SFPE Engineering Solutions Symposium

Fire Protection of Cultural and Heritage Sites

November 12–13, 2026 • Venice, Italy

Overview

Join us in Venice, Italy, for an engineering symposium dedicated to the complex fire safety challenges faced by cultural and heritage sites. As historic structures evolve in their use, the responsibility to protect irreplaceable architecture, artifacts, and cultural legacies grows more crucial. The 2026 SFPE Engineering Solutions Symposium: Fire Protection of Cultural and Heritage Sites, taking place November 12–13, 2026, brings together international experts to explore the strategies required to safeguard these treasured environments.

This two‑day, in‑person event brings together leading fire protection engineers, architects, heritage authorities, building owners and managers, insurers, cultural stewards, and fire service professionals for an examination of the unique hazards and constraints inherent to historic properties. Through keynote presentations, global perspective sessions, technical discussions, and case studies, supported by insights from European heritage authorities and fire services, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of modern fire protection approaches balanced against preservation requirements.

The symposium will cover:

Fire safety challenges unique to historic structures, including material vulnerability, limited egress, and architectural constraints.
Codes, standards, and engineering guidance applicable to existing and heritage buildings.
Approaches to active and passive fire protection system design for culturally sensitive sites.
Fire detection, suppression, egress strategies, and construction‑phase fire safety.
Case studies based on cultural and heritage site fires.
Insights from architects, fire brigades, cultural authorities, and international engineering leaders.

Following two days of technical programming and interactive discussions, the symposium will conclude with a tour on November 14 to provide real‑world context to the engineering concepts explored.

Program Committee

Luciano Nigro, PE – Co‑Chair
William Koffel, PE, FSFPE, SASHE – Co‑Chair
Gabriele Vigne, PhD, Msc, FSFPE
Piergiacomo Cancelliere, PhD
Giovanni Cosma
Paulo Ramos, M. Arch.
Wojciech Wegrzynski, PhD
Robert McNamee, PhD, PMSFPE, SFPE Europe
Miroslav Gojic
Morten Moelgaard Schmidt
Nicholas Ozog, PE
Gregory Harrington, PE
Antonio Terio
Chris Jelenewicz, PE, FSFPE, SFPE CEO
Joshua Reichert, PE, SFPE Chief Engineer
Ryan Tunkel, Committee Staff Liaison

Registration

Registration is now open! Secure your seat and take advantage of discounted early-bird rates before June 30, 2026. Your registration includes two days of technical presentations and discussions, eligible for PDH credits and a Certificate of Attendance. Also included are complimentary lunches, morning and afternoon refreshments and a networking reception on Thursday evening.

For more details, click the link below. Questions? Please contact us education@sfpe.org.

First Time Registering? If this is your first time registering for an SFPE event, you’ll need to create an account before completing your registration. This quick tutorial walks you through the process and shows which fields are required, so you can complete registration more easily.

Program

Program Schedule

Program Add-ons (Space is limited)

Technical Tour, Fondazione CINI | Friday, November 13 (15:30 - 19:30)

Participants will enjoy a private visit to the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, located on the serene Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore, directly across the water from Piazza San Marco.

The tour offers a rare opportunity to explore the historic monastery complex, meticulously restored after centuries of transformations, and to access the Manica Lunga, Fondazione’s iconic library. Originally a 16th‑century Benedictine dormitory, the Manica Lunga has been converted into a striking contemporary research library, known for its dramatic linear design, vaulted ceilings, and elegant interplay of light and space. It is considered one of the most architecturally significant library restorations in Italy.

This tour is organized by SFPE Italy and will provide a technical guide to explain some of the technical aspects of the recent renovation. This tour has a limited capacity, so register early to secure your space.

Guided Venetian Tour: Doge’s Palace | Saturday, November 14 (09:00 - 14:00)

After the symposium concludes, stay with us for this Saturday morning tour, which will immerse you in the timeless beauty, history, and culture of Venice. Your journey includes a private cruise across the picturesque Venetian Lagoon to the Cornoldi Pier. From there begins a walking tour with destinations including the St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace. This portion is a self-guided audio tour.

Following the tour of the palace, you'll enjoy free time (~2 hours) to explore at your own pace. Browse local boutiques, relax at a historic café, admire the surrounding architecture, or simply soak in the atmosphere of one of Europe's most famous public spaces before returning by private boat to the Hilton.

Guests of symposium attendees are welcome. Both tours will involve walking over considerable distances. If you have any questions, please contact us at education@sfpe.org.

Hotel Information

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

Giudecca 810, Venice 30133, Italy

Stay in stylish rooms and suites in a fully restored flour mill on the shores of Giudecca Island. The hotel is accessible in just a few minutes by private shuttle boat from Piazza San Marco.

SFPE Rate: 249€ + VAT + 5€ city tax (per room, per night)

Please note: Reservations can be made until October 19, 2026. The full stay will be charged at booking. Reservations become non‑changeable and non‑refundable after this date.

Make A Reservation

Parking:

Venezia Tronchetto Parking | Interparking – located on Tronchetto Island, 5 minutes away by boat from the hotel.

Garage San Marco Venice: Parking in Venice – located in Piazzale Roma, next to a bus and train station. 15–20 minutes away by boat from the hotel.

Things to Do in Venice

Get inspired and discover Venice’s local attractions, dining, and activities to make the most of your event experience.

Learn More

Sponsorship Opportunities

View the Sponsorship Prospectus for available packages and contact Rose Portera, Industry Partnerships & Sales Manager, at rportera@sfpe.org with questions.