SFPE Engineering Solutions Symposium for Mass Timber

Recent tall mass timber code changes allowed a growing number of mass timber structures worldwide as a sustainable and economically favorable construction method. This 2-day, in-person event will provide an in-depth analysis of the engineering challenges of mass timber structures and is intended to holistically showcase the use and progress of mass timber construction within Canada and North America.

An outstanding panel of experts comes together to share their knowledge and best practices so fire protection and structural engineers, designers, architects, academics, code officials, and first responders can have confidence that a fire event will be adequately managed by applied fire protection systems and fire service response. Topics covered during the event will focus on the Canadian and U.S. regulatory approach to exposed mass timber, existing international codes, the latest research on fire dynamics and large-scale testing, building design, case studies of recent mass timber projects, risk assessment and mitigation as well as resources available to designers when considering mass timber projects.

Several panel discussions are incorporated into the program schedule to allow speakers to answer audience questions and offer different perspectives on topics discussed.

Learning Objectives:

This symposium will:

- Illustrate the progression of mass timber as a construction material within Canada
- Review the latest research and findings and identify research gaps
- Educate industry professionals in the fire engineering principles that underpin mass timber construction
- Summarize international code changes

Location:

August 24-25: Program: University of Waterloo, Federation Hall, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON

August 24: Evening Networking Reception: Engineering 7 (E7), 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON

HOTEL & TRAVEL INFORMATION 

Hotel

Courtyard Waterloo St Jacobs, 50 Benjamin Road East Waterloo, Ontario N2V 2J9  

This hotel is not a walking distance to the venue. This hotel has a small shuttle with a limited availability to transfer their guests to University of Waterloo. We will schedule a couple of transfer times in the AM and PM and the hotel can update you after you check in.

Please use this hotel group registration link for a rate of $149.00 CAD with breakfast per night. The hotel reservation must be made prior to July 22^nd. Please mention 'SFPE Engineering Symposium' if calling the hotel to reserve your stay (519-884-9295).

Other hotels in the area recommended:
Delta Hotels by Marriott Waterloo (30 min walking distance), Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Waterloo St. Jacobs, Homewood Suites by Hilton Waterloo St. Jacobs

Campus Housing

Accommodations at the University of Waterloo is located in both Ron Eydt Village (REV) and Mackenzie King Village. Reservations can to be made by registering online through a custom online reservation form or by calling the reservation Department directly at 1-800-565-5410. Please note that full payment will be asked upon completing your online reservation. (Mackenzie King Village is an air-conditioned residence with four bedroom suites. All suites come fully-furnished.The suite is split into two sections with two bedrooms on each side. Each side has its own bathroom and storage closet. Rates $95 - $135.00 + tax. The rate includes free WiFi, parking for one vehicle, linens & towels upon check in. Only 1 party is booked at each unit and the rate is dependent upon the number of bedrooms used.)

Airports 

Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada – 96 km or approx. 1 hour by car. 
(For travelers outside of Canada, please make sure you have a valid passport and a visa if applicable)

Airline Discounts exclusive for 2023 SFPE events

·   United Airlines

We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to our upcoming event. To make flight reservations online please click on discount code ZNFW413244. You may also call United Meeting Reservation Desk at (800) 426–1122. Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations.

·   Delta

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 Delta Meeting Network® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code  NY2C9
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.

Parking & Ground Transportation Information from Airport

Taxi: http://waterlootaxi.ca/rates.php or https://www.torontoairportlimo.com/waterloo-limousine-services.aspx

Go Transit: If you are landing at Pearson International Airport, you can take GO Bus Route 40 from Pearson Airport Terminal 1 to Square One Terminal. From there, you can take Route 25 or 25C to the University of Waterloo. Please note that Route 25C is the express bus route. You can check out the cost on this website.  It takes approx. 2+ hours with transfers.

Registration

Registration must be submitted online. Full payment is due upon registration to secure your space. Shared registration is strictly prohibited. Registration fees are in U.S. Dollars.

*Non-member registration includes 12 months of free SFPE Membership.

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

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

Discounted One Day Registration is available. Please contact education@sfpe.org.

AHJ's may qualify for a significant discount. Limited number of seats available. Fill out this form and SFPE will contact you with details.

Register

Questions? Please contact us at education@sfpe.org.