Women in Fire Safety Awards 2024

by Breaking NewsEventsPeople

Exceptional women honoured for their contribution to the fire safety industry.

The 4th Annual Women in Fire Safety Awards took place on Thursday 12th September at the Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel in Central London.

Founded in 2021, the Women in Fire Safety Awards honours the outstanding achievements and contributions of all women within the fire safety community.

The Awards strive to address the historical gender imbalance and champion for a more progressive industry. That is why, as an organisation, WIFS aim is to continuously motivate and promote women who exceptionally improve fire safety standards.

Throughout their journey, WIFS hope to also encourage the next generation to see fire safety as an astounding career opportunity by further highlighting how varied, inclusive, diverse and rewarding the industry is as a collective.

A full report and list of the winners will be published in the coming days.

For more information about WIFS, click here.

Intersec 2025 to spotlight cybersecurity and emerging global threats in Dubai

by EventsFeatured News

Cybersecurity takes centre stage at Intersec 2025

Intersec 2025, the world’s largest event for safety, security, and fire protection, is scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 14 to 16 January 2025.

As reported by Intersec, this 26th edition will place a greater emphasis on cybersecurity through its in{cyber} section, in response to the increasing threat of cyberattacks across multiple industries.

This year’s event aims to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges with dedicated zones, including a start-up area and an Innovation Stage.

These will feature cutting-edge solutions and new advancements in cybersecurity, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive experience for attendees.

The focus aligns cybersecurity with related domains such as physical security, emergency response, Homeland Security, and policing.

UAE Cyber Security Council joins as partner

The UAE Cyber Security Council will be a supporting partner at Intersec 2025, marking a strong collaboration to boost cybersecurity awareness and industry growth.

Grant Tuchten, Portfolio Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the UAE Cyber Security Council as a supporting partner for Intersec 2025.” Tuchten highlighted that their involvement reinforces the crucial role of cybersecurity in today’s threat landscape.

This partnership will support a range of sessions, workshops, and content tailored to enhance the Cyber Security sector at the event.

His Excellency Dr.

Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, expressed his support, stating: “We are delighted to once again support the Cyber Security sector at the 26th edition of Intersec.”

Cyber threats facing the UAE

The focus on cybersecurity comes at a crucial time for the UAE.

The 2024 State of the UAE – Cybersecurity Report from the UAE Cyber Security Council and CPX Holding has identified over 155,000 vulnerable assets, with critical vulnerabilities that have remained unresolved for more than five years.

Ransomware attacks account for over half of cyber incidents, primarily targeting the government, energy, and IT sectors.

To address these ongoing challenges, the UAE Cyber Security Council is set to host the 4th annual Cyber Security Conference at Intersec 2025, featuring sessions on innovative cyber solutions, awareness, and the development of the local cybersecurity industry.

Global experts and a focus on industry-specific solutions

Intersec 2025 will bring together global cybersecurity leaders to explore key trends and threats in the industry.

Discussions will cover a wide range of topics, from the next generation of hackers to the dangers of misinformation, with notable speakers such as Fawaz AlSumaim from Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior and Anoop Paudval of Gulf News.

The event will also feature a newly introduced CISO Business Briefing, which will provide a platform for top Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) to share insights on enhancing organisational resilience against emerging cyber threats.

With a 30% increase in cybersecurity exhibitors compared to 2024, attendees will be able to explore industry-specific solutions presented by leading companies.

Intersec 2025 to return with increased focus on cybersecurity at Dubai World Trade Centre: Summary

Intersec 2025 will take place from 14 to 16 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

As reported by Intersec, this 26th edition will focus on cybersecurity, showcasing new solutions and advancements in this sector.

The event will feature a dedicated start-up zone and Innovation Stage, with increased participation from global exhibitors.

The UAE Cyber Security Council has reaffirmed its support, hosting the 4th annual Cyber Security Conference.

The event will tackle issues identified in the 2024 State of the UAE – Cybersecurity Report, including ransomware and critical vulnerabilities.

Leading experts from the global cybersecurity community will present at the event, with a newly introduced CISO Business Briefing focusing on organisational resilience.

Entries open for 2025 Fire Resilience Excellence Awards

by Breaking NewsEvents

Inaugural Fire Resilience Excellence Awards announced

The 2025 Fire Resilience Excellence Awards (FREAs) have been launched to recognise outstanding achievements in fire resilience.

The awards aim to celebrate individuals, teams, companies, initiatives, and products involved in fire resilience management across various sectors in the UK.

Entries are open until Tuesday, 14 January 2025, as reported by World Excellence Awards.

The FREAs are sponsored by AXA and emphasise excellence, innovation, and dedication to fire safety.

The categories for entry include Outstanding Leader, Team, Organisation, Consultant, Installer/Integrator, Product/Innovation, Partnership/Collaboration, Risk Assessor, Insurance Broker, and Loss Adjustor.

These awards are independent and aim to honour those who have shown exceptional commitment to enhancing fire resilience.

Award Categories

Entry to the 2025 FREAs, sponsored by AXA, is open until Tuesday, 14 January 2025 and entries are invited in the following categories:

Outstanding Leader

Outstanding Team

Outstanding Organisation

Outstanding Consultant

Outstanding Installer/Integrator

Outstanding Product/Innovation

Outstanding Partnership/Collaboration

Outstanding Risk Assessor

Outstanding Insurance Broker

Outstanding Loss Adjustor

Judging panel and categories

The FREAs are supported by numerous organisations including BAFE, BAFSA, CABE, The Emergency Planning Society, and others.

Each of these organisations has nominated judges to represent them, ensuring that the awards maintain a high standard of integrity and expertise.

The judging panel will assess entries across ten categories, ranging from Outstanding Leader to Outstanding Loss Adjustor.

Each category aims to highlight the contributions made by individuals and organisations to fire resilience in the UK.

Sponsorship opportunities available

Sponsorship opportunities are available for organisations interested in gaining visibility through the FREAs.

The awards offer a platform for sponsors to showcase their commitment to fire safety and resilience.

A sponsorship brochure, outlining the benefits and opportunities, is available for those who wish to support the event.

Organisations wishing to sponsor the awards can view the sponsorship brochure for further details on how to participate.

Sponsorship provides an opportunity to align with the values of the FREAs and gain recognition within the industry.

More information and how to enter

For those interested in entering the awards, detailed information, including entry guidelines and category descriptions, can be found on the FREAs website.

The website provides all the necessary information to assist participants in preparing their entries.

Entries must be submitted by Tuesday, 14 January 2025.

The awards will be a significant event in recognising and promoting fire resilience within the UK.

Entries open for 2025 Fire Resilience Excellence Awards: Summary

The 2025 Fire Resilience Excellence Awards (FREAs) have been launched to recognise outstanding contributions to fire resilience across various sectors in the UK.

Sponsored by AXA, the awards invite entries in ten categories, with the deadline set for 14 January 2025.

Supported by several key organisations, the FREAs aim to celebrate excellence in fire safety.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, and more information on entries and sponsorship can be found on the FREAs website.

IWMA releases programme for 23rd International Water Mist Conference in Antwerp

by Breaking NewsEventsFire Suppression

Conference details announced by IWMA

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has released the programme for the 23rd International Water Mist Conference, to be held in Antwerp, Belgium, on 18th and 19th September 2024.

The conference will take place at the Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel.

The event will start with the IWMA annual Member Meeting on 17th September.

Registration for the conference begins at 8:15 AM on the 18th, followed by an opening address by Are Brandt, IWMA President, and a welcome note from Prof. Bart Merci of Ghent University, Belgium.

Sessions and presentations

The conference will feature multiple sessions focusing on various aspects of water mist fire suppression systems.

Key presentations include the “IWMA Position Paper on CFD and Water Mist Firefighting” by Max Lakkonen from IFAB, Germany, and “The Impact of Water Mist on Combustion Products” by Kemal Sarp Arsava from RISE, Norway.

The first day will also include discussions on tunnel safety, car park fire safety, and a panel discussion on the EN 14972 standard.

Day two highlights

On the second day, the conference will continue with sessions covering topics such as numerical modelling of water spray impingement cooling and the effectiveness of water mist systems in fire protection.

A significant part of the day will be dedicated to discussing lithium-ion battery fires and their management.

The day will end with a closing speech and a light lunch, followed by a social visit to the Rubens House and a self-payer dinner at the Bourla Restaurant.

Registration and additional information

Attendees can register for the conference online through the IWMA website.

The conference fees vary for members and non-members, with discounts available for early payments before 15th August.

Special rates are available for students, with five free tickets offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participants are responsible for their own accommodation, but IWMA has arranged special rates at the Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel.

For more details, including the full programme and registration information, visit the IWMA conference webpage.

IWMA releases programme for 23rd International Water Mist Conference in Antwerp: Summary

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has announced the programme for the 23rd International Water Mist Conference, scheduled for 18th and 19th September 2024 in Antwerp, Belgium.

The event will include various sessions on water mist fire suppression systems, featuring experts from around the world.

Key topics include the effectiveness of water mist in tunnel and car park safety, numerical modelling, and lithium-ion battery fires.

Registration is open on the IWMA website, with early bird discounts available until 15th August.

The conference will also offer social activities, including a visit to the Rubens House.

Finalists for 2024 Women in Fire Safety Awards revealed

by Breaking NewsEventsPeople

Event details for the Women in Fire Safety Awards

The finalists for the 2024 Women in Fire Safety Awards have been announced

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 12th September 2024 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London.

Award categories include Woman of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, International Woman of the Year, Rising Star Award, Fire Service Award, Influencer of the Year, Fire Safety Manager of the Year, International Rising Star, Business Manager of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Inclusive Company Award, and Diversity Champion.

List of finalists

The finalists for the Woman of the Year category are Emma Massey, Lisa Howsden, Sally Hammond, Frances Radford, Emma Turner, Clare Poole, and Angela Bennett.

For the Rising Star Award, the finalists include Hannah Boyns, Lizzie Pickup, Lorna Masters, Louise Andrews, Georgina Fennell, Katherine Bogan, and Katie Grula.

The Fire Safety Manager of the Year finalists are Rahcel Pollard, Louise Curtis, Yujie Wang, Fiona Cornfield, Abigail Link, Ann Hurst, and Phil Dolphin.

Administrator of the Year finalists are Tara Caws, Dawn Figg, Sarah Forbes, Heather Smyth, Carmel Gardner, Michelle Creighton, and Lucy Denning.

The Diversity Champion category includes Hydrock, Aecom, Jenny Nangle, and Rachel Willis.

Additional categories and nominees

The International Rising Star Award finalists are Claire Doherty, Charne Prentice, Victorian Simmons, and Aracelli Tumbalobos.

For the Fire Service Award, the finalists are Dawn Whittaker, Jess Patten, Joanne Barker, Jo Bowcock, Lorelle Tolley, Sally-Anne Lees, and Emma Turner.

The Business Manager of the Year finalists are Francesca Webb, Nicki Prater, Michele Buckley, Kelly Gardiner, Kirstie Davies, Manpreet Grewal, and Sarah Leadbetter.

Influencer of the Year nominees are Gemma Hand, Eleasha Hylton-Rowe, Kacie Doyle, and Angela Everington.

Inclusive Company Award finalists include Aecom, Design Fire Consultants, Clymac, IFSM, Recom, JLA, and Hoare Lea.

The International Woman of the Year Award finalists are Salma Humaid Saeed Al Ali, Lana Benny, Louise Larkin, Marta Villano, Pilar Sancho, Petia Simeonova, and Iza Tekielak-Skalka.

The Lifetime Achievement Award winner will be announced on the night of the event.

Organisers’ comments and ticket details

The organisers commented: “Thank you so much for the trust you have put in the Women in Fire Safety Awards on our 4th Year.

“Due to the incredible support, we have received an overwhelming number of nominations.

“The standard has been incredibly high this year and we are immensely proud of you all.”

They urged interested individuals to visit the official website for a full list of all finalists and to secure tickets as soon as possible due to limited availability.

The deadline for entries was Friday, 5th July 2024, with no extensions granted to ensure equal opportunity for all nominees.

Supporting evidence for nominations must be dated from 1st January 2021 onwards, and applications from organisations with ongoing prosecutions or guilty convictions were not accepted.

About the Women in Fire Safety Awards

Founded in 2021, the Women in Fire Safety Awards aim to recognise and honour the achievements of women in the fire safety industry.

The awards seek to address the historical gender imbalance in the sector and to inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in fire safety.

Co-founders Chloe Vickery and Kate Blake bring extensive experience in fire safety and a passion for promoting diversity within the industry.

Blake, who transitioned from finance to fire safety in 2008, now works as a Performance Coach, helping women in leadership roles.

IFSJ comment

The Women in Fire Safety Awards play a crucial role in acknowledging the contributions of women in an industry where they have been historically underrepresented.

By celebrating the achievements of these finalists, the awards highlight the progress being made towards gender equality in fire safety.

Recognising individuals and organisations that promote diversity not only honours their efforts but also encourages others to follow suit.

This year’s finalists demonstrate the high standards and dedication present within the fire safety community.

As the event approaches, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to support and encourage women’s participation in all levels of the fire safety sector.

CTIF young firefighters competition takes place in Italy’s Borgo Valsugana

by Associations and OrganisationsEventsFeatured News

Young firefighters gather in Italy

Young firefighters from 22 countries are gathering in Borgo Valsugana, Trento, Italy for the 24th CTIF Young Firefighters Competition, as reported by the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF).

The event, running from July 21 to July 28, features 53 teams comprising over 630 competitors and 66 judges.

The event is set against the backdrop of the Italian Dolomites within the Autonomous Province of Trento.

On Monday, the first training day was held, accompanied by the opening of an exhibition showcasing historical firefighting items.

In the evening, a ceremonial opening took place in the main square.

The CTIF name and logo were prominently displayed on the castle tower of Borgo Valsugana, illuminated at night.

Training sessions underway

Tuesday saw a full day of training sessions.

These activities are crucial as they prepare the participants for the competition starting on Wednesday, July 24.

The last day of training is scheduled for Wednesday before the official start of the competitions.

CTIF.org has announced that it will provide updates, including photos, videos, and text, throughout the week.

Spectators can follow live

For those unable to attend in person, the host country is offering a live stream of the event.

This stream, available at CTIF 2024 Live Stream, allows global viewers to follow the activities live, thanks to a professional camera team.

CTIF’s ongoing coverage

Several vice presidents of CTIF are present at the event in Trentino.

They are ensuring comprehensive coverage of the competition.

The final results will be published after the event concludes and all activities have been summarised.

This initiative highlights the global participation and the significance of such competitions in fostering international camaraderie among young firefighters.

BESA Annual Conference 2024 to focus on industry safety, sustainability, and efficiency

by EventsFeatured NewsFire Engineering

BESA Annual Conference overview

The eighth Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) Annual Conference will take place on Thursday, 17 October at the Brewery in London.

As reported by BESA, the conference aims to inspire a better building engineering services industry for a safe, sustainable, and efficient future.

Registration for the one-day event is now open.

Sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric, the conference is designed to appeal to a broad range of industry professionals, including young engineers, manufacturers, specifiers, and procurers of building services projects.

Young engineers can attend free of charge.

Focus on roles and risks

Presenters and debaters will discuss the ‘four Rs’ of Roles, Responsibilities, Risks, and Rewards.

These sessions will give delegates insights into growing legislative pressures and associated contractual risks while highlighting business opportunities for building services specialists.

This year’s conference will feature more panel discussions and fewer lengthy PowerPoint presentations, in response to feedback from previous delegates.

The programme will cover a wide range of technical topics, with a common thread of competence and compliance in line with increased legislative scrutiny from the Building Safety Act.

Skills and training emphasis

The conference will showcase BESA’s ‘Play it Safe’ awareness campaign, which helps supply chain members identify their roles and responsibilities under the Act.

This will include a detailed legal and commercial update, offering practical guidance on avoiding potential legal pitfalls.

There will also be a significant focus on skills, with sessions aimed at ensuring all BESA members and others in the building services sector have access to appropriate training.

These sessions will cover support and advice for contractors on how to provide evidence of their skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours (SKEB) in line with new safety and performance standards.

Net zero and emerging technologies

Net Zero will be another key topic, with a focus on ensuring the industry has the right skills and experience to retrofit and refurbish the UK’s existing buildings to meet climate change goals.

Sessions will discuss heat pump technology and the transition towards lower global warming refrigerants, along with safety concerns linked to flammable gases.

Young engineers from BESA’s NextGen Network will play a prominent role, leading several sessions on emerging technologies and industry mentoring.

They will also demonstrate how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve productivity and project quality using digital-led building maintenance as an example.

Indoor air quality and offsite fabrication

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) will feature prominently, focusing on retrofitting buildings to address health issues caused by poor ventilation and air filtration, particularly in social housing.

Offsite fabrication of building services modules will be scrutinised, with discussions on its potential to improve productivity and address skills shortages.

The conference will also spotlight the commissioning process, with leading practitioners sharing their experiences and frustrations over the lack of time and resources dedicated to this essential service.

Updates and new standards

Several updates to BESA’s technical guidance will be unveiled, including a new version of the DW145 standard: ‘Guide to Good Practice for the Installation of Fire and Smoke Dampers’.

This update is particularly relevant in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, as scrutiny from insurers and fire officers has increased.

Water efficiency, performance, and management will be on the agenda for the first time, with input from the regulator OFWAT, which will examine the industry’s ability to address water shortages and hygiene issues.

The conference will include an exhibition area and will be followed by the BESA Industry Awards, also sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric.

Bush fire preparedness experts meet in Tamworth to share best practices

by EventsWildland Fire

Gathering of emergency management experts in Tamworth discuss fire preparedness

Emergency management and community engagement experts from throughout Australia gathered in Tamworth last week to discuss best practices for fostering informed, prepared, and resilient communities in the face of bush fires.

The 22nd Australian Community Engagement and Fire Awareness (ACEFA) conference, hosted by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), included presentations from leaders in emergency services, case studies and research, as well as practical lessons on how to engage communities before, during, and after a disaster.

Commissioner of the NSW RFS, Rob Rogers, emphasised the importance of the event, stating: “The theme for this year’s conference is ‘We’re All in This Together – Partnerships and future challenges’.”

Importance of community preparedness

Commissioner Rogers highlighted the significance of community preparedness: “A community that is both well informed and prepared is critical to saving lives, preventing injury, and minimising property loss, which is why it is so important to engage with people to make sure they have timely and relevant advice and support.”

He added that the conference aimed to help leaders in fire and emergency services, government, and the private sector better understand how to engage with communities.

This understanding would then be passed on to residents, aiding in their preparation and protection against the very real threat of bush fires.

Collective effort and recent challenges

Reflecting on recent disasters, Commissioner Rogers said: “From the Black Summer fires and widespread flooding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges of recent years have further highlighted the importance of working together.”

The ACEFA conference served as a valuable opportunity for community engagement practitioners to examine the latest research and innovation.

This, according to Rogers, would enhance the capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from tragedies.

Expert contributions and keynote speakers

Experts from various organisations, including the RFS, Victorian Country Fire Authority, Emergency New Zealand, Australian Red Cross, BlackCard, Macquarie University, and Gender and Disaster Australia, shared their knowledge during sessions and workshops.

The conference featured five keynote speakers, including Andrew Gissing, CEO of Natural Hazards Australia, Amanda Leck GAICD of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, and change strategist Michael McQueen.

The ACEFA conference took place from 20-22 June at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Conference Centre, with sponsorship from the NRMA and Rural Fire Service Association.

Global flood response strategies at International Floodfighters Conference 2024 in the UK

by EventsFeatured News

Floodfighters Conference: Engaging with the floodfighting community

The International Floodfighters Conference 2024 is inviting delegates from various disciplines to engage with fellow floodfighters and the small search and rescue (SAR) craft-focused flood and water rescuer community.

The event will be held on August 6th and 7th in Poole, United Kingdom, and will bring together partner emergency services and responder units from the UK and beyond to address the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.

Background and philosophy of the conference

The conference builds on nearly two decades of events held across the UK, Europe, Australia, and the USA, initiated by the Flood Response Research Project Team.

These events have focused on advancing tactics and training for swiftwater and flood response strategies.

They aim to develop and share vital flood response and major incident management principles to help save lives and protect communities from the threats posed by flooding.

Event structure and highlights

Day one of the conference will take place in the Waterside Room at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution College, known for its world-leading search and rescue training.

The day will include a keynote address from Dr Paddy Morgan MD (TBC) and be chaired by Emeritus Fire Chief Roy Harold.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from leaders in the field, engage in discussions, and access an online repository of information for future reference.

The day will feature technical and tactical updates, case studies, vendor exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

Hands-on learning and equipment demonstrations

The second day, August 7th, will be held at MDL Cobbs Quay Marina.

This day will focus on SAR-related workshops and equipment demonstrations, offering delegates experiential learning opportunities.

Sessions will include classroom learning, practical demonstrations on the pontoon, and on-water exercises in Poole Harbour.

Delegates will pre-book and follow a set stream for the day in small groups, ensuring a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.

IFSJ Comment

The International Floodfighters Conference 2024 presents a vital opportunity for professionals involved in flood response and water rescue operations to come together and share knowledge.

The event’s emphasis on both theoretical and practical learning ensures that delegates gain a well-rounded understanding of the latest techniques and equipment in the field.

The inclusion of case studies and tactical updates provides valuable insights into current capabilities and future needs, fostering a collaborative environment where experts can contribute to improving flood response strategies globally.

By maintaining an online repository of the information shared, the conference ensures that lessons learned are preserved and accessible for future reference, supporting ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding on communities.

Intersec 2024 drives US$16.7 billion business potential

by Breaking NewsEvents

Strategic agreements and partnerships highlighted at Intersec 2024

Messe Frankfurt Middle East has announced that the 25th edition of Intersec, held in Dubai earlier this year, generated a potential business buying capacity of over US$16.7 billion for the safety, security, and fire protection industry.

As reported by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the event facilitated significant deals, including a strategic agreement between Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, and the Judicial Inspection Authority (JIA) to implement a Judicial Performance Management system and develop an advanced website.

Moro Hub also signed a strategic agreement with the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), enhancing coordination in smart city security.

Additionally, Digital Mobility Services (DMS) – Econocom partnered with Streamax to develop smart transportation systems in Saudi Arabia, leveraging AI to improve public transport efficiency.

Grant Tuchten, Portfolio Director at Intersec organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “This monumental achievement underscores the importance of Intersec as a pivotal platform for fostering business partnerships and driving the industry’s growth.

The potential buying capacity generated at Intersec highlights the event’s influence and its critical role in facilitating groundbreaking deals and collaborations that shape the future of safety, security, and fire protection.”

Future prospects and market forecasts

Business Market Insights forecasts that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) homeland security market will reach US$15,601.75 million by 2028.

As Intersec prepares for its 26th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 14-16 January 2025, the event is expected to continue fostering substantial business opportunities and partnerships.

Digitalisation and the rise in airports and passenger traffic are key factors driving industry growth.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Intersec 2025, themed “The world’s number one event mapping the future in safety, security, and fire protection,” will provide a platform for networking, business, and showcasing innovative technologies.

The upcoming edition is anticipated to see a 15% growth in exhibitors to 1,200 and a 10% rise in visitor numbers to 52,000 from 47,506, with attendees from over 140 countries.

The event will also feature 12 country pavilions, including the UK, France, and Singapore, underscoring Intersec’s global reach.

Key features and programmes for 2025

Intersec 2025 will debut the CISO Business Briefing, an exclusive, closed-door gathering for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) across various industries.

Grant Tuchten explained: “This forum represents a vital addition to Intersec, offering a unique platform for CISOs to engage in strategic discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.

“Under Chatham House rules, participants will explore cutting-edge technologies, threat intelligence, regulatory compliance, and best practices, engaging in high-level dialogues with industry experts and thought leaders, addressing the latest challenges in cybersecurity.”

The event will continue to emphasise its commitment to a safer and more secure world through high-impact conference programmes, including the Security Leaders’ Summit (ISLS), the Fire & Rescue Conference, and the Safety & Health Conference.

The event will feature the Fire Fighter Challenge, the Gulf’s largest and toughest competition, showcasing the skills of UAE and international rescuers in real-life emergency scenarios.

Additionally, the Safety Walk will feature a catwalk show of industrial safety gear, and the Intersec Awards will recognise outstanding achievements across critical sectors.

The Premium Buyer’s Club will provide essential networking opportunities for industry professionals.

Diverse product sections promoting innovation

Intersec 2025 will be divided into five broad product sections: Commercial & Perimeter Security, Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health, Cyber Security, and Homeland Security & Policing.

This division aims to promote innovation and connectivity across sectors, providing tailored solutions to meet industry needs.