The future of fire safety: Everything you need to know about The Fire Safety Event 2026

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Over 13,500 fire safety professionals to gather at The Fire Safety Event 2026

The Fire Safety Event will open its doors at the NEC Birmingham on 28-30 April 2026 and will play host to leading manufacturers and suppliers to showcase their latest approved products and solutions.

The event, organised by Nineteen Events, is dedicated to supporting industry practitioners, professionals and organisations in achieving and maintaining the very highest standards of fire safety management.

With over 300 exhibitors participating at the show, some of the industry’s leading brands including Apollo, Checkmate Fire, LFS, Sentry Doors, Strongdor and many more, will be showcasing the latest research and development, product and solution launches and live demonstrations.

A number of key associations and industry bodies will also be supporting The Fire Safety Event and will be on hand to offer guidance and expert advice to visitors, including BAFE, FireQual, ECA/FSA, FIA, Fire Aware, FPA, IFCC, IFE, ISCVE, IWMA, NSI, OSPAs, Smoke Control Association and many more.

CPD-accredited conference theatres

Education is at the heart of The Fire Safety Event.

With industry-led theatres and 45+ hours of free-to-attend CPD content, the event offers the opportunity for visitors to gain direct insight into improving, maintaining and championing fire safety for all businesses.

The Fire Safety Leaders Summit, sponsored by RiskBase, will feature a line-up of industry experts and keynotes, offering insight and expertise on best practice, regulatory updates and topical areas impacting the fire safety sector.

The Passive Fire Conference, in partnership with ASPF, will enable visitors to gain more knowledge on passive fire protection topics and various fire safety measures in the built environment.

Visitors will hear from the experts and get the essential advice from specification, installation, inspection and maintenance.

Meanwhile, the Compliance Theatre (sponsored by UL Solutions) will host essential sessions focused on legislation, standards and regulatory updates, helping fire safety professionals stay ahead of compliance.

With expert-led discussions and practical guidance, it offers vital insights for businesses striving to maintain best practices and meet evolving client expectations.

The Innovation Theatre, sponsored by Hochiki, will spotlight the latest advancements, emerging technologies and forward-thinking solutions shaping the future of fire safety.

Through expert-led sessions, the theatre offers attendees a look ahead at the new innovations driving progress and improving safety outcomes across the industry.

Finally, the FIA Guidance Theatre will offer expert insights and practical advice on fire safety regulations and best practices.

Attendees can learn from industry leaders, stay updated on compliance standards and discover innovative solutions to enhance fire protection strategies.

Key features for 2026

UKTC will showcase the operations of a fire testing laboratory with live on-site commentary of passive fire protection product tests.

The UKTC sessions will allow visitors to experience fire tests on a 2.5 x 1.5m screen with the opportunity to ask questions to UKTC’s own experts and take part in thought-provoking debates.

The Fire Safety Event has also partnered with Worldskills UK to bring a fully immersive and interactive zone dedicated to the security engineers of tomorrow.

Hosting the National Qualifiers onsite, this will raise the standard for apprentices to excel in their careers.

Meanwhile,the Fire Safety Event has renewed its commitment to empowering and celebrating women in fire safety management, with visitors able to meet Women Talking Fire on its stand and networking drinks at the end of day one.

According to the organisers, the show is inclusive of people of all ages who are passionate about championing the next generation of talent, describing the network as a genuine movement committed to driving change within an ageing workforce.

As such, there will be specially curated sessions designed for the next generation of industry talent.

After a day filled with discussions and valuable insights, networking opportunities are available at the Networking Café, where complimentary Networking Drinks take place at the end of Day One.

Giveaways and competitions

For the first time, the FIA is to host on its stand a live, hands-on challenge for trainees, apprentices and early career technicians working in fire detection and alarm systems.

Running across all three days, competitors will work on a non-addressable fire alarm system to identify faults and non-compliances, apply safe working practices, test the system correctly and document their work just as on a real maintenance visit.

Visitors to the Specify & Build visitor trail will get the opportunity to take home a cash prize.

To enter, visitors just need to pick up a trail booklet, visit participating exhibitor stands, collect stamps and could win £10,000.

Nineteen Events said the trail is a fun, interactive way to discover new products, meet exhibitors and get more from your day.

Networking at the NEC

Visitors will be able to connect with peers at the Networking Café (sponsored by FIA) or finish the day with networking drinks to celebrate your achievements.

They will also be able to join senior fire safety leaders and influential professionals for an elevated show experience – crafted exclusively for Platinum VIP Club members.

Platinum VIP members gain access to premium networking spaces, curated content, exclusive hospitality benefits at the show and personalised experiences that help to connect with the right people, discover the latest innovations faster and maximise every moment at the show.

Meanwhile, a free-of-charge AI concierge service connects visitors with the right people at the right time.

Using smart matching based on your role and interests, it schedules one-to-one meetings so you can build meaningful connections, save time, and get more value from your event experience.

For instant access to seminars, exhibitor listings, floorplan, speaker detail and live updates, the Safety & Security Series Show App is an essential event companion.

The app enables you to plan your visit, build your schedule and find all the information you need to get the most from the show before, during and after attending.

One place, multiple events

The Fire Safety Event is uniquely co-located with The Security Event, The Health & Safety Event, The Workplace Event and The National Cyber Security Show, which together form The Safety & Security Series.

With only one registration, delegates have access to all shows.

In addition, the event offers free on-site parking at the NEC.

With a train station, airport, and direct access to the M42 motorway, the NEC provides convenience for all attendees.

This series has also partnered with Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Avanti West Coast, Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines for exclusive discounts.

SHOW HOURS

Tuesday 28th April 2026: 10:00 – 16:30 

Wednesday 29th April 2026: 10:00 – 16:30 

Thursday 30th April 2026: 10:00 – 15:30 

Register for free pass: www.firesafetyevent.com

VISIT IFSJ AT THE SHOW

International Fire and Safety Journal will exhibit at the on stand 4/M58

Visit the stand to meet the team and to pick up your FREE copy of the magazine

To arrange a meeting with the team email lewisg.tyler@intfireandsafetyjournal.com or iain.hoey@intfireandsafetyjournal.com

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

INTERSCHUTZ Forum confirms full schedule for 2026 event

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Expert sessions at INTERSCHUTZ target the industry turning point

All presentation slots for the INTERSCHUTZForum in Hall 17 are now fully booked for the upcoming trade fair.

Organisers announced that the event will feature approximately 100 experts speaking on industry topics between 1 and 6 June 2026.

Colonel (General Staff) Armin Schaus, Head of Department J9 – CIMIC (Civil-Military Cooperation) of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), will present OPLAN Germany daily.

The forum program includes contributions from providers, users, academia and policymakers.

Sessions are aligned with core themes including the impacts of climate change, sustainability and artificial intelligence (AI) in control centers.

The schedule runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, with a final presentation ending at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

All contributions will be simultaneously interpreted in German and English.

See the full daily programme here.

Technical highlights of the daily program

The German Red Cross (DRK) will open the Monday session with a presentation on innovative power supply in operations to reduce costs and create redundancies.

Eurocommand will discuss digital trends and research on situation management during the Monday afternoon session.

On Tuesday morning, the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) will address chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

The Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) will outline its AI pathway in civil protection, covering language models and field tests.

Esri Germany will explain how geodata strengthens organisations during disruptive times on Wednesday morning.

The afternoon session on Wednesday will host a partner country day for Italy featuring the Order of Malta and the President of the Italian Red Cross.

Collaborative sessions on landscape fires and flood training

Thursday morning begins with a high-level panel regarding landscape fires as a task for municipalities, fire services and forestry.

Participants include Johann Goldammer, Director of the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC), and Karl-Heinz Banse, President of the German Fire Services Association.

Albrecht Broemme, Honorary President of THW, and Bernhard Breitsameter, President of the Bavarian Forest Owners Association, will also join the panel.

The International Fire Academy will present tactics for fire services during underground parking garage operations on Thursday afternoon.

Friday morning features the German Society for Disaster Medicine presenting the launch of the Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) registry.

The German Life Saving Association (DLRG) will follow with a study on the necessity and feasibility of a flood training center.

The program concludes on Saturday with a BBK presentation on educational programs for children and a DRK session on lessons learned from recent floods.

Desu Systems to showcase industrial safety portfolio at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

by EventsFeatured NewsIndustrial

Desu Systems confirms attendance at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

Desu Systems will attend the INTERSCHUTZ 2026 exhibition in Hannover from 1 to 6 June to present its broad portfolio of safety technologies.

The company announced it will be located at Hall 12, Stand D07, with a full team presence representing its various technical divisions.

Exhibits will focus on methane emission monitoring, flame and gas detection, and kitchen fire protection.

This presence at the exhibition reflects a growing demand for performance-led safety systems that respond to tighter regulatory expectations and operational risks.

Operators in petrochemical processing, hydrogen production, wind energy and waste handling face increasing pressure to improve safety performance.

Desu Systems also identifies aircraft hangars, tank storage, offshore infrastructure and commercial kitchens as sectors requiring updated technical and compliance solutions.

Emile Hippe, Managing Director of Desu Systems said: “Across industry, the conversation around safety is becoming more urgent and more practical at the same time.

“Companies are under pressure to improve detection performance, strengthen resilience, and respond to changing regulatory demands.

“Our role is to help them find technologies that are not only advanced, but also relevant to the realities they face in the field.”

Technical solutions for hazardous and industrial environments

Featured technologies at the stand will include optical gas imaging systems used for methane leak detection, quantification and monitoring.

The company will showcase the Spectrex 20/20Q flame detector alongside detection technologies based on QuadSense innovation.

These systems are designed to support faster response and reliability in demanding industrial conditions.

The exhibitor listing also includes the Sensia thermal imaging camera and the Buckeye Kitchen Mister suppression system.

Ronald Verkroost, Founder and CEO of Desu Systems said: “Industrial safety decisions carry greater consequences than ever when systems fall short.

“That is why detection and suppression technologies need to be chosen with a clear view of the risk, the environment, and the operational reality.

“At INTERSCHUTZ, we want to show solutions that answer those demands in a serious and practical way.”

Verkroost and Hippe will be available for press interviews throughout the duration of the event.

Institution of Fire Engineers sets 3 June date for technical conference return

by EventsFeatured NewsFire Engineering

IFE conference returns in June

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has announced that the International President’s Technical Conference will return in 2026 on 3 June at the University of Wolverhampton.

The IFE said the one-day event will focus on modern topics affecting the fire sector under the theme “Amplifying our advantages on approaching hazards”.

Curtain walling fire safety will be included in the programme.

The conference will also address the impact of residential fire sprinklers on lithium-ion battery fires.

Smoke control will form part of the day’s discussions.

IFE programme and speakers

James Lane CEng FIFireE, IFE International President, will host the event and said: “Following the success of its inaugural year, the International President’s Technical Conference returns in 2026 as a must attend event for the fire safety community.

“This conference provides a vital platform for bringing together expertise from across industry, policy, research, and practice to address today’s fire safety challenges while exploring the technologies and ideas shaping the future.

“By fostering collaboration, innovation, and open discussion, the event plays a crucial role in helping us build safer, more resilient communities.

“It reflects the IFE’s ongoing mission to strengthen knowledge, collaboration and forward thinking across the global fire sector.”

Panel discussions will take place at the end of each morning session and each afternoon session.

The day will end with a drinks reception sponsored by Belimo.

Wintech is sponsoring the event, and the IFE said sponsorship opportunities remain available alongside Wintech, Belimo, F.I.R.E Consultancy, DCCH Experts and the University of Wolverhampton.

Limited places are available, with the full programme and ticket details listed on the IFE website.

FIA confirms expanded programme for Fire Safety Event 2026

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FIA sets out 2026 programme

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has announced its return to the Fire Safety Event 2026 with its largest programme at the exhibition to date.

The FIA said its 2026 presence will include the return of the FIA Guidance Theatre, a new live skills competition and a networking café.

The Guidance Theatre will host keynote speakers, technical sessions and panel discussions across topics affecting the UK fire industry.

The programme is intended to cover current challenges, emerging technologies and best practice.

The networking café will run at the centre of the show and will include networking drinks on day 1 and day 2 from 16:00 to 18:00.

FIA newcomer competition launches

The FIA will also stage the first Fire Industry Newcomer of the Year Competition at its stand during the three-day event.

The competition is aimed at trainees, apprentices and early-career technicians working in fire detection and alarm systems.

Participants will work on a live non-addressable fire alarm system.

They will be required to identify faults and non-compliances.

They will also apply safe working practices, test the system correctly and document their findings.

According to the FIA, competitors will be assessed by industry professionals through a structured marking system based on method, accuracy and professionalism.

Entry is open to people aged 18 or over with up to three years of experience in the fire safety industry.

Applicants must also have basic working knowledge of fire alarm systems and be available across all three days.

The prize includes an award presented at the FIA annual lunch and three tickets for the FIA Annual Lunch.

NFPA Conference & Expo returns to Las Vegas with 130 sessions and 420 exhibitors

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NFPA conference details and event scope

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will host its annual Conference & Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas on June 22-24, 2026.

NFPA confirmed the event will include more than 130 educational sessions covering issues in fire, electrical and life safety, including code compliance, emergency preparedness and building safety.

The event will bring together thousands of professionals from across the sector to attend sessions on global safety issues, fire protection systems, industrial hazards and electrical safety.

Exhibitors, theatres and technical meeting programme

The NFPA Expo will feature more than 420 exhibitors presenting products and services aimed at supporting compliance with codes and standards in building design, construction and operation.

Attendees will have access to three NFPA Specialty Theaters covering topics such as fire protection system inspections, artificial intelligence in facility management and wildfire preparedness.

The Responder Theater programme includes updates on the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study, high-rise firefighting tactics, leadership accountability and survey findings from the Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service.

The NFPA Products and Solutions Theater will present information on NFPA tools, resources and product offerings.

A three-day Spotlight on Public Education programme will focus on public health topics and community risk reduction.

The Spotlight on Latin America programme will deliver Spanish language sessions on current industry trends affecting the region.

Dan Chuparkoff will deliver the keynote at the opening general session, drawing on experience in technology leadership roles across multiple organisations.

The NFPA Technical Meeting is scheduled for June 25-26, allowing members and registered participants to vote on certified amending motions relating to NFPA Standards.

LEADER GROUP expands global firefighting equipment and industrial operations

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Firefighting scale and international footprint

LEADER GROUP has expanded its international operations, with more than 250 employees, activity across Europe, North America and Asia, and a network of over 500 distributors worldwide.

The company reports that this growth has taken place over the past decade as it moved from a European SME into a structured international industrial group.

Its current structure brings together multiple entities and technologies to cover a wide range of firefighting and rescue operations.

Firefighting equipment and manufacturing shift

LEADER GROUP states that it has transitioned from product distribution into design and manufacturing, with a focus on delivering integrated equipment for operational use.

Its portfolio includes ventilation systems used to clear smoke-filled environments and thermal imaging cameras used to locate unconscious victims.

The range also includes extinguishing and pumping solutions used to support fire control during incidents.

INTERSCHUTZ 2026 presence

LEADER GROUP will present its full range of technologies at INTERSCHUTZ 2026 within a single exhibition space.

The event will mark its first appearance as a unified international group, with its firefighting equipment and systems displayed together.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation outlines FDIC programme marking 25 years since 9/11

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FDIC programme highlights tribute events alongside operational training

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will attend Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) International in Indianapolis from April 20 to 25, with a programme tied to the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

The Foundation announced it will host tribute events during the conference, including a memorial stair climb, an awards event and a fundraising campaign linked to Whelen Engineering.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro said: “The courage, dedication, and leadership of our nation’s firefighters inspire us every day.

“The training at FDIC helps ensure today’s fire service is prepared with that same level of leadership when it is needed most. From the Night of Honor to the Whelen Challenge and the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, this week reflects our mission in action, honoring our fallen heroes, supporting their families, and working to prevent future tragedies.”

A Night of Honor: When the World Stopped, They Stood is scheduled for April 23 at 6 p.m., with tickets starting at $50.

The event will include an award ceremony for Fire Chiefs Terry Shaffer and Edward P. Plaugher, along with Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr.

Shaffer led his department at the site of the United Airlines Flight 93 crash near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and Plaugher coordinated operations for the Pentagon response.

Ganci led his rescue operations team into the North Tower and died in the line of duty.

Stair climb and Whelen activities

The NFFF will also host a FDIC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Friday, April 24 at 1 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Participants will climb or walk the equivalent of 110 stories in tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who died as a result of 9/11.

The first 343 participants who register online will receive a 25th anniversary 9/11 challenge coin.

Those who raise more than $110 will have the opportunity to receive commemorative gifts.

The registration fee is $40 and online registration closes at midnight on April 23.

Attendees at FDIC International can also register on April 22 and 23 at the Indianapolis Convention Center.

Participants are encouraged to wear athletic gear and not wear full turnout gear.

Tribute car unveiling and donation match

The same announcement states that Whelen Engineering will unveil its 2026 No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro on April 23 at 12:00 p.m. at Booth #3219.

The car will carry the name of each Fire Hero being added to the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial this year.

Whelen Engineering has also pledged to match donations made to the NFFF up to $50,000 through the Whelen Challenge.

The campaign is intended to support fallen firefighters and their families, while funding programmes aimed at reducing line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

The Indianapolis programme brings together commemoration, fundraising and public tribute during the week of FDIC International.

Firehalt to return to Fire Safety Event at NEC

by EventsFeatured NewsPassive

Firehalt will attend the Fire Safety Event at the NEC in Hall 4 on stand H97 for the first time in several years.

The company announced the appearance following its acquisition by SaveGuard in June 2024.

SaveGuard designs acoustic and thermal insulation products.

Firehalt said its personnel will be on stand H97 in Hall 4 to answer questions about fire barrier systems.

Firehalt says show will support market research

Richard Parker-Poole, business unit director, said: “With the significant investment that we are making in Firehalt, we are using the show to research what the market wants from modern fire barrier solutions.

“Our products are independently tested and certified to meet all current fire safety standards, but for such a safety critical solution we must work with all those involved in their specification, installation, and future inspection within the building.

“The Building Safety Act talks about the golden thread of responsibility.

“As one of the world’s leading high-performance textile companies we must engage with everyone involved to ensure that our part of the golden thread works at every stage of its lifecycle.

“Our products are part of the fabric in a building.

“Working independently or alongside active fire protection systems they give people enough time to safely evacuate in an emergency.

“Their correct specification and installation will help save lives.”

Firehalt also said further information is available through its website.

Get to know the water mist industry – and the people behind it!

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Image credit: IWMA

Water mist conference returns with expanded format

The 25th International Water Mist Conference (IWMC) will take place in Prague, Czech Republic, on 7th and 8th October 2026.

The conference webpage will be online from 15th April onwards.

Following the highly successful Manchester conference, the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) is once again introducing a fresh element to the format.

The regular 1.5-day conference programme will be complemented by a dedicated half-day training workshop focusing on the design and effective utilisation of water mist systems.

With this initiative, IWMA continues to invest in educating the fire protection industry on how to apply water mist technology more efficiently and confidently in practice.

CPD certificates will be issued to workshop participants.

Ongoing development of water mist applications

Water mist technology, developed into its current form over the past three decades, is today a mature, well-established and environmentally friendly fire protection solution.

While the fundamental principles remain unchanged, significant progress has been made in expanding applications, strengthening validation methods and increasing international approvals.

These developments will be reflected in Prague.

Speakers will present case studies, discuss standards and guidelines, and address both achievements and remaining challenges.

Topics will include emerging risks, broader application areas and continued technological evolution.

Networking, awards and exhibition opportunities

Just as importantly, the conference provides valuable networking opportunities in an open and collegial atmosphere.

“Prague is more than a conference,” says Max Lakkonen, President of IWMA.

“It is where the global water mist community comes together to share knowledge, challenge ideas, shape the future of fire protection – and enjoy doing it together.”

As always, the Ragnar Wighus Award will be presented.

In 2026, it will honour the author of the best master’s thesis dedicated to smaller droplets.

The deadline for submitting synopses has been extended to 31st May 2026.

The event will – as always – be accompanied by an exhibition.

Tabletops can already be booked.

The number of exhibition spaces is limited to 15.

Available are three different sponsorship categories.