The Tall Building Fire Safety Network (TBFSN) has announced its programme for 2026, including new training dates and the next international conference.
High-rise fire safety events confirmed by Tall Buildings across multiple continents
US fire safety conference presentations to be archived online
Russ Timpson from the Tall Buildings / High Rise Fire Safety Network has reported that presentations from the High Rise Fire Safety Conference at FDIC International in the United States will be made available online.
The event took place in early April 2025 and featured a range of presentations related to high-rise fire safety. All conference content will be uploaded to the Tall Buildings Network’s free-to-access presentation archive.
The archive can be accessed via: https://www.tallbuildingfiresafety.com/presentation-archive
London to host Tall Building HRB Conference in June
The next Tall Building HRB (Higher Risk Building) Conference is scheduled to take place in London on 18–19 June 2025.
Bookings are now open for attendees. The programme has been released and can be accessed via the event booking page.
A limited number of early bird discounts are available, as well as discounted places for serving firefighters.
Booking link: https://events.bookitbee.com/tall-building-fire-safety-network/9th-international-high-risetall-building-fire-sa-3/
First Australian conference planned for Sydney
The Tall Buildings Network has announced that its first High Rise Fire Safety Conference in Australia will take place in Sydney.
The programme is nearing completion and the organisers are continuing to welcome presentation proposals.
The event is now open for booking. Early bird and firefighter discounts are available in limited numbers.
Booking link: https://events.bookitbee.com/tall-building-fire-safety-network/9th-international-high-risetall-building-fire-sa-4/
2025 fire safety management training course dates released
Tall Buildings’ five-day ‘Tall Building Fire Safety Management’ training course is open for registration across four dates and locations in 2025.
The course will be held in Cyprus from 26–30 May. It will then run in London across three dates: 23–27 June, 15–19 September and 6–10 October.
This qualification is aimed at professionals managing fire risk in tall structures. It is one of the Network’s longest-running training programmes.
Booking links:
- Cyprus: https://events.bookitbee.com/tall-building-fire-safety-network/tall-building-fire-safety-management-course-17/
- London (June): https://events.bookitbee.com/tall-building-fire-safety-network/tall-building-fire-safety-management-course-18/
- London (September): https://events.bookitbee.com/tall-building-fire-safety-network/tall-building-fire-safety-management-course-18/
- London (October): https://events.bookitbee.com/tall-building-fire-safety-network/tall-building-fire-safety-management-course-18/
Tall Buildings Network announces 2025 fire safety conferences in UK, US and Australia: Summary
The Tall Buildings / High Rise Fire Safety Network has confirmed that presentations from its recent US-based High Rise Fire Safety Conference will be available in its free online archive.
The Network will hold its next Tall Building HRB Conference in London on 18–19 June 2025. Booking is now open.
It will also host its first Australian High Rise Fire Safety Conference in Sydney. The programme is being finalised and speaker submissions are still being accepted.
Tall Buildings is running its five-day Tall Building Fire Safety Management course on four occasions in 2025. Locations include Cyprus in May, and London in June, September and October.
Discounted rates are offered for early bookings and serving firefighters.
Greater London Authority discusses fire safety and viability of tall buildings
Second staircases and viability concerns impact London high-rise developments
The Greater London Authority (GLA) is facing challenges in balancing fire safety requirements and the viability of tall building developments in the capital, according to Inside Housing.
Jules Pipe, deputy mayor for planning, regeneration and the fire service, spoke during a planning and regeneration committee meeting about the implications of updated British Standards.
These standards now require additional staircases and lifts in high-rise buildings, which he said has raised viability concerns.
Pipe stated: “With additional lifts, you need additional refuge space and an additional core, even if there are only eight flats.
“It is putting scheme viability in question and, in the short term, the issue is causing stalling.
“Some major sites in London are being stalled by questions of viability because of this.”
As reported by Inside Housing, research commissioned by the UK government found that a second staircase in high-rise buildings can halve evacuation times.
In response, new guidance issued in April 2024 introduced a two-year transition period for developers to comply with the updated standards.
Challenges in defining and locating tall buildings
Inside Housing reported that Pipe also addressed broader concerns about how tall buildings are defined and where they should be located under GLA policy.
He explained that definitions of tall buildings vary across London boroughs, creating inconsistencies in planning.
“Broadly, Part C of the policy, on the impact and quality of buildings, is working.
“But Part A, which concerns the definition of tall buildings, and Part B, on their location, have been problematic.”
Pipe highlighted legal limitations on planning enforcement, stating: “‘Should’ is not written into the London Plan.
‘Must’ may be included but where it is, it is not enforceable.” He cited a 2021 judicial review in Hillingdon, which found that policy 9B could not be used to prevent tall building developments outright.
According to Inside Housing, Pipe suggested that the London Plan could be revised to provide greater statutory force in the next update, which is expected to be adopted in 2027.
London boroughs face limitations in restricting high-rise developments
Planning officials told the committee that despite concerns about their suitability for families and fire safety, boroughs have limited ability to restrict high-rise developments.
As reported by Inside Housing, this is due to legal rulings that prevent height alone from being used as grounds for refusal.
Section 9 of the London Plan allows boroughs to specify the size, location, and impact of tall buildings within planning frameworks.
However, Inside Housing noted that the 2021 judicial review ruling means boroughs cannot reject developments purely based on height.
This has led to increased high-density residential developments, particularly in areas such as Tower Hamlets, Southwark, and Lewisham, where planners prioritise them for transport and sustainability reasons.
Andrew Boff, chair of the planning and regeneration committee, said: “We’ve had evidence before that tall buildings aren’t suitable for families.”
Assembly member Shaun Bailey echoed this concern, stating that many families on London’s housing waiting lists would not choose high-rise living.
Views on high-rise living differ among stakeholders
While concerns remain, some local authority representatives argued that high-rise buildings provide a viable solution for meeting London’s housing demand, Inside Housing reported.
Colin Wilson, head of regeneration for Old Kent Road at Southwark Council, said that mid-rise blocks within high-density developments offer family-friendly housing options.
He stated: “A housing offer in this development would typically be a three-bedroom flat in a mid-rise block, with a generous-sized balcony and good communal space.”
Jessica Potter, urban design team leader for Old Kent Road regeneration at Southwark Council, said that while co-living and student housing are included in these developments, affordable housing remains a priority.
She said: “Tenants are happy with living in mid-rise towers. They’ve lived in flatted accommodation before.
“They are more concerned that they have the space and quality they wanted.”
Michael Ritchie, placeshaping manager at Tower Hamlets Council, added that resident feedback on high-rise living has been mixed.
“Tower Hamlets has a lot of tall buildings and we expect to deliver a lot more. In 2019, we surveyed a thousand people who lived in 10 tall developments on different floors.
“Generally speaking, people were positive about it, which is not what we were expecting.”
As Inside Housing reported, planners continue to debate the best way to balance density, fire safety, and family-friendly housing in London’s growing skyline.
Greater London Authority discusses fire safety and viability of tall buildings, as reported by Inside Housing: Summary
According to Inside Housing, the Greater London Authority is facing challenges in implementing fire safety measures while maintaining the viability of tall building developments.
Deputy mayor Jules Pipe highlighted that new British Standards requiring second staircases and additional lifts have led to delays in major projects.
Government research found that second staircases halve evacuation times, leading to new guidance issued in April 2024 with a two-year transition period.
Inside Housing also reported that challenges remain in defining tall buildings under GLA policy, with borough-level variations creating planning inconsistencies.
A 2021 judicial review determined that boroughs cannot reject developments based on height alone, resulting in increased high-rise construction, particularly in Tower Hamlets, Southwark, and Lewisham.
Committee members expressed concerns over the suitability of tall buildings for families, but local council representatives argued that high-density developments provide affordable housing options.
A 2019 Tower Hamlets survey found mixed resident feedback, with some expressing positive experiences in high-rise living.
Fire safety experts to gather for Tall Buildings Conference 2025 at FDIC International
Tall Buildings Conference 2025 to address high-rise fire safety in Indianapolis
The Tall Buildings Conference will take place from April 7 to 9, 2025, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The event, held alongside FDIC International, will bring together fire safety professionals, engineers, and policymakers to discuss fire risks in high-rise buildings.
The conference will feature expert speakers covering topics such as firefighter air replenishment systems, lithium-ion battery fire hazards, and emergency response planning. The full program is available on the official website.
Early bird registration ends on February 7, 2025. Discounted delegate passes can be purchased at: 9th International High Rise/Tall Building Fire Safety Conference (US).
Key speakers and topics
The conference will include keynote addresses from industry leaders. Trent Fearnley, International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers, will deliver the official opening.
Other speakers include Curtis Massey, who will present on high-rise fire safety career insights, and Jake Pauls, who will discuss stairwell prioritization for evacuation and firefighter access.
Topics will also include mass timber high-rise fire safety, lithium-ion battery risks, and fire protection engineering approaches. The event will conclude each day with expert panel discussions.
Accommodation and travel information
Delegates attending the conference can book hotel accommodations at a discounted rate through FDIC. The booking portal is available here: Tall Buildings FDIC 2025 Hotel Booking.
The Indiana Convention Center is the primary venue for the conference. FDIC International will take place at the same location from April 7–12, 2025.
Training courses for 2025
The Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network is offering training courses in 2025. The Tall Building Fire Safety Management Course will be held in Cyprus from May 26–30, 2025, with additional sessions in London later in the year.
The course provides training in fire safety management for tall buildings. Registration details are available at: Tall Building Fire Safety Management Course.
Tall Buildings Conference 2025 to address high-rise fire safety in Indianapolis: Summary
The 9th International High Rise/Tall Building Fire Safety Conference will be held in Indianapolis from April 7–9, 2025. The event will take place at the Indiana Convention Center alongside FDIC International.
Keynote speakers will address fire safety challenges in tall buildings. Topics include lithium-ion battery fire risks, firefighter air replenishment, and emergency response strategies.
Early bird registration ends on February 7, 2025, with discounted tickets available. Delegates can also book reduced-rate hotel accommodations through FDIC.
The conference will feature expert presentations and panel discussions. The Tall Building Fire Safety Management Course will take place in Cyprus in May 2025, with further sessions in London later in the year.
For more information, visit the Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network website.
Tall Building HRB Fire Safety Conference in London to cover high-rise challenges and solutions
Speakers to address key safety challenges in high-rise buildings
The 8th International Tall Building HRB Fire Safety Conference is scheduled to take place in London from 2nd to 4th December 2024.
This event will run alongside Anticipate London at the ExCeL exhibition centre.
Notable attendees will include Peter Apps, an award-winning journalist and author of Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen, which won the Orwell Prize in 2023.
The conference will cover pressing issues such as electric vehicles, façade fire risks, and international safety insights.
Speakers from countries including the UAE, Germany, and Belgium will contribute their expertise.
The event is expected to draw delegates from various professions, including architects, fire engineers, and safety professionals.
International experts to discuss global fire safety practices
A wide range of international speakers will provide updates on their respective countries’ best practices in tall building fire safety.
Topics on the agenda include new guidance for managing green walls as cladding and updates on fire safety regulations for high-rise buildings.
The conference will allow industry leaders and professionals to examine various approaches to improving fire safety, with presentations covering façade testing, firefighting strategies, and evacuation techniques for vulnerable individuals.
The sessions will provide an in-depth look at current international regulations and fire safety advancements.
Industry leaders to address key fire safety innovations
Keynote addresses from prominent figures will provide insights into emerging fire safety challenges.
Among the key topics discussed will be the “Golden Thread” concept, a framework for maintaining the safety and integrity of buildings throughout their life cycle.
Other presentations will cover the increasing importance of tenant engagement and the risks posed by electric vehicles in tall buildings.
Ben Levy from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) will lead one of the keynote sessions, while speakers from organisations such as the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority and prominent UK-based architects will contribute to discussions on fire prevention, façade safety, and risk management.
Tribute planned for Paul Grimwood during the conference
The conference will also pay tribute to the late Paul Grimwood, a leading figure in fire safety research and innovation.
Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to visit the FIREX exhibition and explore the latest fire safety products and technologies from various suppliers.
With a strong focus on networking, the event aims to bring together industry professionals from around the globe, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and the analysis of different fire safety policies and procedures.
Full Programme for the 8th International Tall Building HRB Fire Safety Conference (2-4 December 2024)
Monday 2nd December 2024
Chairperson: Andrew Bulmer, CEO The Property Institute
- 10:00 Official opening – Peter Apps, author of Show Me the Bodies
- 10:10 Keynote 1 – TBC
- 10:50 Presentation 1 – Jim Glockling: Green & Living Walls as Cladding: Introducing New Joint Guidance on Managing Risk
- 11:20 Presentation 2 – Ian Doncaster (SCA): Construction of Smoke Shafts
- 11:50 Presentation 3 – Nick Atkinson, Ambar Kelly: Riser Shaft Fire Safety
- 12:20 Presentation 4 – Fiona Critchley, Gerda Security: HRB Fire Doors – Where Are We?
- 12:50 CTec Presentation
Chairperson: Amanda Long, CEO of Construction Product Information Limited
- 14:00 Keynote 2 – Ben Levy, High Rise Lead, NFCC
- 14:40 Presentation 5 – Capt. Eng. Mohamed Alhanaee, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority
- 15:10 Presentation 6 – Michael Spearpoint: HRB Evacuation Research
- 15:40 Presentation 7 – Julie Butterworth & Andy Fry, TPAS: Tenant Engagement
- 16:10 Day 1 Question Time with Sir Ken Knight, Colin Todd, Gary Strong, Monima Harrison, and Prof. Ed Gale
Tuesday 3rd December 2024
Chairperson: Jane Duncan, RIBA
- 10:00 Official opening – Hayley Burgess, Immediate Past President IFE and Practising Fire Engineer
- 10:10 Keynote 3 – Paul Bussey: Architects’ View of the Two Stair Challenge
- 10:50 Presentation 8 – Charles White, Hydrochute UK: Refuse Chute Fire Safety
- 11:20 Presentation 9 – Sreenivas Narayanan, Siderise: Façade Fire Safety
- 11:50 Presentation 10 – Karel Lambert: Murphy Visits Brussels: The Story of a Fire in an Older High-Rise Building
- 12:20 Presentation 11 – Adam Briggs, Citizen Housing Group: Preparing a Safety Case for HRBs – A Case Study
- 12:50 Tribute to Paul Grimwood
Chairperson: Kizzy Augustin, Partner at Mishcon de Reya
- 14:00 Keynote 4 – Ben Blackwood, Ballymore
- 14:40 Presentation 12 – Elspeth Grant: Status of PEEPS in HRBs
- 15:10 Presentation 13 – Conor Logan: BS 9991 – What’s Changed?
- 15:40 Presentation 14 – Oliver Sapsford: Research into Crisis Command Decision Making
- 16:10 Day 2 Social Housing Fire Safety Question Time with Claire Norman, Adam Briggs, Fiona Critchley, and Ian Moore
Wednesday 4th December 2024
Chairperson: Dr Gavin Dunn, CEO FPA
- 10:00 Official opening – Mark Hardingham, Chair of NFCC
- 10:10 Keynote 5 – Prof Paul Christensen: Electric Vehicles Fire Safety Update
- 10:50 Presentation 15 – Paul Hayles, Canary Wharf: Feedback Lessons from a Sub-Service EV Fire Desktop Exercise
- 11:20 Presentation 16 – NAAD: Fire Safety Issues with Dampers in High-Rise Buildings
- 11:50 Presentation 17 – Sam Bryant, OFR: Balconies Research
- 12:20 Presentation 18 – Prof. Guillermo Rien, Imperial College: Latest Research
- 12:50 Andy Slater: Overview of IFSM
Chairperson: Annie Pantelli, Head of Operations at 22 Bishopsgate
- 14:00 Keynote 6 – Tom Roche, FM Global: What the Insurer Thinks
- 14:40 Presentation 19 – Jonas Schwering, Frankfurt am Main Fire Service, Germany: Impact of Grenfell Fire on Frankfurt Fire Service
- 15:20 Presentation 20 – Michael Kinsey: Elevating Safety: Challenges with High-Rise Residential Fire Lift Evacuation
- 15:50 Presentation 21 – Russ Timpson: Dealing with the After Fire Crisis
- 16:10 Presentation 22 – Jason Hull, Ukraine: High-Rise Firefighting in a Warzone
Tall building fire safety conference in London to cover high-rise challenges and solutions: Summary
The 8th International Tall Building HRB Fire Safety Conference will be held from 2nd to 4th December 2024 at the ExCeL centre in London.
The event will feature international speakers addressing challenges such as fire safety in electric vehicles, façade risks, and the “Golden Thread” concept.
Peter Apps, author of Show Me the Bodies, will deliver the opening address. Industry professionals from the UAE, Germany, Belgium, and the UK will share their expertise.
A tribute to Paul Grimwood will also be included, along with opportunities for networking and visiting the FIREX exhibition.
Electric vehicles and lithium-ion battery fire safety feature at the HRB conference
Electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery fire safety at 8th International Tall Building HRB Conference
The 8th International Tall Building HRB Conference (UK) will be held from 2nd to 4th December 2024 in London, coinciding with Anticipate London at the Excel exhibition centre.
Speakers from around the world will share insights into current best practices and innovations in tall building fire safety.
The three-day conference will focus on challenges including electric vehicles and lithium-ion battery fire safety.
Other topics submitted by members of the Tall Building Fire Safety Network include façade fire safety testing, ‘Golden thread’ and safety case development, latest fire research, and insurance issues.
Each day will also feature a topical debate.
On day one, there will be a debate on ‘How do we get the best from the ‘Golden Thread’?’ followed by day two’s debate on ‘Electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries’.
The final day will feature a debate on ‘How do we make HRB facades fire safe?’.
Conference Director Russ Timpson of the Tall Building Fire Safety Network said: “There has been another spate of tall building façade fires recently (Valencia, China, Istanbul) and people are questioning the status quo regarding long-standing aspects of tall building fire safety.
The 8th International Tall Building HRB Conference (UK) seeks to address these questions and find solutions for all those who reside in higher-risk buildings.”
Insights from international fire safety experts
Several international fire safety membership organisations are sending delegates to the conference, providing a basis for analysing contrasting approaches and policies.
High-profile VIP speakers, including Ben Levy, High Rise Lead for the National Fire Chiefs Council, will deliver keynote addresses and provide insights into global efforts on issues such as façade testing, tall timber, evacuation of people with mobility impairments, fire risk assessment, and firefighting.
Previous conferences attracted delegates from architecture, insurance, building control, construction, fire product manufacturers, and firefighters.
The event offers an opportunity to meet and network with peers and colleagues worldwide.
The programme also includes time to visit the FIREX exhibition to see the latest offerings from various suppliers and consultants.
IFSJ Comment
The 8th International Tall Building HRB Conference will provide a platform for addressing various fire safety challenges faced by tall buildings.
The focus on electric vehicles and lithium-ion battery fire safety highlights the evolving nature of fire risks as technology advances.
The inclusion of debates on key topics such as the ‘Golden Thread’ and façade fire safety ensures a comprehensive discussion on current issues.
The presence of international experts and delegates will facilitate the sharing of diverse perspectives and best practices, contributing to the global effort to enhance tall building fire safety.
The event also provides valuable networking opportunities and access to the latest innovations and products in the fire safety industry.
Success at the 8th International Tall Building and High Rise Fire Safety Conference
International conference on tall building fire safety declares success
The 8th International Tall Building/High Rise Fire Safety Conference, held alongside FDIC International in Indianapolis, has been celebrated as a tremendous success.
As reported by the Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network, the event saw positive feedback from both delegates and speakers, with strong support for its repetition in 2025.
Delegates from more than fourteen countries participated, bringing diverse perspectives on the fire safety challenges faced by the high-rise community worldwide.
Notable contributions and topics
The conference boasted an array of thought leaders from North America including Jerry Tracy, Jack Murphy, Brent Brooks, Jimmy Davis, Peter McBride, Anthony Castro, and Frank Leeb.
A variety of topics were discussed aimed at broadening the debate and enhancing a holistic approach to fire safety in high-rise structures.
Among the topics presented were the Fire Safety of Green Walls, Academic Fire Research, Firefighter Safety, and Smoke Control.
Partnerships and future plans
The partnership with FDIC International has been instrumental in bringing this esteemed conference to the US.
Eric Schlett, Executive Vice President of Clarion Events Fire Rescue Group, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with the Tall Buildings Fire and Safety Network to bring their highly regarded conference to the United States.
“Their purpose synergistically aligns with FDIC’s core mission of training as we continue to bring key players to the forefront for the betterment of those who serve, save, and protect.”
Looking ahead, the 9th conference is scheduled for 7-9th April 2025 in Indianapolis, with calls already out for papers, presentations, sponsors, and supporters.
Russ Timpson, International Tall Building/High Rise Conference Director, expressed his satisfaction with the conference outcomes: “Really delighted with the positive feedback we have received from the ‘pilot’ first conference at FDIC.
“This gives us a good basis to plan for the 9th Tall Building High Rise Fire Safety Conference in the US in 2025.
“Mark your diaries and budgets for 7-9th April 2025 in Indianapolis, US.”
IFSJ Comment
The 8th International Tall Building/High Rise Fire Safety Conference showcased a significant gathering of global experts and leaders in fire safety, reflecting on various innovative fire safety measures and strategies for high-rise buildings.
The conference facilitated a platform for sharing extensive knowledge and recent advancements and reinforced the ongoing commitment to enhancing fire safety standards globally.
The continuation of this conference in 2025 underscores the persistent efforts and dedication towards advancing fire safety in high-rise environments.
The Tall Buildings Challenge
IFSJ Managing Editor Duncan J. White catches up with Russ Timpson, Managing Director, Tall Building Fire Safety Network, ahead of this year’s Tall Building/High Rise Fire Safety Conference
Ahead of the 8th edition of the Tall Building/High Rise Fire Safety Conference, which will take place on 15–17 April 2024 in Indianapolis, US, alongside FDIC, the event’s managing director Russ Timpson tells all about why it is a must-attend for building safety professionals.
Could you introduce yourself and your role in the industry?
My career in the fire industry started with Kent Fire Brigade which I joined in 1990.
Kent FB had some interesting challenges including responding to ship fires in the channel and the construction of the channel tunnel.
During my time as a firefighter I was given the opportunity to study fire engineering at South Bank University.
Graduation led to opportunities in wider industry starting with head of safety for Virgin Atlantic Airways.
In response to the Burger King Fire at Heathrow Airport, I was offered the role of Head of Fire Strategy with Airport operator BAA.
After five years with BAA I decided to start my own fire consultancy business.
I have built and sold businesses within the fire sector since 2004.
During this time, I become particularly interested in Tall Buildings.
This led to the formation of the Tall Building Fire Safety Network in 2009.
What inspired the inception of the Tall Building Fire Safety Network (TBFSN), and how has it evolved since its establishment?
When considering the issue of tall building fire safety prior to 2009, it become clear to me that there were several issues that demanded investigation, challenge and innovation.
TBFSN established terms of reference that were based on sharing knowledge, case studies, best practice and innovation.
From the early days of informal meetings and networking, we have now progressed to a web site (www.tallbuildingfiresfatey.com), YouTube channel, training and international conferences.
Can you share the journey and the milestones achieved by this conference over the years?
Early conferences/events were very simple affairs with small numbers of interested people meeting to discuss issues and seek peer ‘reassurance’.
I had been running the South Branch if the IFE CPD programme so has become experienced in pulling events together.
As we progressed we got speakers to prepare presentations and themed events were developed.
Over this time, several large Tall Building Fire Occurred and we managed to get details and case studies.
These proved very popular, and we started getting people attending the events from outside the UK.
One of our steering panel was Prof. Ed Galea from the University of Greenwich.
Through his position at Greenwich we hired a large lecture room and ran our first International event. We invited speakers from around the World to attend.
After two very successful conferences we were approached by FIREX in London to run our conference as part of IFSEC.
This proved to be very popular, as delegates could attend the conference and also visit the exhibition.
2022 was our biggest event after Covid with delegates from twenty eight countries attending.
We started our conference archive and this is now packed with presentations and data from the conferences.
How do you ensure the agenda remains comprehensive and addresses the most pressing issues in tall building fire safety?
Having now done this for several years, I have managed to develop an extensive network of Tall Building / High Rise contacts from around the World.
I often speak to people about issues they are dealing with and considering. This provides an invaluable insight into current and emerging issues.
Obviously, major fire in Tall Buildings attract a lot of attention and we respond as soon as we can to get details and information when they happen.
This usually highlights a particular issues, such as combustible cladding. I have also developed good relationships with industry press and media which helps.
It is also important to maintain my own personal CPD, which means I attend and listed to webinars, podcasts and interviews.
How does the conference facilitate meaningful connections among delegates from diverse backgrounds and geographies?
It is so important that we do not limit our horizons to our own country. Meeting, debating and learning is a vital aspect of conferences and training.
We developed the Tall Building Fire Safety Network group on Linkedin and this has 1500 members from around the World.
Our flagship training course; Tall Building Fire Safety Management is a five day intensive training course.
Since 2011 we have trained over 1250 people and we remain in touch with them via social media. This is a great forum for answering questions and capturing best practice.
What are some innovative technologies that will be showcased or discussed at this year’s conference?
This year’s programme is a wide ranging programme which will cover the latest academic experimental work on cladding façade systems, fire testing of green walls, fire command systems and lots of content on high rise firefighting.
There will be discussion on the use of BA above fire zones in high rise buildings.
Technology must play a role in keeping firefighters safe in this scenario.
Two conference sponsors will be show casing their products at the event; Lifeline Fire Hose and Tablet Command.
What do you believe will be the most hotly debated topic this year?
No question: EV’s and Lithium Ion Batteries. We have to find practical solutions to this international challenge.
Many Tall Buildings sit atop sub surface car parks. Tall building owners are under pressure to provide charging facilities.
This challenge has to be progressed and SOP’s and equipment must be developed.
How does the conference intend to address the balance between architectural innovation in tall buildings and fire safety standards?
In the UK we are having a big debate about how many staircases Tall Buildings should have.
This debate is coming to a head with the recent requirement (within 30 months) to adopt a two staircase doctrine for Tall Buildings.
Several developers are saying this requirement is disproportionate and excessive. It will be interesting to debate the merits different stair configurations.
What emerging trends or challenges do you foresee in tall building fire safety, and how is the conference preparing to address these?
Certainly the sustainability challenge will feature large in new schemes for Tall Buildings.
The net zero target will need to be met by increasing insulation on buildings, including timber construction, use of PV panels and Green Walls.
Modern methods of construction will add complexity, not simplify.
The fire industry must be at the table as part of the discussion, not following behind with a bucket and spade picking up the mess.
The 8th International Tall Building High Rise Fire Safety Conference will play its part in this process – I hope to see you there.
The 8th International High Rise/Tall Building Fire Safety Conference will is taking place on 15–17 April 2024 in Indianapolis, US, alongside FDIC, supported by organisers Clarion.
This article was originally published in the April 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
International Tall Building/High Rise Conference to make US debut in 2024
The 8th International Tall Building/High Rise Conference is set to make its inaugural appearance in the US from April 15-18, 2024.
It will be held in conjunction with the FDIC International event in Indianapolis, Indiana.
For those keen on knowing more about tall buildings, the conference website offers more details here.
Tall buildings and fire safety: A Global Concern
This esteemed event, which is acknowledged by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), aims to connect delegates with renowned speakers from across the globe.
Over a span of three days, the conference will offer pivotal insights into contemporary best practices, innovations in tall building fire safety, and a broad spectrum of high-fire safety topics.
This includes subjects such as façade testing, smoke control, high-rise firefighting, electric vehicles, and much more.
Previous events and their significance
The Tall Building Fire Safety Conference, now in its 8th iteration, has historically been graced by some of the leading intellects in the domain of high-rise fire safety.
Earlier editions of the conference welcomed delegates from 22 countries, with participants ranging from architects and insurers to construction professionals and firefighters.
FDIC International: A Proud Collaborator
Owned and managed by Clarion Events, FDIC International is celebrated as North America’s foremost fire and rescue event, drawing over 34,000 industry attendees each year.
Eric Schlett, Executive Vice President of Clarion Events Fire Rescue Group, shared: “We are thrilled to partner with the Tall Buildings Fire and Safety Network.
“This collaboration aligns perfectly with FDIC’s central mission.
“We eagerly anticipate welcoming a novel audience, including engineers and insurers, to foster future tall building safety initiatives.”
A Word from the Conference Director
Russ Timpson, the International Tall Building/High Rise Conference Director, said: “Teaming up with FDIC in the US presents a grand chance for the International Tall Building Fire Safety Network.
“The conference is primed to feature global thought leaders on every facet of high-rise fire safety.”
Debates that strike a chord
Each day of the conference will shine a spotlight on pressing debates:
- Day 1 probes the lessons gleaned from the Grenfell Tower and Bronx fire tragedies.
- Day 2 questions the readiness for Green Walls and Tall Timber in high-rises.
- Day 3 delves into the impact of evolving occupant behaviours on fire safety in tall residential structures.
A number of International Fire Safety Membership organisations are set to dispatch delegates, promising a fertile ground for comparing diverse strategies and policies.
The event will also host noteable VIP speakers who will share insights on various high-rise safety topics.
Prospective attendees are advised to book their slots promptly, with a limited-time ‘Early Bird Discount’ offering a 25% price cut off the regular rate.
IFSJ Comment
The confluence of global experts, hands-on training sessions, debates, and discussions in the realm of high-rise fire safety is bound to usher in transformative changes.
With the increasing prominence of tall buildings in modern cityscapes, ensuring their safety becomes paramount.
This conference not only provides a platform for sharing best practices but also fosters collaborative efforts to address the complex challenges posed by high-rises.
About the International Tall Building Fire Safety Network
The International Tall Building Fire Safety Network is a premier organisation dedicated to advancing knowledge, innovation, and best practices in the field of high-rise fire safety. Through its conferences and collaborations, the network aims to bring together industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers to make tall buildings safer for all.
Tall Building Fire Safety Network launches International Stair Descend Day
The event will take place on Friday 19 May 2023
International Stair Descend Day (ISDD), an initiative launched by the Tall Building Fire Safety Network to promote the use of stairs as a community event, will take place on Friday 19 May 2023. The purpose of the event is to encourage occupants/tenants/residents to ‘descend’ the stairs and become familiar with their location and time it takes to descend.
In a tall building fire, stairs become occupants’ only route to safety, and misjudgements regarding their location and descent time can be fatal. ISDD aims to start a conversation about how people can vacate a building using stairs, rather than relying solely on elevators.
The event is not intended to be considered a fire drill, but a fun way for people to engage with their safety advisors, landlords, and managing agents. The ISDD is not limited to residential buildings but any high-rise building, whether it is business or mixed-use.
ISDD aims to promote social gatherings and activities such as “coffee and donuts” at the ground floor, raising money for local charities, and using social media to inform everyone that you have descended the stairs with fellow building occupants, neighbours, and colleagues.
Know your building
The event encourages occupants to consider the following questions: where are the stairs in my building? How long does it take to walk down the stairs? Can my neighbours and colleagues descend the stairs unaided? What do I do if I need help or need to ask questions? Is there any building features or evacuation equipment I should be aware of? What are the emergency procedures in my building?
Russ Timpson, Managing Director at Crisisboardroom and Tall Building Fire Safety Network, emphasised that people should not use any equipment such as evacuation chairs unless they have been trained to use them.
Participants should take advice from a competent safety professional before assisting anyone to descend the stairs.
The ISDD event hopes to bring awareness and prepare occupants for potential evacuation situations, creating a safer environment for all.