NFPA cancels conference in June

QUINCY, Mass.—NFPA has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 NFPA Conference & Expo, scheduled for June 15-18 in Orlando. The 2021 NFPA Conference & Expo will be held the week of June 21st, at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

“These are indeed unprecedented times as the world battles COVID-19 on many fronts, its lingering impact likely to continue for some time,” NFPA President & CEO Jim Pauley said in a video message. “From day one, our intent and singular focus was to hold the 2020 NFPA Conference & Expo (C&E) only if it could be done safely for all involved. Although this is an important event for NFPA and its stakeholders, at this time, the world continues to be significantly impacted by COVID-19, and it will not be possible to host and conduct this event in Orlando in June. The well-being of our attendees, exhibitors, business partners and staff is of utmost importance to us.”

Although the conference is canceled this year, Pauley said NFPA will employ many different methods to share information with members that is usually done at the conference. For example, he pointed out that this meeting is where new and updated codes and standards move forward; results from the latest research are revealed; products and services that support prevention and protection are showcased; and attendees are provided one of the most productive opportunities to network with peers from across the globe who share the same commitment to reducing loss.

Some activities that occur at the event, such as the association's annual meeting and the election of directors to the Board, as well as the Codes and Standards Technical Meeting, NFPA will facilitate in a remote manner. More details on those activities will be forthcoming.

“To say I am disappointed is an understatement. This is not the decision we wanted to make,” said Pauley. “However, NFPA is a safety organization. We could not hold an event where the welfare of attendees could be compromised. I am sure many of you are disappointed as well. Each of you prepare in your own ways to be present and fully participate in this premier event. While I cannot do anything to change the outcome for this year, I can plant a very big seed for 2021.”

The 2021 event will be the 125th anniversary of NFPA and “a huge opportunity to reconnect face-to-face, celebrate the strides we have made over the years, and press on with our commitment to meet the challenges of our times head on,” added Pauley. “We will count on you to be part of this significant event.”