Water Mist Conference 2026 to take place in Prague

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Prague to host conference on water mist technology

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

The conference webpage www.iwma.net/iwmc is now online.

Meaning: The ticket shop is open! And: The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) still has exhibition space on offer!

New training workshop for water mist systems

In 2026, IWMA will introduce a fresh element to the event.

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

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

CPD certificates will be issued to workshop participants.

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

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

These developments will be reflected in Prague.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Image credit: IWMA

Water mist conference returns with expanded format

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

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

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

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

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

CPD certificates will be issued to workshop participants.

Ongoing development of water mist applications

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

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

These developments will be reflected in Prague.

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

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

Networking, awards and exhibition opportunities

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

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

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

As always, the Ragnar Wighus Award will be presented.

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

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

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

Tabletops can already be booked.

The number of exhibition spaces is limited to 15.

Available are three different sponsorship categories.

International Water Mist Conference 2026 will take place in Prague, call for papers published

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Images: Copyright IWMA

Annual International Water Mist Conference returns this October

Max Lakkonen (IFAB), President of the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has announced that the 25th International Water Mist Conference (#IWMC2026) will take place in Prague, Czech Republic, on 7th and 8th October 2026.

The event schedule is now available on the IWMA webpage. The first important date was 15th December, when the call for papers was issued. Another important date: 15th April 2026 – the abstract deadline!

See call for papers here.

15th April is also the date when the conference webpage will be activated and the ticket sale starts.

Companies wishing to support the event can already book tabletops for the exhibition, which will run alongside the conference.

The conference will be held at The Grand Hotel International. IWMA President Max Lakkonen will open the event.

One of the conference’s highlights will be the bestowal of the 2026 Ragnar Wighus Award with which IWMA honours young scientists who dedicate their master or Ph.D. thesis to water mist.

The deadline to submit applications for the Ragnar Wighus Award is 31st March. In 2026, this prestigious award will be presented to the author of the best master thesis related to water mist technology.

The IWMA Scientific Council, chaired by Kemal Sarp Arsava (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) will evaluate the submissions. The winner will be invited to present the winning thesis in Prague.

IWMA can look back at a successful 2025 event with nearly 170 attendees from 25 countries. Max Lakkonen commented: “We have been positively surprised by the number of attendees and sponsors, which clearly demonstrates the strong momentum of our industry.”

The organization’s aim is now – obviously – to repeat this success in Prague.

For more details regarding the call for papers, speaker slots, sponsorship booking forms, the Ragnar Wighus Award, please contact the IWMA headquarters in Hamburg. We are also happy to help you with other enquiries regarding smaller droplets to fight fires.

Other opportunities to meet in 2026:

  • Fire Sprinkler International, Paris, France, 22nd and 23rd April 2026
  • The Fire Safety Event, Birmingham, UK, 28th – 30th April 2026
  • Interschutz 2026, Hanover, Germany, from 1st to 6th June 2026

IWMA 2026 call for papers opens ahead of Prague conference

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Call for papers deadline dates released for IWMC2026

IWMA (International Water Mist Association) has published a call for papers for the 25th International Water Mist Conference (#IWMC2026), set to take place in Prague, Czech Republic, on 7 and 8 October 2026.

The organisation said the announcement was issued from Hamburg on 15 December 2025.

IWMA confirmed that IWMA President Max Lakkonen (IFAB) will open the event.

Call for papers deadline set

IWMA said the call for papers has been published for IWMC2026.

The abstract deadline is 15 April 2026.

Exhibition tabletops and ticket sales timeline

Bettina McDowell, IWMA CEO, said: “Sponsors can now start booking their tabletops for the exhibition which will run alongside the conference.

“All necessary forms can be found on the IWMA webpage.

“The sale of tickets will start on 15th April 2026.

“Delegates can profit from special prices until 15th August when the early bird period will end.”

Ragnar Wighus Award submission window

IWMA said submissions to apply for the Ragnar Wighus Award must be received by 31 March.

The organisation said the 2026 award will go to the author of the best master thesis dealing with water mist.

IWMA said its scientific council will evaluate submissions.

The council is chaired by Kemal Arsava of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, according to IWMA.

IWMA added that the winner will be invited to introduce the thesis at the event.

Planning takeaways for conference participants

The dates set out a sequence of deadlines for prospective speakers, award applicants and delegates.

IWMA’s timetable places the abstract deadline and ticket sales start on the same date, 15 April 2026.

The early bird period is due to end on 15 August 2026, the organisation said.

Tabletop bookings for the exhibition are now open, according to the IWMA statement.

Updated programme for International Water Mist Conference 2025 released by IWMA

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Programme changes for Manchester water mist conference

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has issued an updated programme for the 24th International Water Mist Conference, taking place from 23 to 25 September 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The revised schedule includes adjustments to session timings and speaker line-up.

IWMA President Max Lakkonen is scheduled to deliver the welcoming address and industry review on the first full day of the event.

Sir Ken Knight will follow with a welcome note drawing on his more than 40 years in UK Fire and Rescue Services.

The conference will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, with technical sessions held in the Rothwell Suite and the exhibition in the Bernstein Suite.

Focus on modern water mist applications

According to IWMA, the first session will examine modern water mist systems in sectors such as marine, offshore, heritage buildings, and high-rise construction.

Ann Micheli of Ultra Fog will discuss adoption of water mist in marine and offshore fire suppression.

Antti Hurme from Marioff will present a case study on Notre Dame Cathedral.

Fogtec’s Rüdiger Kopp will address high-rise building protection using high-pressure water mist systems.

Further topics in this session include applications in data centres, machinery spaces, photovoltaic system roofs, and ammunition loading machines.

Design, installation and standards sessions

The updated programme lists a second session covering design, installation, and operation of water mist systems.

Presentations will include car park protection, data centre integration, and use of IWMA’s Water Mist Guide.

A session dedicated to standards will review EN 14972 design processes and the future of water mist in the UK.

This section will conclude with a panel discussion on UK standardisation, moderated by Ann Micheli.

Research, testing and development content

IWMA has confirmed that the second day will include sessions on research, testing, and development of water mist technologies.

Research topics will include shielded fire suppression, hazard comparisons in parking structures, greenhouse gas emissions from suppression systems, and passive fire protection requirements.

Testing and development presentations will address ignitable liquid storage fires, updated VdS test concepts, and interactions between suppression systems and touchless door-openers.

Components, certification and networking

The closing session will focus on water mist components and specialised applications.

Topics will include certification of electronically operated domestic systems to UL 2167A, remote maintenance, and alternative high-pressure nozzle technology.

The conference will end with a summary from Max Lakkonen, followed by a networking lunch.

IWMA has also scheduled evening receptions and optional social events.

Updated programme for International Water Mist Conference 2025 released by IWMA: Summary

The International Water Mist Association has released an updated programme for the 24th International Water Mist Conference.

The event will take place from 23 to 25 September 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The conference will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Technical sessions will cover modern applications, design and installation, standards, research, testing, and components.

Confirmed speakers include Max Lakkonen, Sir Ken Knight, Ann Micheli, Antti Hurme, and Rüdiger Kopp.

Day one sessions will focus on marine, offshore, heritage, high-rise, data centre, machinery space, photovoltaic, and ammunition applications.

Day two will address shielded fires, parking structure hazards, greenhouse gas emissions, and passive protection.

Testing topics include ignitable liquid storage fires, VdS test updates, and suppression impacts on door-openers.

The final session will review certification, maintenance, and nozzle technology.

Networking opportunities include a reception and after-conference dinner.

International Water Mist Conference 2025 set for record attendance in Manchester

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IWMC 2025 marks milestone with largest participant numbers

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has announced that the final programme for the 24th International Water Mist Conference (IWMC) is now available.

According to IWMA, pre-registration figures suggest that the 2025 event will host the largest number of participants in the conference’s history.

The event will be held on 24 and 25 September in Manchester, United Kingdom.

This will be the first time the annual gathering spans two full days.

IWMA said the change reflects increasing recognition of water mist as a viable and standardised fire protection method.

IWMA president welcomes interest and programme growth

IWMA President Max Lakkonen said: “I am truly pleased with the strength of this year’s programme and the interest it has generated so far.

“IWMC 2025 will be a great opportunity to demonstrate that water mist is gaining ground across multiple sectors and is increasingly recognised as a standardised, effective and environmentally sound fire protection technology.”

IWMA noted that interest in water mist technology continues to increase across sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, energy, and heritage preservation.

The association said IWMC 2025 has drawn wide engagement from system designers, consultants, regulators, and product manufacturers.

The association also reported that the conference programme includes more than 25 presentations from international experts.

CPD certification to be offered for all attendees

IWMA has confirmed that all participants at the Manchester event will receive continuing professional development (CPD) certification.

The organisation said this initiative supports delegates’ formal learning and career progression.

CPD points will be issued for full attendance across the two-day schedule.

IWMA stated this addition was part of its wider goal to enhance the educational value of the conference and expand its relevance to practitioners.

Conference agenda includes awards, panels and exhibition

The event will feature the Ragnar Wighus Award, presented to recognise outstanding academic work in the water mist field.

A panel discussion on sector challenges and technical issues will also be included.

Alongside the main presentations, IWMA confirmed there will be a technology exhibition featuring equipment and systems.

Sir Ken Knight, a former UK Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser, is scheduled to deliver the opening address.

Industry development reflects IWMA’s 30-year milestone

IWMA said the conference will be held during the association’s 30th anniversary year.

The organisation highlighted increased cooperation with standardisation bodies and engagement with market decision-makers.

According to IWMA, these developments indicate continued growth and acceptance of water mist as part of global fire safety planning.

Lakkonen added: “We warmly invite everyone with an interest in water mist technology – whether system designer, manufacturer, installer, fire safety consultant, or regulator – to join us in Manchester. This event brings together the entire global water mist community.”

The full programme is now available online at www.iwma.net/iwmc.

Water mist conference 2025 set for record attendance in Manchester: Summary

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has published the final programme for the 2025 International Water Mist Conference.

The event will take place on 24 and 25 September in Manchester, UK.

Pre-registration figures indicate this will be the most attended IWMC to date.

The 2025 edition will be the first to span two full days.

IWMA President Max Lakkonen said the programme reflects growing interest in water mist technology.

Over 25 speakers are scheduled to present across the two-day agenda.

All participants will receive CPD certification.

Programme highlights include the Ragnar Wighus Award, a panel discussion, and a technology exhibition.

Sir Ken Knight will deliver the opening address.

IWMA said the event coincides with its 30th anniversary.

The organisation noted increasing sector engagement and progress in standardisation.

Full programme details are available at www.iwma.net/iwmc.

Water mist award recognises research into shielded fire applications

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IWMA recognises Italian PhD research in water mist systems

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has announced that Azad Hamzehpour has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Ragnar Wighus Award.

According to the IWMA, Hamzehpour completed his Ph.D. thesis at the Polytechnic University of Turin in Italy under the supervision of Professors Vittorio Verda and Romano Borchiellini.

The award is presented annually to a young scientist whose academic work focuses on water mist systems.

Hamzehpour to present research at UK conference

The IWMA confirmed that Hamzehpour will present his research at the International Water Mist Conference, taking place on 24 and 25 September 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The conference will include a presentation of his thesis titled “Experimental and Simulation Analysis of Water Mist Systems for shielded Fire Applications”.

The IWMA stated that this opportunity continues the organisation’s tradition of showcasing award-winning research during its annual event.

Research supervised by experts in fire safety and energy systems

Hamzehpour’s Ph.D. research was supervised by Vittorio Verda and Romano Borchiellini, both professors at the Polytechnic University of Turin.

The IWMA noted that he is currently working with Associate Professor Davide Papurello on a new project focused on lithium-ion battery fires.

The organisation stated that the research continues to address fire suppression challenges in shielded environments, contributing to the body of knowledge in alternative fire protection technologies.

Award alternates between Ph.D. and master’s level recognition

The IWMA confirmed that the Ragnar Wighus Award is alternated annually between Ph.D. and master’s theses.

The association stated that in 2026, the award will be presented to the author of the best master’s thesis focused on water mist.

The IWMA added that the award aims to support early career researchers by recognising academic contributions to the field of water mist fire suppression.

Water mist award recognises research into shielded fire applications: Summary

The International Water Mist Association has announced Azad Hamzehpour as the winner of the 2025 Ragnar Wighus Award.

Hamzehpour completed his Ph.D. at the Polytechnic University of Turin in Italy.

His thesis was supervised by Professors Vittorio Verda and Romano Borchiellini.

He is currently working with Associate Professor Davide Papurello on lithium-ion battery fire research.

The award is given annually to early career researchers studying water mist systems.

Hamzehpour will present his thesis at the 2025 International Water Mist Conference in Manchester.

His research is titled “Experimental and Simulation Analysis of Water Mist Systems for shielded Fire Applications”.

In 2026, the award will be presented to the author of the best master’s thesis.

Hamzehpour said:
“I’m deeply honored to receive this award for my PhD thesis.
It’s incredibly rewarding to have my work recognized in this way, and I’m grateful to my supervisors and colleagues for their support throughout the journey.
This recognition inspires me to continue pursuing research that contributes to meaningful advances in the field.”

Water mist installations increase across Norway in 2024

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Shift in Norwegian fire systems reported in new figures

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has reported that Norway saw a 16.4% increase in water mist nozzle installations in 2024, as the use of traditional sprinkler systems declined by 17.1%.

The data was published by the Norwegian Fire Industry Association (Brannteknisk Forening – BTF) and covers the twenty-year period from 2004 to 2024.

The report shows that 43,010 water mist nozzles were sold across the country last year, with residential installations accounting for 74% of that figure.

By comparison, the total number of sprinkler heads sold fell to 657,068 in 2024. This included a 34.1% decline in residential sprinkler units and an 11.9% drop in conventional systems.

Residential water mist systems see highest growth

The Norwegian Fire Industry Association reported that residential applications were the primary driver of growth in water mist usage.

According to the organisation, 31,865 water mist nozzles were installed in homes in 2024, an increase of 6,010 units or 23.2% compared to the previous year.

This represents more than double the number of residential nozzles recorded in 2020.

Sales of conventional water mist systems remained steady, rising by just 63 units to 11,145 in total, a change of 0.6%.

The data has been collected annually from industry suppliers and is categorised by system type and application.

Sprinkler sales decline across both categories

The BTF report showed that total sprinkler head sales fell by 135,518 units in 2024.

Residential sprinkler sales dropped from 184,645 units in 2023 to 121,657 in 2024, while conventional systems decreased from 607,941 to 535,411 units over the same period.

This marks the first year since 2019 in which both residential and conventional sprinkler installations fell concurrently.

According to the association, conventional systems accounted for 81% of all sprinkler installations in 2024, with residential units making up the remaining 19%.

Water mist now represents 6.1% of all nozzles sold

The combined total of sprinkler and water mist nozzles sold in Norway in 2024 was 700,078 units.

The Norwegian Fire Industry Association stated that water mist now accounts for 6.1% of all water-based fire protection nozzles sold nationally. This compares to just over 5% in 2023 and less than 1% when the data series began in 2013.

While sprinklers still dominate the overall market, the report noted a clear year-on-year increase in water mist’s market share. Water mist installations have grown by nearly 200% over the past decade.

The association credited continued supplier reporting as critical to maintaining an accurate overview of national sales figures.

Water mist installations increase across Norway in 2024: Summary

The International Water Mist Association reported that Norway recorded a 16.4% rise in water mist nozzle installations in 2024.

Data from the Norwegian Fire Industry Association showed 43,010 water mist nozzles were sold in total.

Of those, 31,865 were installed in residential properties.

This marked a 23.2% increase in residential water mist installations from the previous year.

Conventional water mist sales increased by 0.6% to 11,145 units.

Sprinkler head sales dropped to 657,068 units in 2024.

Residential sprinkler sales fell by 34.1%, down to 121,657 units.

Conventional sprinkler sales declined by 11.9% to 535,411 units.

Overall sprinkler installations dropped by 17.1%.

Water mist nozzles accounted for 6.1% of all water-based systems sold.

Sprinkler heads made up the remaining 93.9% of the total.

Combined, sprinkler and water mist nozzle sales reached 700,078 units.

IWMA: Water mist systems record higher control and extinguishment rates in England

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Performance across primary fires in England

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) reported that water mist systems controlled 95.3 per cent of fires and extinguished 58.6 per cent across more than 4,000 incidents in England from 2018 to 2024, according to data from the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The data shows that traditional sprinkler systems managed fire control in 90.7 per cent of cases and achieved extinguishment in 27.6 per cent.

This comparison highlights the differing outcomes of two suppression technologies under real-world conditions.

Results in residential settings

The IWMA stated that residential installations saw near-identical extinguishment rates of around 37 per cent for both water mist and sprinkler systems.

The association added that water mist achieved a control rate of 95.8 per cent in homes, compared with 91.4 per cent for sprinklers.

This suggests both technologies deliver consistent performance where lives and property are most at risk.

System reliability and fault analysis

The IWMA noted that system fault rates remained under 3 per cent for both technologies.

It stated that water mist systems experienced faults in 2.9 per cent of incidents and sprinklers in 1.9 per cent.

Most failures occurred when fires began outside the protected zone or due to known equipment faults.

IWMA initiatives to enhance performance

The association said it will update its guidelines to improve design and installation practices.

It explained that new training programmes will focus on maintenance quality and correct system coverage.

Max Lakkonen, President of the IWMA, said: “We have confirmed what professionals already know—that well-designed suppression systems save lives.”

Mr Lakkonen added: “Water mist’s edge in performance, combined with its low water usage, makes it a powerful fire safety solution.”

He continued: “This is good news for the entire fire protection sector. Both systems work.

“With smarter design and better training, performance will only keep improving.”

Water mist systems record higher control and extinguishment rates in England: Summary

The International Water Mist Association reported that water mist systems controlled fires in 95.3 per cent of cases and extinguished them in 58.6 per cent between 2018 and 2024.

Data from the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government showed sprinkler systems controlled fires in 90.7 per cent of cases and extinguished them in 27.6 per cent.

In residential settings, both suppression technologies achieved extinguishment rates of around 37 per cent.

The IWMA stated that water mist systems had a residential fire control rate of 95.8 per cent compared with 91.4 per cent for sprinklers.

System fault rates were recorded at 2.9 per cent for mist and 1.9 per cent for sprinklers.

Most faults resulted from fires originating outside the protected area or from pre-existing faults.

The association said it will issue updated design guidelines and training initiatives to enhance system performance.

Max Lakkonen, President of the IWMA, said that evidence-based improvements will benefit the fire protection sector.