From the rise in lithium-ion battery incidents to increasingly destructive incidents, the nature of fire hazards is shifting. This private dinner convenes cross-sector leaders to explore how these risks are affecting communities, insurance markets, infrastructure, and public safety and how coming together can achieve smarter solutions that are needed to stay ahead
The Henri
1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20004
ET
–
ET
About the Dinner
UL Standards & Engagement & ULRI’s Fire Safety Research Institute will hold an off-the-record gathering that will convene leaders from multiple sectors for a candid discussion on the changing risk of fire and how it is shaping priorities in emergency response, infrastructure resilience, insurance, and other areas critical to community safety and preparedness.
If you’re interested in attending, please email Sarah Shields, Director of Communications and Outreach, at Sarah.Shields@ul.org.
Agenda
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The Henri
1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20004
AGENDA
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Arrival and Networking
7:00 – 7:10 p.m. – Welcome Remarks | Jeff Marootian, President and CEO, ULSE
7:10 – 7:20 p.m. – The Changing Risk of Fire | Steve Kerber, Vice President and Executive Director, UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute
7:20 – 8:50 p.m. – Moderated Discussion & Dinner
Over a seated dinner, we’ll dive into a thought-provoking conversation exploring three key topics:
- Responding to a New Fire Landscape | Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, former U.S. Fire Administrator
- Adapting Infrastructure for Emerging Fire Risk | Michael Hoffman, President and CEO, National Waste & Recycling Association
- Underwriting for Yesterday’s Risks | Jeff Dunsavage, Senior Research Analyst, Insurance Information Institute
8:50 – 9:00 p.m. – Closing Remarks
9:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Departure
Speakers
Steve Kerber
Vice President and Executive Director
UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell
Former U.S. Fire Administrator
Jeff Dunsavage
Senior Research Analyst
Insurance Information Institute
Michael Hoffman
President and CEO
National Waste & Recycling Association
Moderator
Jeff Marootian
President and CEO
UL Standards & Engagement
Related Resources
-
Expert Perspectives
The Changing Risk of Fire: New Materials, New Devices, New Threats
-
Reports
The Impact of E-Mobility Battery Fires in NYC
-
Expert Perspectives
Fire Risks Are Changing But is the Unheralded Sprinkler the Answer?