FeuerTrutz 2023: A feast of innovation in fire protection awaits

by EventsFeatured News

Exhibition Centre Nuremberg welcomes the fire protection community

Halls 4 and 4A at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg prepare to welcome fire protection professionals from across Europe. FeuerTrutz 2023 kicks off on 21 June, hosting roughly 250 exhibitors, a notable 17% of which are international participants. The event aims to showcase novel advancements in fire prevention and containment, with an accompanying programme filled with exciting highlights and networking opportunities.

International Trade Fair stresses importance in the industry

FeuerTrutz 2023, the International Trade Fair with Congress for Preventive Fire Protection, reasserts its significance as a crucial industry gathering point for the European fire protection community. The director of FeuerTrutz, Stefan Dittrich, said: “We have again put together a programme for visitors to FeuerTrutz 2023 who are seeking like-minded individuals”. The event expects around 1,000 participants at the Fire Protection Congress, to be held concurrently both online and in-person.

Topics of focus: digitisation and handling hazardous materials

The new forum, “A practical guide to digitisation”, will spotlight on subjects like creating fire protection strategies with cutting-edge software, digital documentation and communication, and artificial intelligence in fire protection. Also debuting at FeuerTrutz 2023, the “Forum by asecos academy” will feature vivid demonstrations of handling hazardous materials safely, including live explosions and chemical reactions.

André Gesellchen, Head of the Fire Protection Programme at RM Rudolf Müller Medien, highlights the diverse programme: “We are once again offering a high-calibre programme of further education for participants, focusing on fire protection in existing buildings, risks and concepts for batteries and other energy storage devices, and effective fire protection in modern timber structures.”

More highlights to anticipate at FeuerTrutz 2023

Apart from the two new forums, FeuerTrutz 2023 attendees can expect a plethora of proven highlights. These include an exhibitor forum, job board, Fire Protection Experience showcasing live demonstrations, training and career meeting point, an innovation pavilion featuring young companies, and FeuerTrutz AfterWork – a casual networking event.

Congress for Preventive Fire Protection

Running parallel with FeuerTrutz, the Congress for Preventive Fire Protection once again offers high-quality education opportunities, exploring key themes such as fire protection in existing buildings, risks and concepts for batteries and other energy storage devices, and fire protection in modern timber structures.

Ensuring a sustainable future

Information on sustainable event organisation measures is available on the FeuerTrutz website. The details include the company’s energy initiative, sustainable use of resources, waste separation processes and more.

Messe Frankfurt Middle East joins forces with 1st Arabia

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Messe Frankfurt Middle East has partnered with 1st Arabia, a preeminent event organiser based in Saudi Arabia, for Intersec Saudi Arabia, the kingdom’s sole Government-endorsed security sector event, to be held from 3 – 5 October 2023 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center.

Intersec Saudi Arabia, the only event of its kind in the Kingdom, promises a platform to exhibit the latest innovations in the security sector. Group Show Director for Intersec, Alex Nicholl, shared his excitement about the partnership, remarking that the partnership is crucial “with the security industry growing at an exponential rate” and thus, the need to provide a medium for industry individuals to showcase their latest innovations.

Market growth

A forecast report by ResearchAndMarkets.com estimates that the Middle East’s physical security market is poised to reach $14.5 billion by 2024, with Saudi Arabia contributing significantly to this growth. Intersec Saudi Arabia is thereby anticipated to provide an optimal platform for industry players to exploit this thriving market.

“1st Arabia is excited to partner with Intersec Saudi Arabia,” said Bilal Barmawi, CEO of 1st Arabia. He further added that the event will “provide a gateway to this burgeoning market” and assist industry participants in staying abreast of advancements in innovation and technology.

What to expect from Intersec Saudi Arabia

Intersec Saudi Arabia is preparing to host a vast variety of exhibitors, showcasing products ranging from video surveillance and access control to cybersecurity and perimeter security. Additionally, a comprehensive conference program will run in parallel, featuring discussions from expert speakers and industry leaders on the prevailing trends and challenges in the security industry.

The forthcoming edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia, scheduled for 3 – 5 October 2023 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, is projected to convene over 15,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors from across the globe.

Nicholl expressed confidence that the partnership will fuel “growth and innovation in the security industry” and stressed that this is pivotal for safeguarding businesses and individuals in Saudi Arabia. He further observed that, with the market poised for exponential growth, the time is ripe for industry stakeholders to congregate and explore new opportunities.

Fire Safe Europe and FEEDS to address crucial safety skills for the European Green Deal

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Fire Safe Europe, in partnership with the Forum for European Electrical Domestic Safety (FEEDS), has announced an online panel discussion as official partners of European Green Week 2023.

The virtual event, scheduled for June 7, 2023 (2.30-4.30pm CEST), will focus on the pivotal role of electrical and fire safety skills within the framework of the European Green Deal.

This groundbreaking event brings together leading representatives from European institutions, stakeholders, and industry experts to address the importance of fostering electrical and fire safety competencies in achieving a secure and robust energy transition. Interested participants can register for the event here.

The European Union’s aggressive emission reduction target of 55% necessitates a multi-faceted approach. A critical component is to make our buildings more energy-efficient, less carbon-intensive, and more sustainable throughout their lifecycle.

Innovative energy-efficient solutions, including photovoltaic (PV) panels, electric vehicle (EV) charging points, and heat pumps, play a crucial role in decarbonizing the built environment. However, their implementation introduces new electrical loads that could increase the risk of electrical fires if the electrical installations are not upgraded and suitable fire safety measures are not put in place.

The European Union bears a significant responsibility in guiding construction professionals towards a fire-safe decarbonisation of the built environment. Key initiatives like the EU Pact for Skills, EU funding programs for upskilling and reskilling construction workers, and common guidelines for accredited professionals can effectively lead this transformation while ensuring fire safety.

As part of their commitment to the EU Green Week, Fire Safe Europe and FEEDS have organised this panel discussion to delve into these issues. The webinar will address key questions such as the importance of electrical and fire safety competencies in decarbonising the built environment safely, the integration of these requirements in EU policies, and how the EU can boost these skills through its targeted actions.

About Fire Safe Europe

Fire Safe Europe is a prominent European association representing various companies and professional organizations with the shared goal of enhancing fire safety in buildings.

About FEEDS

The Forum for European Electrical Domestic Safety (FEEDS) is a proactive think-tank that convenes organizations with a shared objective of improving electrical safety in dwellings. Its primary aim is to contribute to a safe, just, and ambitious Energy Transition with a particular emphasis on electrification.

International Water Mist Conference webpage launches

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The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has announced the online launch of the conference webpage for the 22nd International Water Mist Conference (IWMC). The conference is set to take place at the Copenhagen Marriott Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark, on the 11th and 12th of October 2023.

From this year forward, delegates and exhibitors will be able to access all necessary information about the conference directly from the newly launched IWMA webpage.

The intuitive and user-friendly platform will provide attendees with easy access to important event details, schedules, and registration procedures.

One of the highlights of the 22nd IWMC will be the presentation of the prestigious IWMA Young Talent Award. This year, the award will be presented to the author of the best Ph.D. thesis on the subject of water mist. The submission for this award is currently under evaluation by the IWMA scientific council, and the winner will be publicly announced on 30th June 2023.

The IWMA scientific council is in the process of evaluating conference abstracts, with authors set to be notified about the acceptance of their submissions by 30th June 2023. The full conference programme will be published no later than 1st August 2023. The early bird registration period, during which special ticket prices will be available, will conclude on 15th August 2023. Conference registration will officially close on 6th October 2023.

About IWMA

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) is the leading global organization dedicated to the use of water mist technology for fire suppression. The IWMA brings together professionals, researchers, and organizations from around the world to share knowledge, best practices, and the latest advancements in water mist fire suppression systems.

Learn, Network, Innovate at the NFPA Conference & Expo

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsEventsIFSJ Exclusives

Take a look at what’s in store at the NFPA Conference which returns to Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas in June

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is set to host its annual Conference & Expo on June 19-21, 2023 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Thousands of professionals from the fire, electrical, and life safety industries will gather for the event to attend over 110 educational sessions, covering the latest issues, challenges, and trends in the field.

The expo, featuring more than 300 exhibitors, will showcase products and services necessary to meet and maintain compliance with prevailing codes and standards in the design, construction, and operation of buildings and facilities. Attendees can also expect a series of pavilions, presentations, and special events to address specific topic areas, including electrical safety, emerging technologies, and community risk reduction.

The NFPA Spotlight on Public Education (SOPE) will be held on June 19-20, covering a wide range of public education issues, such as fire prevention programs and approaches for multiple age groups, the value and impact of community partnerships, and CRR strategies that can help effectively impact communities as a whole.

The keynote speaker at the conference’s opening general session will be Dr. Albert Manero, a social entrepreneur, educator, humanitarian, engineer, and superhero to hundreds of “bionic kids” who have benefited from his mission to make 3-D printed bionic prosthetic limbs accessible to all. Dr. Manero will deliver an account of the difference one person can make in the world while championing the art—and highly human impact—of science, technology, engineering, and math.

The Technical Meeting, which allows NFPA members and the public to express positions on each certified amending motion (CAM), will be held on June 22. If necessary, the meeting will continue on Friday, June 23, allowing additional time for full debate and action. The Motions Committee will announce the final details of the Technical Meeting scheduling, as well as the full agenda of all CAMS to be debated and acted upon each day, on or before 9 May.

The event is set to attract thousands of professionals from the fire, electrical, and life safety industries. Its educational programme will cover the latest issues, challenges, and trends in the field, ensuring that attendees are up-to-date with the most current and relevant information. Here are a few of the key sessions to look out for on each day.

Monday 19 June

The presentation “Addressing the Life Safety Risks and Hazards of EV Manufacturing,” will focus on the unique hazards present at each stage of lithium-ion battery and EV production. Presenters, James Taylor and Tanner Burke from ACS Group, will also discuss how LIB can be used for strategic protection to address the safety risks and hazards associated with EV manufacturing. This session will take place from 8am to 9am.

Elsewhere, “Decoding PFAS in the Fire Service: What It Is and Why It Was Used” will be held from 9:15am to 10:15am and look at the basic understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and their use in the fire service. Attendees will learn about North Carolina State University’s recent research on PFAS compounds present in firefighter gear, the dermal absorption of PFAS, and the biological impacts of PFAS and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PAH) compounds.

“Fireground Contaminant Exposure Control: National and Regional Approaches” is scheduled from 10:30am to 11:30am and will look at current national and regional approaches used by fire departments for their exposure control policies and the training health and safety personnel and leadership on these approaches.

Also on Monday, “Emergency Action Plans and the Role of the Fire and Life Safety Director” will take place from 10:30am to 12pm and provide attendees with an understanding of emergency action plans and their importance in protecting building occupants during emergencies.

Tuesday 20 June

A key presentation “Constructing the World Cup – Qatar Civil Defense leads with Fire and Life Safety,” kicks off Tuesday’s proceedings at 8am. It will focus on the preparations undertaken by Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022, including multi-billion-dollar infrastructure expansion, construction, and renovations to support the event. The Qatar CD, under the Ministry of Interior, will share their experience and highlight successes and challenges in fire and life safety, crowd management, and stadium and facilities protection for this unique experience.

“Fire and Life Safety Design in Airports: A Case Study” will be held from 9.15-10.15am. The presentation will cover the case study of the Hamad International Airport expansion, where a fire and life safety strategy design was implemented based on NFPA codes and standards.

The session; “Technological Advances in Exit Signage” will be presented from 2-3pm and will highlight the limitations of static exit sign messaging in buildings with complicated egress layouts. Attendees will learn about technological advances in sensors, controls, and artificial intelligence algorithms being designed for emergency lighting systems to be used for dynamic directional exit signs.

The presentation “Sustainability vs. Life Safety: The Debate of the Decade” is scheduled for 3.15-4.15pm where experts from the realms of fire and life safety and sustainability will debate which aspect is more important. Attendees will hear the discussion on the use of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon foam surfactants, the continued use of clean agent systems known for stratospheric ozone depletion, and the overabundance of water wasted by fire departments.

Also on Tuesday, “Fire Alarm Contractor Shortcuts and Mistakes: How to Avoid Common Code Violations” will take place from 4.30-6pm. The session will discuss the common code violations that fire alarm technicians regularly commit. Attendees will learn how to spot these violations early, and the discussion will cover topics from NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, with a focus on their application in the field.

Wednesday 21 June

On Wednesday, Lieutenant Joe Kovalsky’s presentation on “Mental Health Resources in the Fire Service: Tips, Advice, and More” is a much-needed discussion in the industry. It’s no secret that many firefighters and first responders battle mental health problems, but the stigma around seeking help is still a significant barrier. Attendees of this session will hear the personal journey of one firefighter who struggled with PTSD and sought treatment.

Another session on the agenda, presented by Weston Baker, AVP, Senior Engineering Technical Specialist at FM Global, is titled “How Roof Pitch and Ceiling Structures Affect Fires”. Attendees will learn about the impact that roof pitch and ceiling structural members have on the build-up of thermal layers under ceilings during a fire event.

“Solar and Energy Storage System Safety and Reliability”, presented by Bill Brooks, Principal at Brooks Engineering, is another essential topic for attendees. Attendees will learn about the current challenges that face the solar and storage industries as they play a more significant role in the supply of power across the world.

And finally, Ashley Rodrigue, Public Affairs Director at Lousiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, will present “Data-Driven Community Risk Reduction: Innovative Ideas and Action Steps”, a session which is designed to arm participants with ideas and action steps to drive strong Community Risk Reduction (CRR) initiatives. This session will connect the dots between CRR theory and practice, providing participants with the tools they need to implement effective CRR initiatives in their communities.

FIRE Conference returns to The Institution of Engineering and Technology in October

by EventsFeatured News

The FIRE Conference will return later this year, taking place on Tuesday 17 October at The Institution of Engineering and Technology in London.

Organised by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), the Fire Protection Association (FPA), the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Fire Sector Federation (FSF), the 2023 instalment will address sustainability, new legislation and leading the future of fire safety in a time of unprecedented change.

Aimed at providing key updates and driving momentum in evolving best practices, the one-day event will offer a host of seminars and workshops delivered by industry experts.

The hybrid event will address the new scope of meeting building safety expectations, the future of certification, and keeping pace with new legislative change and sustainable developments. It will also provide an update on the progress of the national fire strategy white paper, produced by the Fire Sector Federation Fire Strategy Board and launched at FIRE 2022, which seeks a framework to effectively manage fire risk to help achieve a sustainable and safer society.

This year’s conference will be chaired by Broadcaster, Sima Kotecha. Commenting on FIRE Conference 2023, Kotecha said: “Events like this are pivotal to professionals working in fire and showcases developments and a hopeful future in the sector.

“This year’s format will focus on the future and key developments from the four leading organisations in fire safety; I’m really looking forward to being part of these conversations.”

Delegates will hear from conference leaders and each party will provide a comprehensive update on developments in place to ensure a future safer from fire.

Tickets

FIRE Conference 2023 tickets are now on sale at Eventbrite and further details of the event, including the programme and sponsorship opportunities, will be released on the organisers’ websites in due course.

The conference team said it looks forward to welcoming delegates who will once again have the opportunity to network with their peers, share knowledge and learn about the latest best practices in fire safety.

IFSJ Exclusive: What to look out for at FIREX 2023

by Breaking NewsEvents

Gerry Dunphy, Event Director of FIREX, lays out some key highlights for FIREX 2023

What can visitors expect from FIREX?

In the Expertise & Guidance Theatre in FIREX, visitors will hear a range of presentations across a broad spectrum of life safety topics including presentations on the golden thread, evacuation codes and standards, updates on the building safety act, what’s next for PEEPs and the fire safety issues around lithium-ion batteries.

We also have a new Mental Health & Wellbeing Partner at Mates in Mind who will be hosting a panel discussion around mental health and wellbeing in the fire sector. Our sister event, The Facilities Show, will feature a smart building immersive simulator which will provide visitors with active demonstrations of cutting-edge integrated building management technologies which now includes security and fire safety solutions.

Who are the event’s key partners?

We have long standing and exclusive partnerships with the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).  The shows directly benefit from the connections the associations have with industry and government and in the case of the FIA, they have kindly offered to provide CPD accreditation to our seminar programme.

We are very keen to reinvest in the industries and help them with vital areas such as research and development and we regularly sponsor their awards ceremonies and satellite events. It’s very important for us to work alongside our association partners as we want to ensure that the industries understand the shows are here for them and we highly value the work undertaken by their trade associations.

We also work closely with organisations such as SSAIB, our installer partners, ASFP which brings a wealth of expertise and experience in the area of passive fire protection, the Fire Protection Association which provides an additional level of fire safety content, ASIS and The Security Institute and BRE Global/LPCB who provide the expertise for the Attack Testing Zone.

How important is it to give brands the opportunity to meet face-to-face with buyers?

Tradeshows are more than just a collection of buyers meeting sellers, they’re the centrepieces of the industries they serve, they’re diary dates where the ecosystems of industries come together to meet with each other to collaborate and design new and exciting partnerships.

The face-to-face experience will never be beaten and we’re now acutely aware of its importance following the challenges and frustrations of Covid – if anything the lockdown experiences made us reappraise the true human value of social contact and how it’s our job as organisers to create even better events.

Personally, what are you most excited about as the event draws nearer?

There is so much crossover now between each of the four main markets that we are really curating a single audience which has multiple areas of interest across property management, health and safety, life safety and securing assets. The more we can realise these common areas the more we can provide tangible value to the audiences. There is so much incredible technology on display the challenge is to make sure the visitors are fully aware of what’s on offer and how it can provide solutions to their challenges.

Meet the IFSJ team!

The IFSJ team is thrilled to have the opportunity to attend FIREX 2023. The event promises to be bigger and better than ever and we eagerly anticipate the chance to network with industry peers, learn from distinguished speakers, catch up with old friends and gain new perspectives on emerging trends and best practices. Attending FIREX 2023 is an essential event for anyone interested in the latest developments in fire safety – we’re looking forward to seeing you all there!

Visit International Fire & Safety Journal at stand FI.1036

INTERSCHUTZ postpones Community Days

by EventsFeatured News

INTERSCHUTZ Community Days, a major event in the world of fire, rescue, and safety, has been postponed for a year due to concerns over its viability. Originally scheduled for 15-17 May at the exhibition centre in Münster, the event will now take place in Magdeburg in May of next year.

Bernd Heinold, INTERSCHUTZ Project Manager at Deutsche Messe AG, stated that the decision to postpone the event was not an easy one. However, given the current situation and the high level of commitment required from all involved, the organizers felt it was the best decision to ensure the event’s success.

The FireFit Championships, one of the central elements of the INTERSCHUTZ Community Days, will be part of next year’s event in Magdeburg. Daniel Berger, who is responsible for the championships, expressed his disappointment at not being able to present them in Münster but is already looking ahead to next year’s event.

INTERSCHUTZ is the world’s leading trade fair for fire, rescue, civil protection, and safety. The next edition of the event is scheduled to take place in Hanover from 1 to 6 June 2026. It covers all products and services related to fire protection, rescue services, civil protection, communication and control center technology, and protective equipment.

NAHFO Annual Conference to bring healthcare fire officers together

by EventsFeatured News

The National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers (NAHFO) will hold its Annual Conference and Exhibition at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford upon Avon from Monday 5 to Wednesday 7 June 2023.

The conference aims to bring together fire professionals from across the healthcare industry for an informative and educational event focused on networking, exchanging ideas, and sharing best practices.

On the agenda

Featuring leading industry speakers on current topics of interest, attendees will have the opportunity to meet a wide range of exhibiting companies showcasing the latest equipment, services, and supplies.

Accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions, a trade evening, a social networking BBQ, and a Conference Dinner and Awards evening will also be part of the agenda. The exhibition will run alongside the event, providing a mix of learning and development with social opportunities.

With potential funding challenges faced by NHS and other healthcare delegates, NAHFO has made attendance costs reasonable with a variety of delegate and exhibitor packages available, allowing organisations to send delegates or exhibit products and services without additional expenses.

The NAHFO Annual Conference and Exhibition is designed to serve as a platform for companies and delegates alike to network, build relationships, stay informed of new developments, gain valuable insights, and participate in discussions on hot topics. Attendees will have the opportunity to educate themselves on all aspects of fire safety.

The NAHFO Annual Conference and Exhibition 2023 is an essential event for fire professionals in the healthcare industry looking to stay informed and network with their peers. The conference will provide ample opportunities for learning and development, as well as socialising, making it an excellent investment for any organisation involved in fire safety in healthcare.

Delegates can register by clicking here.

Exhibitors can register by clicking here.

For further information about the NAHFO Annual Conference and Exhibition 2023 contact the NAHFO event team via email at nahfo@conferencesolutions.uk.com or by phone at 0121 776 7788.

About NAHFO

The NAHFO organisation is a critical national voice for all individuals associated with healthcare fire safety. Established for over 30 years, the Association has worked in close collaboration with other organisations to promote the highest standards of fire safety within healthcare environments. Throughout its history, members have helped to shape much of the guidance and legislation used in healthcare today.

With 13 branches covering all areas of the UK and Ireland, the primary aim of the Association is to protect all relevant persons in healthcare premises from fire. Other objectives include promoting the adoption of the highest standards of fire safety in healthcare premises, improving the wider understanding of the role of Healthcare Fire Officers/Advisors/Practitioners, supporting and developing opportunities for educating and training people in healthcare fire safety, and establishing liaison with other bodies on matters of common interest where this is consistent with the aim and objectives of NAHFO.

Regular networking is central to the Association, particularly for members to gain access to subject experts on all matters fire safety-related, technical questions, and the added complexities of healthcare facilities. Following the difficulties presented by the pandemic, the Association has emerged freshly invigorated, with new ideas, new members, and a general uptick in the activities and advice on offer.

The long-established Annual Conference and Exhibition was sorely missed over the lockdown year, and it came back with a bang in 2022. NAHFO is now proud to bring the event to the Midlands for 2023. With its focus on education, networking, and exchange of ideas, the conference is an essential event for healthcare fire professionals looking to stay informed and connected with their peers. It provides a unique opportunity for delegates to learn about the latest developments, participate in discussions on hot topics, and meet with exhibitors showcasing the latest equipment, services, and supplies.

The NAHFO Annual Conference and Exhibition 2023 promises to be a significant event for healthcare fire safety professionals, and it is an event not to be missed. It represents a chance to learn from leading industry speakers, network with peers, and educate oneself on all aspects of fire safety.

IFSJ Exclusive: Passion meets purpose at FIREX

by Breaking NewsEvents

Fire safety innovation and the latest legislation are on the agenda at FIREX 2023

Following a hugely successful in-person comeback in 2022 after three years away due to Covid, FIREX, returns to ExCeL London from 16-18 May this year with a packed expo hall, topical seminar programme, inspirational speakers, new Distributor Network and a partnership with charity Mates in Mind.

As an integral part of the fire safety community, FIREX is the perfect place to connect face-to-face with the entire fire safety supply chain and network with companies across passive fire protection and prevention, fire detection and emergency lighting.

Gerry Dunphy, FIREX Event Director, says: “Every visitor will come away from FIREX with knowledge and inspiration to help make buildings comply and approach projects more efficiently.”

A key theme for this year’s show is sustainability. The show’s organiser, Informa Markets, pledges to be the most sustainable event organiser in the world and is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2025. “As a business we are completely dedicated to being a positive impact business that has sustainability at the core of what we are doing. We have a really good programme at Informa called Faster Forward and one of the principles is becoming carbon neutral by 2025,” says Dunphy.

Back for its 8th edition, the tall buildings fire safety conference will also be present, coverin three key themes. Dunphy says: “We’re really pleased the tall buildings fire safety conference is back. The programme this year is divided into three specific days, delegates can register now.”

The launch of the brand-new Elizabeth Line means visitors can now access ExCeL direct from as far away as Reading, Heathrow and Shenfield.  “The Elizabeth Line is now open and visitors can travel to ExCeL from central London in under 13 minutes, and direct from Heathrow in 45. It’s an absolute game changer,” says Dunphy. 

Third-party approved

FIREX has taken the decision to fully commit to only supporting and promoting third-party approvals, independent accreditation and competency for construction products and services, making it the only event in the UK which makes accreditation a condition of exhibiting. This means all exhibiting companies with relevant fire protection or prevention systems and materials will need to hold recognised third-party approval on their products.

Dunphy said, “We don’t see life safety as a game. We want visitors to understand that, when they come to FIREX, they are in a completely competent, accredited environment where everything they see and everyone they talk to, will have accreditation and approvals at the heart of what they do.”

New distributor network

New to FIREX and IFSEC for 2023, the Distributor Network recognises the essential role distributors play in the professional fire and security sectors. Visiting customers can meet leading distributors such as ADI Global, DVS, CIE-Group, COP, Dynamic CCTV and Oprema to discuss product solutions from market leading suppliers.  

Hosted by ASFP, the passive fire experience takes visitors on a journey of what passive fire protection means, and what the solutions are for facilities and buildings. “It is a virtual reality simulator that visitors can go into and experience passive fire protection solutions in a VR scenario,” Dunphy commens.

Seminar programme

Visitors can stay on top of government legislation, industry standards and best practice in the Expertise and Guidance Theatre sessions led by leading industry professionals.

With inspirational speakers including Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam and Dame Joanna Lumley DBE, this year’s seminar sessions on the show floor will also cover the biggest topics affecting the fire industry, including an opening panel discussion with Grenfell residents, are li-ion batteries safe or sustainable, IoT’s role in fire safety, the golden thread in building safety, mental health and more.

Tuesday, May 16th includes session We’re Not Fire Safety Experts: Fire Safety Measures from the Resident’s View (1100-1130, FIREX Expertise & Guidance Theatre) with speaker Ian Moore, CEO of the Fire Industry Association, and a panel debate. There will also be a presentation called: Golden Years: Where Does the Golden Thread Lead? (12:30-13:00, FIREX Expertise & Guidance Theatre) with speaker Andrew Cooper, Managing Director of Global HSE.

Wednesday, May 17th will see a session on Is Our Reliance on Lithium-Ion Batteries Safe or Sustainable? (1100-1130, FIREX Expertise & Guidance Theatre) with speaker Matt Humby, Senior Technical Sales Consultant at Firechief Global.

Day two will also feature Time to Talk: Mental Health Awareness in the Fire Sector (1145-1230, FIREX Expertise & Guidance Theatre) with speakers Peter Kelly, Head of Programmes at Mates in Mind; James Jones, Managing Director of Vimpex; Michelle Agius, Managing Director of Eurotech; and Tom Simmonds, Chief Executive Officer of Allsaved.

Thursday, May 18th will see Building Safety Act: Knowing Your Responsibilities (1145-1215, FIREX Expertise & Guidance Theatre) with speakers Natalie Sellar LLP, Managing Associate (Global Investigations) at Addleshaw Goddard, and Adrian Mansbridge, Legal Director at Addleshaw Goddard.

Mates in Mind

This year FIREX has partnered with a leading mental health and wellbeing charity Mates in Mind. Dunphy said: “We are delighted to partner with Mates in Mind this year – since they launched in 2017, Mates in Mind have been committed to improving mental health across the construction industry. Their target is to reach 75% of the industry by 2025 and we are thrilled to be working with them to help spread their message within what has been a traditionally very difficult audience to break into.”

Exhibition

FIREX gives thousands of visitors the opportunity to meet hundreds of leading fire safety suppliers showcasing some of the newest fire safety technologies available. Exhibitors confirmed for 2023 include C-Tec, Apollo Fire Detectors, Kentec, Advanced, Rockwool, Detector Testers, Warrington Testing & Certification, Aico, PlanRadar, Baldwin Boxall, Quelfire, Uptick, and many more.  

Several exhibitors will be showcasing brand new products at FIREX this year, including: Advanced, Onetrace, Kingspan Technical Insulation, Hyfire, Ramtech, UAO Limited, Allegion UK Ltd, AP Sensing GmbH, and Sentura Group.

At FIREX, Advanced will be showcasing AdvancedLive (stand FI.1837), its brand-new remote monitoring platform that allows users to view and control elements of their fire system from any internet-enabled device, at any location. Visitors can also get to grips with Go, its new-generation, single-loop fire panel.

Onetrace will be delivering one- to-one demonstrations of its Onetrace software at FIREX (stand FI.1239). Onetrace allows contractors to capture, monitor, review and report all from within one single system. Its intuitive design delivers the optimal user experience; allowing contractors to easily provide complete traceability and transparency to their clients.

Kingspan Technical Insulation (stand FI.1020) will be showcasing The Kingspan Safire Ventilated Cavity Barrier, that provides an effective “open-state” barrier against the spread of smoke and fire within the cavity of rainscreen façade systems. The product has been shown to provide up to 120 minutes integrity and 90 minutes insulation when tested under the demanding ASFP TGD 19: Fire resistance test for ‘open-state’ cavity barriers used in the external envelope or fabric of buildings.

Hyfire (stand FI.2430) will present the Taurus wireless fire solution, including the TauREX software for programming and setting up the Taurus system. The new TauREX configuration tool brings new user-friendly features which will empower users to save time and effort when programming and maintaining a Taurus system.

Ramtech (stand FI.2430) will be demonstrating the full capabilities of the WES Temporary Wireless Fire Alarm System in conjunction with the REACT Emergency Notification System. REACT solves emergency communication challenges on construction sites by allowing rapid communication to the relevant personnel.

UAP Limited (stand FI.1030) will be launching two new products at FIREX: The IONIC and Armasmart. The Ionic, a new ultra-secure electronic door lock that enables access via a smartphone App, has been designed to meet a growing demand for smart technology with the aim of improving security, convenience and ease of use.

Armasmart is a new product to be launched under its Armadillo brand. Forming part of a new range, this product is set to revolutionise the industry by providing an anti-bacterial coating for door hardware that prevents tarnishing.

First time exhibitors Allegion (UK) Ltd (stand FI.1217), will be demonstrating Briton cam-action closers and discussing how cam action technology provides reliable closing for fire door applications and easy operation for accessibility. Allegion will also be showcasing Briton 376 Series panic exit devices, designed to satisfy panic exit and emergency exit applications.

AP Sensing GmbH (stand FI.2019) will be showcasing it newly developed fiber optic Linear Heat Detection (LHD) device, type N45x7A at FIREX.

And Sentura Group T/A Firechief Global (stand FI.2017), will be launching Firechief PyroFlow, a new product in its lithium-Ion battery safety range. Firechief PyroFlow is a mineral-based extinguishing agent that is non-toxic and eco-friendly and can be used to fight and prevent fires in metal, lithium-ion battery cells and combustible liquids. 

FIREX – and its three co-located events – IFSEC, Facilities Show and Safety & Health Expo – are all free to attend. Visitor registration is open now.

Meet the IFSJ team!

The IFSJ team is thrilled to have the opportunity to attend FIREX 2023. The event promises to be bigger and better than ever and we eagerly anticipate the chance to network with industry peers, learn from distinguished speakers, catch up with old friends and gain new perspectives on emerging trends and best practices. Attending FIREX 2023 is an essential event for anyone interested in the latest developments in fire safety – we’re looking forward to seeing you all there!

Visit International Fire & Safety Journal at stand FI.1036