NFSA Calendar

This highly interactive full day seminar describes the requirements for properly maintaining a water-based fire protection system in accordance with NFPA 25. The seminar clearly describes the responsibilities for compliance and record keeping. It describes the specific scope of the standard and identifies the various ways in which information related to changes in the system are handled. It describes the various tables used in the standard, their specific purposes, and when to use which tables. It involves the attendees in a significant number of exercises to describe problems encountered, identify the appropriate section(s) of the standard and how to deal with issues not covered by the standard that may still be encountered. 

This highly interactive full day seminar describes the requirements for properly maintaining a water-based fire protection system in accordance with NFPA 25. The seminar clearly describes the responsibilities for compliance and record keeping. It describes the specific scope of the standard and identifies the various ways in which information related to changes in the system are handled. It describes the various tables used in the standard, their specific purposes, and when to use which tables. It involves the attendees in a significant number of exercises to describe problems encountered, identify the appropriate section(s) of the standard and how to deal with issues not covered by the standard that may still be encountered. 

Please join us!

NFSA contact: Suzanne Mayr - mayr@nfsa.org

Please join us!

NFSA Contact: Ron Ritchey - ritchey@nfsa.org

This highly interactive full day seminar describes the requirements for properly maintaining a water-based fire protection system in accordance with NFPA 25. The seminar clearly describes the responsibilities for compliance and record keeping. It describes the specific scope of the standard and identifies the various ways in which information related to changes in the system are handled. It describes the various tables used in the standard, their specific purposes, and when to use which tables. It involves the attendees in a significant number of exercises to describe problems encountered, identify the appropriate section(s) of the standard and how to deal with issues not covered by the standard that may still be encountered. 

Join us for an afternoon at the Arizona Chapter Meeting & Holiday Social on Thursday, December 14th! After a considerable hiatus, we're thrilled to bring the Arizona Chapter together for an enriching gathering. Delve into an insightful presentation by Jeff Dunkel on Lithium-Ion Batteries, gain valuable updates from the NFSA Team, and cap off the afternoon with a holiday social. Your presence will make this event truly special, and we look forward to reconnecting with you after this extended break! The meeting with start at 11:30 with a meet and greet. Lunch will begin promptly at 12:00pm. 

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Abbie Gunnells, 615-405-8027. 

Please join us!

This is a members only event.

Member Price: $25.00

NFSA contact: Suzanne Mayr - mayr@nfsa.org

Please join us!

Quarterly Chapter Meeting

This course will provide attendees with the updates to the 2024 editions of the International Building Code, International Fire Code, NFPA 1 Fire Code, and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. Updates to the referenced standards will also be addressed.

Member Cost: Free

Non-member Cost: $50.00 Learn more about membership.

Please join us!

Cost: $25.00

FFSA is offering Tagging for Success!

This two-day event includes 16 CEU's of training for water-based inspectors.  

The first day of the event takes the participant out of the classroom and into an interactive learning environment including:

• Hands on training in the Reliable Sprinkler learning trailer, NFSA Valve Trailer, and Hands on Fire Pump Trailer
• The Division of State Fire Marshal's own game show testing your knowledge about industry requirements
• The Fire Sprinkler Challenge testing your knowledge of the different types of sprinklers 
• The game "Name that Standard" testing your knowledge of NFPA Standards for chances to win prizes
• "Tag that System" giving participants an opportunity to identify which systems need to be tagged and why
• A full-day of Pumps for Fire Protection

The second day of the event delviers programs from some of the foremost experts in the industry:

• Updates to NFPA 25 - 2020 Edition - Robbie Dawson, NFPA
• What TAG do you Need? - Vincent Powers, NFSA
• Cutting through the Static - Danny Harrod, Wiginton
• No Flow Test Needed - Chris Dilday, SPP Pumps
• Contract Language Pitfalls - Top Myers, Myers Risk

This event includes two days of interactive learning, games, and prizes.  Get all 16 CEUs required for your renewal!

Lithium-Ion Batteries uses and applications are growing, and each application creates unique hazards. A Li-ion battery used in a cell phone creates a different hazard than a Li-ion battery used in an energy storage system. Depending on how a battery is being used or stored will impact the level of risk, the type of hazard and the applicable codes or standards to be applied. This course will discuss Li-Ion battery applications including, BESS, Bulk Storage, Mobile electronics, and Electric vehicles and identify the key hazard for each and mitigation methods to reduce risk.

Member Cost: Free

Non-member Cost: $50.00 Learn more about membership.

Come join us in beautiful Daytona Beach Shores for the ALL IN ONE PLACE for:

32 CEU's mandated for Contractors

• How Emerging Leaders can Learn from Legendary Leaders
• Fire Protection Systems and Hazard considerations in Cannabis Growing Faculties
• Friends - Contractors and the PE
• Updates NFPA 13
• Handling Aggression in the Workplace/Surviving and Active Shooter
• Workers Comp - What You Need to Know
• Adult Learning for the Fire Sprinkler Industry
• Changes to Consider in Parking Garages
• The Top Ten Backflow Repair and Troubleshooting Questions (Contractor V Approved)
• “Special Sprinklers" – What, Where, When & How
• What's New with YOU!
• Fire Product Challenge
• Mitigating Corrosion: An In-Depth Exploration of NFPA 13 Requirements and Strategies
• Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors & Vapor Pipe Shield
• Fatal Fires make History - Sprinklered Fires do NOT
• Linear Heat Detection
• No Flow Test Needed
• Learning from Each Other
• NFPA 241
• Sprinkler Performance & Effectiveness
• NFPA 915
• Findings Revealed from the World's Largest ITM Database
• Contractors Forum
   

And for your Water-based Inspectors check out - Register for Tagging for Success





 

Tagging for Success - Daytona is SOLD OUT!

Please join us at one of the other Tagging for Success events in Coral Springs or Panhandle

This two-day event includes 16 CEU's of training for water-based inspectors.  

The first day of the event takes the participant out of the classroom and into an interactive learning environment including:

• Hands on training in the Reliable Sprinkler learning trailer, NFSA Valve Trailer, and Hands on Fire Pump Trailer
• The Division of State Fire Marshal's own game show testing your knowledge about industry requirements
• The Fire Sprinkler Challenge testing your knowledge of the different types of sprinklers 
• The game "Name that Standard" testing your knowledge of NFPA Standards for chances to win prizes
• "Tag that System" giving participants an opportunity to identify which systems need to be tagged and why
• A full-day of Pumps for Fire Protection

The second day of the event delviers programs from some of the foremost experts in the industry:

• Updates to NFPA 25 - 2020 Edition - Robbie Dawson, NFPA
• What TAG do you Need? - Vincent Powers, NFSA
• Cutting through the Static - Danny Harrod, Wiginton
• No Flow Test Needed - Chris Dilday, SPP Pumps
• Contract Language Pitfalls - Top Myers, Myers Risk

This event includes two days of interactive learning, games, and prizes.  Get all 16 CEUs required for your renewal!

Contractors - Register for your 32 CEU's at Spring Forward Conference

This two-course series is designed for anyone new to the fire protection industry, or anyone who is simply trying to learn more and advance their career, such as designers, estimators, and sales professionals. Purchased as a single transaction, students are enrolled in Layout Technician: Fundamentals, a series of self-paced On Demand Training modules and an upcoming instructor-led Layout Technician: Application course.

Students with basic knowledge of math, physical science, and drafting skills will learn basic sprinkler layout and detailing technician skills. All of the work elements necessary for NICET Level II Certification will be covered by the course including sprinkler selection, sprinkler spacing and location, obstructions to sprinklers, water supplies (public mains, tanks, and pumps), hydraulic calculation of sprinkler systems, and standpipe system layout, and calculation.
 

Layout Technician: Fundamentals (LTF) – A series of On Demand Training modules with instructor office hours, intervention, and support.

• These modules focus on the various core concepts necessary to understand and function as a Layout Technician in the 21st century. Learners explore content as simple as parts of a sprinkler using advanced 3D technology, up through and including carefully instructed hydraulic calculations – all while developing the soft skills necessary to overcome design challenges with the codes and standards in hand.
• The Layout Technician: Fundamentals course is available to enrolled students about 8 weeks in advance of the Layout Technician: Application course.
• Successful completion of Layout Technician: Fundamentals is a prerequisite to attending the Layout Technician: Application course.

Layout Technician: Application (LTA) - The instructor-led course is offered at locations across the US, with virtual options available. The choice is entirely yours!

• A 3-day instructor-led course that applies the content learned in the Layout Technician: Fundamentals course. Using project-based learning, students apply their knowledge of fire sprinkler layout concepts to a legitimate plan, learning through problem solving, research, and simply doing.

Registration closes 4 weeks prior to the start of the in-person session - 1/2/2024

Member Price: $2,200.00

Non-member Price: $4,400.00 Learn more about NFSA membership

This interactive seminar will provide an introduction to the various types of water-based fire protection systems as well as an in-depth exploration of the codes, standards, and other documents that are used during the inspection and testing process.

24 CEU’s (24 NICET CPD’s)

If you have team members desiring to inspect water-based systems and have not yet obtained certification this class will prepare them to take either NICET exam or *Academy Certification Exam (offered at location on day four)

*Waterbased Inspector Testing to be provided on day FOUR through Academy Certification Exams

You MUST register for the Exam at Academy website: www.academyexams.com

Member Cost: $525.00

Non-member Cost: $1,050.00 Learn more about membership

*Government Member Registrations are supported through the Florida Fire Sprinkler Association. The government member price for this training is $0.00.

If you would like to join NFSA as a Government Member, please use the gift certificate GIFT-01023. You must have a government issued email address. 

FFSA is offering Tagging for Success!

This two-day event includes 16 CEU's of training for water-based inspectors.  

The first day of the event takes the participant out of the classroom and into an interactive learning environment including:

• Hands on training in the Reliable Sprinkler learning trailer, NFSA Valve Trailer, and Hands on Fire Pump Trailer
• The Division of State Fire Marshal's own game show testing your knowledge about industry requirements
• The Fire Sprinkler Challenge testing your knowledge of the different types of sprinklers 
• The game "Name that Standard" testing your knowledge of NFPA Standards for chances to win prizes
• "Tag that System" giving participants an opportunity to identify which systems need to be tagged and why
• A full-day of Pumps for Fire Protection

The second day of the event delviers programs from some of the foremost experts in the industry:

• Updates to NFPA 25 - 2020 Edition - Robbie Dawson, NFPA
• What TAG do you Need? - Vincent Powers, NFSA
• Cutting through the Static - Danny Harrod, Wiginton
• No Flow Test Needed - Chris Dilday, SPP Pumps
• Contract Language Pitfalls - Top Myers, Myers Risk

This event includes two days of interactive learning, games, and prizes.  Get all 16 CEUs required for your renewal!

 James Golinveaux, President of Viking Group will present the 2024 State of the Fire Sprinkler Industry & how to lead your team into the future!

Join the NFSA Texas Chapter for "The State of the Fire Sprinkler Industry and how to best lead your team into the future."

Lithium-Ion Batteries uses and applications are growing, and each application creates unique hazards. A Li-ion battery used in a cell phone creates a different hazard than a Li-ion battery used in an energy storage system. Depending on how a battery is being used or stored will impact the level of risk, the type of hazard and the applicable codes or standards to be applied. This course will discuss Li-Ion battery applications including, BESS, Bulk Storage, Mobile electronics, and Electric vehicles and identify the key hazard for each and mitigation methods to reduce risk.

Member Cost: Free

Non-member Cost: $50.00 Learn more about membership.

Location: Medford Fire Department Fire Station 14 at 2208 Table Rock Road, Medford, Oregon

Fire Sprinkler System Plan Review (2-Day) on 2/21-22/2024

This two-day seminar provides attendees with vital information on how to conduct the plan review process for water-based fire protection systems.  Utilizing the requirements of NFPA 13 the participants will be guided through an actual review of sprinkler system plans and calculations. They will discuss the importance of employing a systematic review process and identify the documents required for a complete plan review. Finally, participants will review and discuss a submittal of the hydraulic calculations presented with the plans. Discussion points include the process of hydraulic calculations, and identification of the key pieces of information, and the common errors that are made.  

Attendees must bring a copy of NFPA 13 to class or have access to the standard online. 

Rough and Final Inspections of Fire Sprinkler Systems (1 Day) on 2/23/2024

This one-day seminar provides attendees with vital information on how to conduct the field inspections for new fire sprinkler and standpipe systems.   

Fire sprinklers and standpipes are installed in stages and inspections are required before commencing to the next stage.  The codes require periodic on-site inspections as the work progresses, to be installed according to the approved construction documents. This work is required to be inspected and approved before being covered or before the system is commissioned. This seminar points out the visual and physical inspection requirements of the latest codes and standards. 

NOTE:  You may register for each seminar separately, or for all three days as one bundle. Early Bird registration ends Feb. 6, 2024. 

Early Bird Registration for NFSA members:  Plan Review only (2/21-22/2024) -- $315 / Rough and Final only (2/23/2024) -- $175  Both Seminars as one bundle (2/21-22/2024) -- $475

Early Bird Registration for Non-NFSA members:  Plan Review only (2/21-22/2024) $630 / Rough and Final only (2/23/2024) $350  Both Seminars as one bundle (2/21-23/2024) $950

After 2/6/2024  for NFSA members:  Plan Review only (2/21-22/2024) $365 / Rough and Final only (2/23/2024) $225 / Both Seminars as one bundle (2/21-23/2024) $525

After 2/6/2024 for Non-NFSA members:  Plan Review only (2/21-22/2024) -- $680 / Rough and Final only (2/23/2024) -- $400  Both Seminars as one bundle (2/21-23/2024) $1,000

NFSA Contact: Suzanne Mayr mayr@nfsa.org

The Capital Region Fire Sprinkler Association is proud to sponsor water-based fire protection training. This program has been an overwhelming success for over a decade and continues to provide training to a host on fire service, industry contractors, AHJ inspectors, designers, and engineers. Please join us for another great year of training in 2024.

Member Price: Free

Non-member Price: $50.00 Learn more about membership

NFSA Contact - Terin Hopkins - thopkins@nfsa.org

Fire Sprinkler System Installation Requirements (INS):

$350 Non-Member or $175 Member

There are hundreds of types of sprinklers in use today. Determining where to locate them can be a complex task. They need to be spaced properly and installed in specific locations to ensure coverage of the protected area and located far enough away from obstructions to ensure that the spray pattern can adequately develop and control or suppress a fire. The rules that govern this complex matrix of decisions are found in Chapter 8 (2016) Chapter 9 (2019-2022) of NFPA 13 on installation requirements. This fast paced and interactive course will guide the participant through series of decisions and requirements that lead to compliance with NFPA 13 and ensure the system will operate properly when needed.

Attendees must bring a copy of NFPA 13 to class or have access to the standard online. 

Fire Sprinkler System Plan Review (2-Day)

$630 Non-Member or $315 Member

This two-day seminar provides attendees with vital information on how to conduct the plan review process for water-based fire protection systems.  Utilizing the requirements of NFPA 13 the participants will be guided through an actual review of sprinkler system plans and calculations. They will discuss the importance of employing a systematic review process and identify the documents required for a complete plan review. Finally, participants will review and discuss a submittal of the hydraulic calculations presented with the plans. Discussion points include the process of hydraulic calculations, and identification of the key pieces of information, and the common errors that are made.  

Attendees must bring a copy of NFPA 13 to class or have access to the standard online. 

Bundle: Fire Sprinkler System Installation Requirements (INS) & Fire Sprinkler System Plan Review (2-Day)

$950 Non-Member or $475 Member

Would like to get a discount as a member benefit - CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW

NFSA Contact: Cindy Giedraitis cindy@nfsa.org

Please come join us!

Quarterly Meeting of the NFSA Board of Directors

This two-course series is designed for anyone new to the fire protection industry, or anyone who is simply trying to learn more and advance their career, such as designers, estimators, and sales professionals. Purchased as a single transaction, students are enrolled in Layout Technician: Fundamentals, a series of self-paced On Demand Training modules and an upcoming instructor-led Layout Technician: Application course.

Students with basic knowledge of math, physical science, and drafting skills will learn basic sprinkler layout and detailing technician skills. All of the work elements necessary for NICET Level II Certification will be covered by the course including sprinkler selection, sprinkler spacing and location, obstructions to sprinklers, water supplies (public mains, tanks, and pumps), hydraulic calculation of sprinkler systems, and standpipe system layout, and calculation.
 

Layout Technician: Fundamentals (LTF) – A series of On Demand Training modules with instructor office hours, intervention, and support.

• These modules focus on the various core concepts necessary to understand and function as a Layout Technician in the 21st century. Learners explore content as simple as parts of a sprinkler using advanced 3D technology, up through and including carefully instructed hydraulic calculations – all while developing the soft skills necessary to overcome design challenges with the codes and standards in hand.
• The Layout Technician: Fundamentals course is available to enrolled students about 8 weeks in advance of the Layout Technician: Application course.
• Successful completion of Layout Technician: Fundamentals is a prerequisite to attending the Layout Technician: Application course.

Layout Technician: Application (LTA) - The instructor-led course is offered at locations across the US, with virtual options available. The choice is entirely yours!

• A 3-day instructor-led course that applies the content learned in the Layout Technician: Fundamentals course. Using project-based learning, students apply their knowledge of fire sprinkler layout concepts to a legitimate plan, learning through problem solving, research, and simply doing.

Member Price: $2,200.00

Non-member Price: $4,400.00 Learn more about NFSA membership

Early Bird Discount  - 8 weeks prior to the start of the in-person course 1/20/2024 - Save $200!
Registration Closes - 4 weeks prior to the start of the in-person session 2/20/2024

This course will provide a general overview of common issues challenging today's contractors. Solutions and trouble-shooting ideas will be shared along with resources already in place to keep your company running smoothly.

Member Cost: Free

Non-member Cost: $50.00 Learn more about membership.

This is one of the largest industry related tournaments in the United States with more than 300 golfers and shooters and an additional 20 plus volunteers and attendees. Proceeds go towards FREE training to AHJs, including fire fighters, building officials and fire inspectors, legislative, career building opportunities and industry promotions.  Last year FFSA trained over 400 AHJ's for FREE! We presented to hundreds of high schoolers on career building in our industry and we educated thousands of people through side by side fire sprinkler demos.  We hope you can attend and enjoy a great day of networking with other industry professionals.

Estimating and Proposals for Fire Sprinkler Installation Projects – Mike Joanis

Approvals: NICET, ICC (PPP# 30489)  

The first step in a successful fire sprinkler installation is building an accurate cost estimate for bid purposes. This course highlights the process of estimating costs associated with a fire sprinkler installation project and ultimately submitting a bid that is competitive and considers all applicable conditions for a specific project.    

Participants will learn to: 

• Outline the process of estimating sprinkler system installation costs. 

• Explore methods of obtaining required information. 

• Deconstruct the general scope of work, including type of system, work, and applicable codes and standards (Appraising Request for Proposal). 

• Analyze and interpret architectural plans.  

• Analyze and interpret civil plans.  

• Organize and define necessary proposal variables.  

• Describe the methods for evaluating water supply and demand.  

• Examine methods for calculating associated costs.  

• Construct a detailed proposal for a sprinkler installation project.  

Michael Joanis, PE - Director of Contractor Services and Chief Engineer at the NFSA. Mike joined the NFSA staff in 2020 with 28 years of experience as consulting engineer and sprinkler contractor. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and has been a registered professional engineer in several states since 1996. He is a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and six NFPA technical committees including Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria, Hanging and Bracing, and Fire Pumps. Michael is also a licensed sprinkler & special hazards contractor and serves as the NFSA staff liaison for the Contractors Council, Quality Assurance Committee, and UL/FM Committee. 

Project Management – A Fire Protection Specific Course - Jerry Allen

Approvals: NICET, ICC (PPP# 38863)  

Are you tired of margin erosion, upset customers, and frustrated team members? Improve your desired project outcomes in this three-day immersive single owner project manager course. You will have the opportunity to learn through lectures, table discussions, breakout sessions, and an interactive course book. You can find other courses that teach the fundamentals of project management, but this course offers a Fire Protection Industry specific option.  

Participants will learn to: 

• Take ownership of the success of their projects 

• Develop customer loyalty. 

• Build a successful project team. 

• Learn project financials and how to improve costs. 

• Pre-plan projects for desired project outcomes. 

• Understand the importance of positive cashflow. 

• Identify and successfully manage change orders. 

Jerry Allen is the founder and CEO of Keep it Simple Consulting. Jerry is passionate about providing leadership development and project management training to the Fire Protection Industry. Jerry believes that companies that invest in leadership development create a competitive advantage with customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction. Jerry believes, “People don’t quit companies; they quit bosses.” 

Jerry has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Starting as a design trainee in 1990, Jerry has grown up in fire protection, serving businesses as a designer, project manager, estimator, salesman, department manager, branch manager, and president/CEO. Jerry is a natural storyteller who loves to share his successes and failures to help others along their journey. 

Jerry’s purpose statement, “I will leave a long-lasting legacy through serving and investing in others with passion and grace while continuing to develop and challenge myself.” 

Course Schedule

April 1: ½ day PM - Estimating - Joanis 

April 2: All day - Estimating 

April 3: ½ day AM - Estimating  

April 3: ½ day PM - Project Leadership - Allen  

April 4: All day - Project Leadership  

April 5: ½ day AM - Project Leadership  

Who Should Attend: 

• Project Managers 

• Field Superintendents 

• Designers 

• Sales 

• Field Foreman 

• Department Managers 

• Branch Managers  

Model codes and standards are often motivated to change after large fires with large losses of life and injuries. These changes often make an impact to the fire sprinkler industry. Fires such as the MGM Grand Hotel, Our Lady of the Angels, the Iroquois Theater, and other recent fires, such as the Station Nightclub and Grenfell Tower fires make impacts to the industry. This course will detail several large fires and their influence on the industry and their results in the codes and standards being applied today. This course will benefit designers, layout technicians, contractors, as well as code officials to understand this important fire sprinkler history.  

Member Cost: Free

Non-member Cost: $50.00 Learn more about membership.

It is with great pleasure that we extend a warm welcome to you for the NFSA Annual Seminar and Business & Leadership Conference. This year's event promises to be an enriching experience, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and visionaries in the field of fire protection and safety.

Our annual gathering serves as a unique platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation in fire and life safety. The world is constantly evolving, and so are the challenges and opportunities in our industry. This conference aims to explore cutting-edge solutions, best practices, and strategic approaches to address the dynamic landscape of fire safety.

Some of our agenda highlights include:

• Keynote Addresses: Gain inspiration from thought leaders shaping the future of fire protection.
• Technical Workshops: Dive deep into the latest advancements and industry-specific topics.
• Networking Sessions: Connect with peers, industry professionals, and potential collaborators.
• Tabletop Area: Explore the latest technologies and services from leading vendors.

As we navigate through an era of unprecedented change, the NFSA Annual Seminar and Business & Leadership Conference is your gateway to staying ahead in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer, this event offers valuable insights and connections that can propel your career and organization to new heights.

We look forward to your active participation, engaging discussions, and the opportunity to collectively shape the future of fire safety. Together, we can protect lives and property from fire through the wide-spread acceptance of the fire sprinkler concept!

EASTERN DIVISION    
International Association of Fire Chiefs  
2024 ANNUAL CONFERNCE   “LEADERSHIP ON THE LINE”

PRESENTERS:  
FDNY DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF FRANK LEEB Keynote Speaker
SENIOR DIRECTOR of RESEARCH of UL FSRI DANIEL MADRZYKOWSKI Understanding Fire Dynamics in Structures to Improve Fireground Decision Making  
CITY OF HOUSTON FD DISTRICT CHIEFS CYLDE GORDON & MO DAVIS Aggressive Command: Leads to Successful Outcomes  
PANEL: (RET.) NFA SUPERINTENDENT DR. DENIS ONIEAL, PHILADELPHIA FIRE COMMISSIONER ADAM THIEL, PAST IAFC PRESIDENT KEN STUEBING Organizational Transformation

 

Join us for a dive into the world of pressure-regulating devices. This presentation will cover the history of pressure-restricting devices all the way though today’s requirements for pressure-reducing valves. It will cover the use of indirect and direct acting pressure-regulating valves and a discussion on how design effect the fire department’s tactical considerations for operations. We will finish up with the requirement for testing and the requirements for drains.

Member Cost: Free

Non-member Cost: $50.00 Learn more about membership.

Quarterly Meeting of the NFSA Board of Directors

June 17-20, 2024
Conference & Expo | June 17-19
Technical Meeting | June 20
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida

Mark your calendar and pack your sunglasses! The 2024 NFPA Conference & Expo® will be held in Orlando, Florida. Registration will open in Fall 2023. For updates, enter your information.

“Keep the home fires burning” was a motto to encourage soldiers and their families during World War I. Today it would have a totally different meaning. Fires in residential occupancies are by far the most common type of fire and kill more people each year than all other fires combined. Residential occupancies include homes, duplexes, townhomes, and apartments. Residential sprinkler technology emerged in the 1970s and early 1980s in response to the U.S. government’s report called “America Burning” that encouraged the development of a quicker-activating sprinkler that could provide life safety benefits in addition to property protection. This seminar will review the history of residential sprinkler technology, identify the differences between commercial and residential sprinklers, and evaluate sprinkler performance in residential settings. 

Member Cost: Free

Non-member Cost: $50.00 Learn more about membership.

The Capital Region Fire Sprinkler Association is proud to sponsor water-based fire protection training. This program has been an overwhelming success for over a decade and continues to provide training to a host on fire service, industry contractors, AHJ inspectors, designers, and engineers. Please join us for another great year of training in 2024.

Member Price: Free

Non-member Price: $50.00 Learn more about membership

NFSA Contact - Terin Hopkins - thopkins@nfsa.org

Come join NFSA Members and Staff in Booth #924!

Estimating and Proposals for Fire Sprinkler Installation Projects – Mike Joanis

Approvals: NICET, ICC (PPP# 30489)  

The first step in a successful fire sprinkler installation is building an accurate cost estimate for bid purposes. This course highlights the process of estimating costs associated with a fire sprinkler installation project and ultimately submitting a bid that is competitive and considers all applicable conditions for a specific project.    

Participants will learn to: 

• Outline the process of estimating sprinkler system installation costs. 

• Explore methods of obtaining required information. 

• Deconstruct the general scope of work, including type of system, work, and applicable codes and standards (Appraising Request for Proposal). 

• Analyze and interpret architectural plans.  

• Analyze and interpret civil plans.  

• Organize and define necessary proposal variables.  

• Describe the methods for evaluating water supply and demand.  

• Examine methods for calculating associated costs.  

• Construct a detailed proposal for a sprinkler installation project.  

Michael Joanis, PE - Director of Contractor Services and Chief Engineer at the NFSA. Mike joined the NFSA staff in 2020 with 28 years of experience as consulting engineer and sprinkler contractor. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and has been a registered professional engineer in several states since 1996. He is a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and six NFPA technical committees including Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria, Hanging and Bracing, and Fire Pumps. Michael is also a licensed sprinkler & special hazards contractor and serves as the NFSA staff liaison for the Contractors Council, Quality Assurance Committee, and UL/FM Committee. 

Project Management – A Fire Protection Specific Course - Jerry Allen

Approvals: NICET, ICC (PPP# 38863)  

Are you tired of margin erosion, upset customers, and frustrated team members? Improve your desired project outcomes in this three-day immersive single owner project manager course. You will have the opportunity to learn through lectures, table discussions, breakout sessions, and an interactive course book. You can find other courses that teach the fundamentals of project management, but this course offers a Fire Protection Industry specific option.  

Participants will learn to: 

• Take ownership of the success of their projects 

• Develop customer loyalty. 

• Build a successful project team. 

• Learn project financials and how to improve costs. 

• Pre-plan projects for desired project outcomes. 

• Understand the importance of positive cashflow. 

• Identify and successfully manage change orders. 

Jerry Allen is the founder and CEO of Keep it Simple Consulting. Jerry is passionate about providing leadership development and project management training to the Fire Protection Industry. Jerry believes that companies that invest in leadership development create a competitive advantage with customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction. Jerry believes, “People don’t quit companies; they quit bosses.” 

Jerry has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Starting as a design trainee in 1990, Jerry has grown up in fire protection, serving businesses as a designer, project manager, estimator, salesman, department manager, branch manager, and president/CEO. Jerry is a natural storyteller who loves to share his successes and failures to help others along their journey. 

Jerry’s purpose statement, “I will leave a long-lasting legacy through serving and investing in others with passion and grace while continuing to develop and challenge myself.” 

Course Schedule

April 1: ½ day PM - Estimating - Joanis 

April 2: All day - Estimating 

April 3: ½ day AM - Estimating  

April 3: ½ day PM - Project Leadership - Allen  

April 4: All day - Project Leadership  

April 5: ½ day AM - Project Leadership  

Who Should Attend: 

• Project Managers 

• Field Superintendents 

• Designers 

• Sales 

• Field Foreman 

• Department Managers 

• Branch Managers  

NFPA 13 has finished the revision process that resulted in the 2025 edition of the standard. This presentation will highlight some of the major potential changes that may significantly affect the layout and installation of sprinkler systems and is a “must-know” for layout technicians, installers, AHJs and others in the industry.  

Member Cost: Free

Non-member Cost: $50.00 Learn more about membership.

Come see us at the NFSA Booth!

NFSA Contact: Terin Hopkins - thopkins@nfsa.org

Briefly discuss NFPA process. Discuss proposed changes to 2026 edition of NFPA 25 as well as what public inputs have been resolved.  Discuss the current stage of the 2023 NFPA 25.    

Member Cost: Free

Non-member Cost: $50.00 Learn more about membership.

Quarterly Meeting of the NFSA Board of Directors

It can be challenging when designing modifications to existing sprinkler systems when buildings are renovated, change use, or receive an addition.  Designers need to first understand the proposed building modifications. Such information can usually be found in the architect’s proposed floor and reflected ceiling plans.  Then they have to determine the layout and design criteria of the existing sprinkler system.  This information is often unavailable, hard to find, or requires a complete survey of the existing system.  They must also review the codes and standards to determine the applicable requirements when working in an existing building.  Finally, they must design and layout the new and/or modifications to existing systems.   

Member Cost: Free

Non-member Cost: $50.00 Learn more about membership.

The Capital Region Fire Sprinkler Association is proud to sponsor water-based fire protection training. This program has been an overwhelming success for over a decade and continues to provide training to a host on fire service, industry contractors, AHJ inspectors, designers, and engineers. Please join us for another great year of training in 2024.

Member Price: Free

Non-member Price: $50.00 Learn more about membership

NFSA Contact - Terin Hopkins - thopkins@nfsa.org

This program is intended to update the participants with significant changes made to the 2024 edition of NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipes and Hose Systems. This edition of the standard was rewritten, realigned, and reorganized. Join us as we discuss the changes and new material added to the document including over 50 annex diagrams. We will also look at the requirements for redundancy and the concept of “above the level of fire department pump capabilities”.  

Member Cost: Free

Non-member Cost: $50.00 Learn more about membership.

This course will provide attendees with the proposals that were approved during the ICC 2024 committee action hearings for the 2027 editions of the International Building Code and International Fire Code. The seminar will address specific changes to the fire protection requirements that directly impact design professionals, contractors and authorities having jurisdiction. Lastly, significant changes approved for the 2025 edition of NFPA 13 impacting sprinkler designers, contractors, and code officials will also be discussed.  

Member Cost: Free

Non-member Cost: $50.00 Learn more about membership.

Quarterly Meeting of the NFSA Board of Directors