The National Fire Protection Association on Monday announced that its 2020 NFPA Conference & Expo, slated to take place June 15-18 in Orlando, has been cancelled due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
“At this time, the world continues to be significantly impacted by COVID-19 and we no longer believe it is possible to host and conduct this event in Orlando in June,” NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley said in a statement. “NFPA is a safety organization and we would not hold an event where the well-being of staff, attendees and business partners could be compromised in any way.”
Pauley added that their intent and singular focus was to hold the conference only if it could be done safely for all involved, however; extensive monitoring of countless date and information sources led to the decision to cancel.
“We did not arrive at this decision easily or without an abundance of consideration. The conference is important to us as it is important those who participate in one way or another,” said Pauley. “Just as it has been for more than 100 years, our annual event is a key catalyst to advance fire, life, and electrical safety across the globe,” he continued. 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 who share the same commitment to reducing loss."
Several activities that were scheduled to 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, will now be done remotely. More information on these activities will be forthcoming and posted on the conference website.
The 2021 NFPA Conference & Expo will be held the week of June 21st, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. It will be the 125th anniversary of NFPA.
For additional information on the cancellation see the conference website.
