Following record-breaking 2026 editions, The Security Event and Fire Safety Event will evolve into European brands ahead of 2027, reflecting their outstanding growth and increasing prominence as leading destinations for security and fire safety professionals from across Europe.
Growth
Since their launches in 2019 and 2016 respectively, The Security Event (TSE) and Fire Safety Event (FSE) have experienced exceptional growth.
Each year, thousands of industry professionals now travel from across the UK to the NEC Birmingham, firmly establishing TSE and FSE as the UK’s leading annual meeting place for the security and fire industries.
Building on this continued success, both TSE & FSE have rightfully earned strong international recognition and are increasingly attracting European integrators, consultants, specifiers and end users seeking innovation, insight and valuable industry connections.
This evolution into recognised European brands reflects that growing influence, while supporting a long-term vision to become the leading destination for the wider European market.
Importantly, the move signals expansion of vision, not relocation.
The Security Event and the Fire Safety Event will remain firmly rooted at the NEC Birmingham, with the UK market continuing to sit at the heart of both shows.
UK industry
As the bedrock of their success, organisers of TSE & FSE, Nineteen Group note that the UK industry remains central to the events’ future ambitions.
Nineteen Group said that it sees significant opportunity to welcome even more visitors from European markets, many of which lack a dedicated trade event of this scale serving their respective country / region.
This next phase is set to further enrich the experience of all our stakeholders, enhance collaboration, drive innovation, opening new export opportunities and expand the community’s reach, Nineteen added.
“The most significant exhibitions”
Tristan Norman, Group Managing Director, Nineteen Group commented: “From humble beginnings, The Security & Fire Safety Events have evolved into some of the most significant exhibitions in the global calendar for the industries they serve.
“This repositioning reflects both their continued growth and increasing importance and we look forward to further establishing these events as world-leading trade shows.”
“Carefully aligned with the growing interest”
Peter Poole, Group Event Director stated: “The direction of a trade show is shaped by the industry it serves and our brand evolution is designed to reflect that journey.
“The growth of both events has been phenomenal in a relatively short period of time and the continued support we receive from the UK is something we deeply value.
“The UK remains hugely important to us and this repositioning has been carefully aligned with the growing interest we are seeing from across Europe,” he continued.
“We are entering an exciting new phase, reinforcing TSE and FSE as the UK’s premier events while establishing them as the key hub for the European community, right here at the heart of the UK at the NEC Birmingham.
“I’m incredibly excited about the additional value this will bring to our partners,” he concluded.
Culture
According to Nineteen Group, with hundreds of global leading brands, influential speakers, live demonstrations, networking opportunities and sector-leading thought leadership, the events have become known for their strong sense of community and culture.
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.
See live voice sounder demonstrations at the Hochiki stand
Hochiki Europe will exhibit at The Fire Safety Event 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham from 28 to 30 April.
The manufacturer is the Innovation Theatre sponsor and will use stand E97 to showcase new products and systems.
Visitors can view the new FIREscape Nepto black range for the first time during the three day exhibition.
The stand features a live voice sounder demonstration and the company water leak detection range.
Specifiers and installers have the opportunity to see these systems performing in a practical setting.
The company is also introducing a new modular exhibition stand built with a lightweight aluminium frame and PVC-free graphics.
This reusable structure is designed to last for over 300 events across a 15-year lifespan.
Expert sessions on fire safety and water leak risks
Martin Green, Commercial Training and Support Manager at Hochiki Europe, will deliver three educational sessions in the Innovation Theatre.
The first session on Tuesday 28 April covers fire detection system compliance and the EN54 standard for building owners.
A second presentation on Wednesday 29 April focuses on reducing water damage risks to businesses in the United Kingdom.
The final session on Thursday 30 April provides a guide to fire safety in complex built environments.
Green said: “The sessions I’m delivering at the Fire Safety Event this year cover topics that matter to a huge range of people not only working directly in the fire industry, but also across multiple sectors right now.
“The seminar format gives us the chance to go deeper than we can in other settings, then continue those conversations face to face both on the stand and out in the wider world.”
Shinsuke Kubo, Managing Director of Hochiki Europe, said: “The Fire Safety Event is one of the most important dates in our calendar and has been for a number of years.
“What makes it valuable is the quality of the people in the room.
“Specifiers, installers, consultants and building owners, all focused on the same thing.
“This year we are bringing new products, live demonstrations and a full programme of talks, but what we value most is the time we get to spend with customers and industry peers in the room.
“Understanding what they are working through, what is shaping the market right now and what they need from us.
“We come away every year with a clearer picture of where the industry is heading, that comes from the time spent face to face with the people who are navigating the same challenges every day.
“The fire safety sector is moving quickly and events like this are where you feel that progress most directly.”
The event is open from 10:00 to 16:30 on Tuesday and Wednesday, and closes at 15:30 on Thursday.
Fire Safety Event confirms Leaders Summit programme
The Fire Safety Leaders Summit will deliver CPD-accredited content focused on competence, compliance and operational challenges at the NEC Birmingham from 28 to 30 April 2026.
Organisers confirmed the full programme of sessions addressing regulatory change and workforce development ahead of The Fire Safety Event (FSE).
Sessions provide applied insight into current requirements including updates to legislation and examples of how organisations manage compliance in operational settings.
On 28 April at 10:30, Beyond Qualifications: What Competence Looks Like in Fire Safety in Practice will examine the role of behaviour and accountability.
Speakers for this opening session include Gavin Skelly, Founder at Fire Aware, and Angela Bennett, CEO at Diamond Systems.
Tom Brookes, Managing Director at Zzeus Ltd, and Daren Pool, Managing Director at Triple Star Fire & Security and Chairman of the Fire & Security Association, will also contribute.
At 11:30, Adam Sanders, Technical Director at RiskBase, will cover data collection and maintaining compliance regarding Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs).
John Field, Chair of the IOSH Fire Risk Management Community and Fire Safety Manager at DNATA Catering UK, will lead a 12:30 session on personal liability.
At 13:15, Keith Todd, Partner at Ridge and Partners LLP, will identify recurring issues in risk assessments and engineering submissions based on industry review experience.
Lucy Macleod, Borough Commander at London Fire Brigade, and Vicki Swaine, Health and Safety Director at 3Safety, will examine workforce representation at 14:00.
Alina Scarlat, Director at Magnus Opifex Seven, joins the leadership session to discuss culture and retention strategies.
Matthew Spivey, Vice Chairman of IFSM, will chair a 15:00 assessment of entry pathways and training barriers with Cameron Chadwick, Amelia Topley and Liam Morgan.
Technical standards and multidisciplinary collaboration
The second day of the summit begins with an overview of evolving competence frameworks presented by Ian Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the Fire Industry Association (FIA).
Tina Mistry will chair a 11:10 session on multidisciplinary collaboration in housing projects featuring speakers from Women Talking Fire.
Speakers Rosie Sonnenschein, Julia Bariotakis and Amy Cooper will examine coordination across housing safety roles.
At 12:00, Adam Sanders, James Cannon and Tom Simmonds will focus on integrating fire safety data with wider building systems to support decision-making.
Agnieszka Melling-Sawicka, Simon Ince and Richard Glover will address modern methods of construction (MMC) and the application of PAS 8700 at 12:55.
Findings from the Fire Safety Buyers Report 2026 will be presented at 13:30 by Alaster Purchase and Ken Bullock.
This research, commissioned by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and BAFE, examines how duty holders select fire safety providers.
A 14:30 session featuring Colin Whalley, Vanessa Brandham, John Bellis and Nick Coombe will examine implementation challenges under new evacuation planning regulations.
The day concludes at 15:30 with an outline of career pathways and apprenticeships followed by a networking opportunity.
Smarter systems and residential safety risks
The final day of the summit includes an analysis of fire door standards led by Peter Ashworth, Sarah Lewis, Terry James and Rob Pace at 13:10.
This session will outline updates to BS 8214:2026 and their specific implications for specification, installation and maintenance.
Gareth Butler will chair a 10:30 examination of connected fire detection systems with Andy Speake, Will Lloyd, Martin Simmonds and Kevin Dodd.
At 11:25, Adam Sanders and Peter Thomas will analyse prosecution cases and evidential challenges faced by fire risk assessors.
Nicola Roberts will chair a review of Gateway submission requirements and common reasons for rejection at 12:20.
Speakers Maz Ruth, Sally Friswell and Nikki Barrow will discuss the role of digital tools in achieving Gateway compliance.
At 13:50, Steven Wilson will address passive fire protection developments and the use of digital systems such as Building Information Modelling (BIM).
Jan Taranczuk will chair a 14:30 session on managing lithium-ion battery safety in homes with Andrew Frankum and Matt Humby.
This discussion will examine fire risks including thermal runaway and safe storage practices for residential settings.
The summit sessions take place throughout the duration of the event at the NEC.
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.
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.
A new Fire Risk Assessment qualification suite will launch through The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) in its October 2026 exam session.
The IFE said the qualifications were developed in response to the UK government’s framework for the assessment of Fire Risk Assessor competency and align with BS 8674:2025.
The suite includes the Level 3 Award in Fire Risk Assessment and the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment.
It also includes the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment for professionals working in complex environments.
Successful candidates on the Level 3 and Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment will gain access to the IFE’s Fire Risk Register.
Those candidates will also meet the academic requirements for the Technician (TIFireE) membership grade.
Fire Safety Event details and qualification pathway
The IFE will formally announce the qualifications at the Fire Safety Event at the NEC, Birmingham from 28 – 30 April.
Delegates can meet the IFE team on stand 4/A90 for more information about the qualifications.
Day 2 of the show will feature IFE Chief Executive Steve Hamm and IFE Member and Education Services Director Jo Tedd in the compliance theatre.
The session will cover professional standards and how the qualifications support the next phase of regulatory change.
Hamm said: “Our new fire risk assessment qualifications have been carefully developed by the IFE and our team of fire risk assessment and fire safety specialists from across the private and public sectors.
“These qualifications launch at a critical time and support the BS 8674 tiered framework – Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced – ensuring assessors demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to meet nationally recognised competency benchmarks.
“The qualifications form the latest addition to the IFE’s online exam suite which has been developed over the past two years.
“This forward-thinking approach ensures greater flexibility and inclusivity, enabling candidates across the globe to complete their qualifications at a time and place that suits them.
“By removing barriers to access, the IFE is making professional development more convenient, equitable, and future-ready.”
October bookings open from June
According to David Escudier, Chair of the IFE’s Education Panel, the new exams provide a defined route for individual development and the wider profession.
Escudier added: “Clear, recognised qualifications are essential for maintaining trust and raising standards across the sector.
“The IFE’s new Fire Risk Assessment exams provide a much-needed pathway that supports both individual development and the wider profession.”
IFE exams use a self-study delivery model, allowing candidates to progress at their own pace alongside existing roles and responsibilities.
S Jones Conversions returns to fire safety event 2026
S Jones Conversions will exhibit a modified 20ft side-opening container stand at The Fire Safety Event at the NEC Birmingham from 28 to 30 April 2026.
The company confirmed its return following its previous appearance at the event, where it hosted a seminar on lithium-ion battery manufacture and storage with industry representatives.
The exhibitor stand will be located at position 4/H35 and will allow visitors to enter the container to access digital and virtual displays.
Container solutions and lithium-ion battery safety focus
S Jones Conversions stated that visitors will be able to view virtual 3D modelled tours of containerised engineered solutions including battery storage units, switchgear enclosures, water treatment systems and compressor housing.
Each unit is manufactured at its Aldridge workshop and designed to meet specific industry requirements, with visitors able to examine internal layouts, configurations and installed safety and fire protection systems.
A virtual reality tour of the company’s battery storage unit will also be available for visitors.
Andrew Nicholls, Head of Conversions at S Jones Containers said: “In the past 12 months it’s encouraging to see that regulations are changing as the Product Regulation and Metrology Act has now been passed by Parliament, which is a step in the right direction.
“But in our opinion, there is still a long way to go in terms of raising awareness of the hazards of working with and storing lithium-ion batteries.
“We’ll continue to be a passionate advocate for change and improved safety in this area.
“This year we’re excited to show the fire safety community at the Fire Safety Event what our products can do in a practical way to protect people, equipment, and infrastructure from fire, explosion, and electrical hazards including those posed by lithium-ion batteries.
“Our stand is a blank canvas and once inside the container, visitors can see our virtual tours to understand how we can reconfigure the space to suit numerous different industrial uses.
“We’ll also have a VR tour of our battery storage unit for visitors to experience as our most specified product.
“If you’re at the show, come meet me and my team and see how we can support your next project.”
The company previously hosted a seminar featuring representatives from Electrical Safety First, the Fire Protection Association and Warwick Manufacturing Group.
Allegion will present fire door hardware displays, live demonstrations and training information at The Fire Safety Event 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham from 28 to 30 April.
Allegion announced that its team will be based across stands 4/E90 and 4/F20 during the event.
At stand 4/E90, visitors will be able to view working door displays and live demonstrations showing how the company’s security, hardware and door control products operate within a fire door assembly.
The stand will also include practical guidance on tested and certified hardware for timber, steel and composite fire doors.
Products due to be shown include the Boss electromagnetic hold-open cam-action door closer, the fire-rated FinProtect Plus finger protection guards and the Zero International Drop Seal.
Allegion will also demonstrate Briton and Von Duprin panic and emergency exit hardware ranges.
Allegion training and competition at the NEC
At stand 4/F20, Allegion will provide fire door safety guidance and information on accredited practical training courses from Fire Door Maintenance (FDM).
The company is also running a competition linked to an on-stand fire door display.
Visitors who correctly identify faults on the display will be entered into a draw to win a free one-day accredited training course at the FDM training centre.
One winner will be drawn on each day of the event and can attend a course on a date of their choice.
Pete Hancox, country manager at Allegion UK, said: “The Fire Safety Event is a celebrated occasion in the industry calendar, and we are delighted to be making a return with our growing family of brands.
“More than ever, we remain committed to advancing fire door safety and raising awareness on the correct specification, installation and maintenance of door hardware.
“Our team of experts possess decades of experience and combined with a complete portfolio of high quality products from industry leading brands such as Briton, Boss, Fullex, Zero International and UAP, we are well positioned to reach, educate and support visitors at this year’s event.
“Over the three days, we will have a valuable platform that allows us to engage with professionals through live hardware demonstrations, compliance guidance and practical training sessions designed to improve fire door safety standards.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to both our stands for what will be our largest presence at the event to date, as we showcase our fire door hardware solutions for both residential and commercial sectors.”
Visitors can find Allegion on stand 4/E90 and FDM training information on stand 4/F20 during the event.
C-TEC will exhibit a range of life-safety systems at The Fire Safety Event (FSE) 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham from 28 to 30 April.
The company will be on Stand 4/F30 with CAST-powered systems and other products for fire safety, evacuation and communication.
The range includes new Lockdown Solutions described as monitored, battery-backed, multi-message systems for schools, theatres and other commercial and public venues.
The systems are designed to help venues comply with Martyn’s Law and include PA/VA solutions for larger projects.
HUSH-PRO will also be shown as a fully monitored BS 5839-6 Grade C residential fire alarm system for flats, apartments and other domestic settings.
EVAC-ALERT is described as a BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 compliant evacuation alert system designed to assist the fire and rescue service evacuate part or all of a building in an emergency.
C-TEC systems on display at Stand 4/F30
ZFP CAST will be presented as a touchscreen-controlled one to eight loop fire alarm system compatible with CAST-PRO combined fire detection and alarm devices.
ENVISION is a cloud-based Fire IoT remote access, data management, commissioning and maintenance solution compatible with C-TEC’s CAST-powered systems.
FASTCONVERT is described as a retrofit solution for converting a multi-zone conventional fire system to an addressable CAST system using existing wiring.
C-TEC will also display its SigTEL disabled refuge system, its AlertBuddy moveable deaf person’s alert system and Quantec-Pro next-generation call system.
Brian Foster, C-TEC’s UK Sales Manager, said: “The Fire Safety Event is now the industry’s key event.
“We’re looking forward to showing all our latest innovations at this year’s show including our new range of lockdown alert systems and our multi award-winning CAST-PRO combined detection and alarm devices.
“If you’d like to learn how our systems can help you grow your business, come and see us on Stand 4/F30.”
