joint Commission (TJC) giving serious consideration to updating to the 2012 Edition, this seminar will provide a solid foundation on the changes between the 2000 and 2012 Editions. Material learned at this seminar could save your facility significant money if used as the foundation for an equivalency for existing code violations. Only available in Chicago!
Non-member $525 / Member $475

Firefighter for a Day:  NFPA Standards at Work
Instructors: Ken Willette, Manager, Public Fire Protection Division, NFPA; NFPA Technical Staff and City of Chicago Fire Department Staff
Ever wonder how NFPA Standards transition from written documents to field application? In this hands-on seminar, you will spend a day at Chicago’s Quinn Fire Academy. You will learn how NFPA Standards are utilized in the design of personal protective equipment, self contained breathing apparatus, fire apparatus, and fire service training. After being briefed on how the Standard applies, you will receive basic safety instructions, don the equipment and participate in several firefighting evolutions, including:  exterior fire attack, advancing a hose line up a staircase, search and rescue, fire apparatus overview and use of fire extinguishers for flammable liquid fires. Experience what firefighters face and how NFPA Standards make a dangerous job safer. Class size is limited. Please register early.

The day’s activities comprise six firefighting skill evolutions and observing live fire demonstrations. All attendees will be offered firefighter protective clothing, consisting of fire coat and pants, boots, helmet, protective hood and gloves and it is recommended you wear comfortable work clothing that day,(jeans, work shirt). You will be allowed to participate in the evolutions to your level of comfort and safety and can observe any evolution at any time, as opposed to direct participation. This is a rain or shine event. Departure from McCormick Place at 8:15 am and return at 3:45 pm.

Inherent in this event is a level of risk and physical exertion. Participants will be required to be properly attired in work clothing, wear fire fighter protective gear as offered by the Chicago Fire Department, and sign a waiver holding NFPA harmless from any loss, cost, damage or injury. NFPA may deny participation in appropriate circumstances.
Non-member $525 / Member $475

Post-Conference Seminars
Fri, June 14

Proposed Revisions to the 2014 NEC®
Instructors: Tim McClintock and Jeff Sargent, Regional Electrical Code Specialists, National Fire Protection Association
The 2014 edition of the National Electrical Code is scheduled to be issued by the NFPA Standards Council in August 2013 and provides new requirements that enable users of the Code to keep pace with the ever-changing electrical industry.  This one-day course covers the significant proposed changes to the latest edition of the NEC and will provide the attendees with the background and explanation necessary to properly apply the revised requirements to electrical installations, inspections or designs.  In addition to the revisions and new provisions in existing NEC articles, the 2014 NEC will contain requirements for new technologies and systems not covered in previous editions of the Code. You will develop a working knowledge of the NFPA codes and standards development process with a particular focus on the NEC; learn the impact of 2014 NEC revisions on electrical installations, inspections and designs; learn of NEC changes related to new technologies that have not been covered in past editions of the NEC and learn the importance of 2014 NEC adoption in their jurisdiction in order to keep pace with expanding technology.
Non-member $525 / Member $475

Half-day Seminar - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Changes to NFPA 25 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems - 2014 Edition
Instructor: Matt Klaus, Senior Fire Protection Engineer, National Fire Protection Association
The 2014 Edition of NFPA 25 will be considered during this year’s NFPA Conference & Expo. In this 1-day seminar you will hear from Matt Klaus, the NFPA staff liaison to NFPA 25. He will discuss many of the major changes and controversial issues surrounding this edition of the document including options available for existing antifreeze systems. You will also hear about the arguments, both pro and con, for the various certified amending motions. Join us and be the first to get up to speed on the 2014 Edition of this vital inspection, testing, and maintenance document. 
Non-member $275 / Member $250

Instructors and seminars are subject to change.