SFPE Engineering Symposium: Challenges in Storage

Modern Storage Challenges

SFPE Engineering Solutions Symposium: Modern Storage Challenges

Description

Join us for a technical engineering symposium dedicated to modern fire safety challenges in storage facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers. Storage occupancies are among the most challenging occupancies from an overall fire safety perspective. Many variables must be considered when designing fire protection and life safety systems for such facilities. This 2-day, in-person event will discuss fire protection challenges in modern storage facilities. 

An outstanding panel of experts comes together to share their knowledge and best practices with fire protection engineers, designers, manufacturers, facility owners and managers, and first responders. 

Topics covered during the event will focus on automated storage, protection of multi-row racks, cold storage design considerations, lithium-ion battery storage, and fire department response to large storage occupancies. Following the completion of the two days of educational content, day 3 will consist of a large-scale fire test (LSFT) at the nearby UL Solutions campus in Northbrook, IL.

Registration

Registration must be submitted online. Full payment is due upon registration to secure your space. Shared registration is strictly prohibited. Early Bird Registration pricing ends on July 21, 2025. Registration fees are in U.S. Dollars.

Registration includes 2 days of instruction eligible for PDH credits upon completion of an online evaluation, a networking reception and two complimentary lunches, morning and afternoon breaks, and access to PDF of presentations as authorized by invited speakers. 

Registration does not include travel, parking, airport transfers, hotel stays, breakfasts, and dinners.  

REGISTER NOW!

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the Symposium, the participant will be able to:

  1. Understand the unique fire safety challenges associated with modern storage facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers.

  2. Identify key factors to consider when designing fire protection and life safety systems for storage occupancies.

  3. Gain knowledge of best practices and expert recommendations for addressing fire safety in complex storage environments.

  4. Examine fire service response strategies to storage occupancy incidents.

  5. Apply insights from a large-scale fire test (LSFT) to fire safety engineering practice.

Program

Program Schedule

Program Committee

  • Phil Friday, PE, FSFPE – Chair

  • Kerry Bell, PE, FSFPE

  • Mark Fessenden

  • Magnus Arvidson

  • William Koffel, PE, FSFPE, SASHE

  • John Denhardt, PE, FSFPE

  • Ralph E. Bless, Jr., PE, SET, CFPS

  • James Golinveaux

  • Benjamin Ditch

  • Chris Jelenewicz, PE, FSFPE

Hotel Information

Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O'Hare
5550 North River Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: +1 847 678 4488

SFPE Group Rate $189+tax.The rate includes 1 breakfast voucher per room per day. An, additional $20.00 will be applied for each additional breakfast voucher. The reservation cut-off date is Monday, July 28, 2025 Reserve your room before it is sold out!

Reservations: Follow to guest booking link.

Airport

Chicago-O'Hare International Airport – 2 miles (Complimentary Shuttle Available)

Chicago Midway Airport - 28 Miles

Hotel O'Hare Airport Shuttle

The Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O'Hare provides daily complimentary shuttle service to and from O'Hare International Airport for our guests

The shuttle operates between the hours of: 5am until 12am in 30 minute intervals. The shuttle departs from the hotel main lobby doors and O’Hare from Terminal 2, Lower Level door 2C.

Instructions: Upon arrival at O’Hare, retrieve your luggage from the Baggage Claim area located on the lower level of the airport. From Baggage Claim, follow the signs to Terminal 2. Proceed to Terminal 2, lower level, Door 2C. The shuttle is a white transport van that can be identified with the Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O’Hare logo.Terminal #5 (International, Delta and some Southwest) –upon arrival, call the Hotel directly to arrange shuttle pickup (847-678-4488). Pickup takes place from Terminal 5 at Door 5E. 

The shuttle is on a first come, first served basis. Timing may vary based on airport traffic.

Parking

On-site, discounted parking $15.00 per day. You must validate voucher at the front desk. The  Hilton parking garage is located behind the hotel and the hotel lobby can be accessed via skyway.

Airline Discounts exclusive for 2025 SFPE events
United Airlines

We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to the 2025 Annual Conference. To make flight reservations online please click on discount code ZQVG667514. MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code.

You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance. Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.

Delta Airlines

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for The Society of Fire Protection Engineers. Please click here to book your flights. You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code  NY3T4

*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Fire Test and Tour is generously supported by UL Solutions.

Flame Level Sponsors

Sponsorship Opportunities

Check out the event Sponsorship Prospectus for available packages and contact us at events@sfpe.org with questions.

Sponsorship Prospectus

Sponsor Order Form

Questions about registering for this event? Contact us at education@sfpe.org.