2010 NFPA Conference & Expo

Wide range of topics to be addressed in pre-conference seminars

Our pre-conference seminars will give you a jump-start on all of the learning and networking that you'll do in Chicago. And with 23 seminars to choose from -- including 1-day, 2-day, and our first-ever 3-day sessions -- there is truly something for everyone.

Topics range from important changes to NFPA codes and standards, explosion prevention and protection, crowd safety, electrical safety, a primer on becoming a Certified Fire Protection Specialist, as well as "behind the scenes" tours of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the Underwriters Laboratories facility.

Please note that all of our pre-conference seminars are priced separately from the main conference and are offered at a substantial discount from NFPA's regular seminar pricing. All seminars run from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except as noted.

My 10 favorite things about Chicago

Sharon Gamache is NFPA’s director of High-Risk Outreach Programs. Born and raised in South Dakota, Sharon spent 15 years of her adult life in Chicago, first working as a community organizer and fundraiser for Citizens Action Programs and then as a program manager at the National Safety Council. As we look ahead to our Conference & Expo in Chicago this June, we asked Sharon for her recomendations on what to do and see in Chicago.

1. Architecture boat tour
Chicago has done a great job of mixing old and new architecture. Board the architecture boat tour at Navy Pier for a wonderful ride and see some architectural gems along the Chicago River.

2. Millennium Park  
This beautiful space in the heart of downtown features an interactive fountain designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. It features block towers on the sides of its reflecting pool, and images of Chicago citizens are projected on the blocks from an LED screen. It looks like water pours out of their mouths, and it's fun to watch the reaction from tourists when they first see them. 

3. Art Institute of Chicago
View thousands of items in its permanent collection as well as special exhibits (my favorite is the Impressionism gallery). Located on South Michigan Avenue, admission to the institute is free on Thursday evenings.

4. Cubs game at Wrigley Field
Take the El to Wrigley Field on the North Side. Even if you're not a baseball fan, spending time at this beautiful park on a summer afternoon is a little slice of heaven. One summer, I used all my vacation time in half days to go to 18 afternoon baseball games (before lights were installed at the field).

5. Chicago hot dog
I probably ate one hot dog a year when I lived in Chicago, but it had to have traditional condiments: a poppy seed bun, yellow mustard, green relish, fresh chopped onions, tomato wedges, two sport peppers, a dill pickle spear, and celery salt. When in town, ask for a Chicago dog "with the works".

6. Shaw’s Crabhouse
My favorite seafood joint features both an oyster bar and formal dining room. Oysters on the half shell are very fresh and the menu features dozens of seasonal seafood choices. Bonus: blues bands perform at the restaurant three nights a week.

7. Chicago Museum of Science and Industry
This South Side museum has 14 acres of hands-on exhibits and is one of the largest science museums in the world. My dad and stepmom always visited the U-505 submarine, the only German U-boat in the United States, and there are always new exhibits like the Harry Potter Exhibition that will be there this summer.

8. Frank Lloyd Wright Tour 
Just west of Chicago, in Oak Park, is the world’s largest collection of homes and buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Enjoy a walking tour and then stay for lunch or dinner at one of many fine restaurants in Oak Park.    

9. Billy Goat Original Tavern
"Cheezborger! Cheezborger!" This tavern was the inspiration for the famous Saturday Night Live skit featuring John Belushi. Be prepared to shout out your order if you visit this eatery on lower Michigan Avenue and go early: the Billy Goat is only open until 3:00 pm.

10. Chicago theater
There are plenty of big Broadway plays and musicals in downtown Chicago. But also check out local (more affordable) productions at the Goodman Theater, Steppenwolf Theater, Organic Theater Company, and the Chicago Black Ensemble Theater.

Sharon also recommends reading her favorite poem, "Chicago", by Carl Sandburg.

We'd like to hear from you! What do you think about Sharon's list? What are your favorite things to do and see in Chicago? It's easy to respond: just click on the "comments" link below, enter your name (just your first name is fine) and your e-mail address (this will NOT show in your post), and type your comments in the white box. Then select "post".

NFPA offers conference scholarships to safety educators

Attention fire and life safety educators: we want as many of you as possible to attend the NFPA Conference and Expo in Chicago, IL, this June. We've got some great educational opportunities designed just for you, as well as some outstanding networking opportunities in the works.

To make getting to Chicago easier, NFPA is awarding up to 30 scholarships for fire and life safety educators. Here's what you'll get:

• free conference registration

• three nights lodging

• some meals

Here's what you'll be responsible for:

• airfare

• airport transfers

• some meals

• miscellaneous expenses

Don't delay -- only 30 scholarships are available. Download the application (PDF, 67 KB) and return it to NFPA by March 20, 2009.

Download the 2009 conference brochure

Take a look at our new, 12-page brochure (PDF, 3.4 MB) for a full preview of our upcoming conference.

Inside, you'll find a run-down of our more than 130 educational sessions, including dozens of case studies, test results, and code updates, as well as details on the 21 pre-conference seminars we'll be offering on June 6-7.

And don't forget: you get free Expo-only registration if you sign-up by April 30, 2009.