2026 Annual Conference: Hot Topics

Friday, October 16th, 8:00 am - 11:30 am | Morning Session
Friday, October 16th, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Afternoon Session

Hot Topics: National Fire Protection Association – A Peek Behind the Curtain
Meredith Hawes, National Fire Protection Association

Session Description

For nearly 130 years, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has led efforts to reduce death, injury, and property loss from fire, electrical, and related hazards through the development of more than 300 codes and standards used worldwide. This session provides an overview of NFPA’s standards development process, opportunities for involvement, and the ongoing Consolidation Project—streamlining over 100 Emergency Response and Responder Safety standards, including the integration of key firefighter PPE requirements into NFPA 1970 and the continued evolution of apparatus safety requirements within NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus. Participants will also experience a live demonstration of NFPA LiNK®, NFPA’s digital platform providing instant access to codes, legacy editions, expert commentary, and collaborative tools designed to help professionals work smarter and enhance life safety outcomes.

Meredith Hawes has worked at the National Fire Protection Association for over a decade.  She currently serves as a Regional Director under Field Operations at NFPA. She works to provide technical assistance and support on fire & life safety public education outreach and initiatives. She also promotes the use of NFPA codes and standards at all levels of government; building relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders; and serving as the regional spokesperson for all codes, standards, and advocacy issues on behalf of NFPA. Meredith is responsible for organizing the fire service, building officials, electrical industry, health advocates, facility managers, installers, designers and others to support NFPA’s fire safety mission in the states of; Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.