SFPE Chapters serve as the organization's vital eyes and ears on the ground, playing an essential role in its success. The information in the Annual Chapter Report is critical to both Chapters and SFPE headquarters, enabling informed support for the growth and long-term sustainability of local Chapters and the Society as a whole.
The data submitted by Chapters lead to important decisions and actions on both sides—ensuring stronger collaboration and better outcomes for all.
Summary:
This briefing document summarizes key themes and notable achievements reported by various SFPE Chapters based on the Annual Activity Reports submitted in 2026. The reports highlight continous efforts to engage recent graduate members, increase student involvement, promote SFPE membership, host successful meetings, and provide continuing education opportunities. Recurring challenges include declining membership and engaging young professionals. Several chapters expressed a desire for more guidance and resources from SFPE regarding chapter finance management and promoting the profession among grade school students.
1. Member Engagement & Student Outreach Initiatives:
The New England Chapter has been consistently focusing on adjusting the meeting times and formats to attract younger engineers and students and it has been working!
The Southern Ontario Chapter has just changed the website platform to Club Express, and is now in the process of changing membership benefits package to clearly and accurately indicate the membership. The new system will help accurately track active members nad also easily recognise those who became Professional Members.
The Rocky Mountain Chapter reported highly active membership, with high attendance in monthly chapter meetings, the annual symposium, chapter-organized volunteer and community outreach opportunities, and chapter-organized networking events and social activities. Each year during Chapter elections, there are more candidates than available board positions, which demonstrates a high level of interest and motivation among chapter members.
The Chicago Chapter has many members "chapter only" members (not global) who have remarked that they value chapter membership but find it harder to afford the global membership cost if their employer does not directly cover it.
The Snake River Valley Chapter keeps membership dues low to encourage and increase participation. Chapter events, including professional development sessions are free of charge for all chapter members..
2. Hosting successful events and collaboration with other chapters:
Monthly or near-monthly technical meetings are the most consistent format across chapters, typically featuring a guest presenter on a focused topic. Many chapters supplement these with at least one larger annual event — a full-day symposium, a conference, or a trade show. Hybrid delivery (in-person + virtual) is increasingly standard, with one chapter reporting 35–50 in-person attendees routinely joined by 15+ virtual participants, including members from other chapters.
St. Laurent & French Chapters: growing collaboration with virtual presence during meetings as well as in-person visits of the chapter presidents.
Chesapeake Chapter collaborated with SFPE UMD Student Chapter to perform mock interviews, and also teamed up with the SFPE DFW Chapter to establish a Student Mentor Program where students will be paired with mentors based on geographic location, interest/experience.
Norway, Finland, Denmark & Sweden Chapters have a standing collaboration between the other Nordic SFPE chapters.
Peru Chapter participated in meetings with other Latin American chapters to consolidate criteria and increase both awareness of fire safety engineering and membership.