FIA heralds “most ambitious programme to date” for The Fire Safety Event

This year’s edition of The Fire Safety Event promises to be a “standout moment” in the fire safety sector’s calendar, with the FIA placing a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing, skills development and industry engagement.

Platform for expertise

A cornerstone of the FIA’s presence at the NEC, the FIA Guidance Theatre will provide a hub for learning and discussion. Attendees can expect a dynamic programme featuring keynote speakers, technical sessions and expert-led panel discussions covering a wide range of topics.

Bringing together leading voices from across the sector, the Guidance Theatre will offer valuable insights into current challenges, emerging technologies and Best Practice, ensuring that visitors remain informed and ahead of the curve.

The programme for 28 April begins at 10.40 am with the FIA’s CEO Ian Moore OBE speaking on the key topic of compliance in the fire industry. Updates on BS 5266-1 come courtesy of Will Lloyd (head of technical at the FIA). That session begins at noon.

‘Shaping Standards’ is the title of a panel discussion being delivered by the FIA’s Fire Detection and Alarm Council. Starting at 1.20 pm, participants include Paul Pope from Ajax Systems UK and Robert Quinn of Eurotech Fire Systems.

Presenters in the FIA Guidance Theatre on 29 April include Russ Timpson (head of the Tall Building Fire Safety Network) and Elaine Walters (fire and building safety manager at the Gentoo Group). From 11.20 am, Walters will be examining the development of the next generation of fire safety professionals.

One of the highlights on 30 April is the noon presentation on shaping the future of sustainable fire safety. This is delivered by Adil Sardardeen, head of sustainability at FIA Member Company Apollo Fire Detectors.

Spotlight on emerging talent

New for 2026, the FIA is hosting the inaugural edition of the Fire Industry Newcomer of the Year Competition, duly shining a spotlight on the next generation of fire safety professionals.

Taking place live on the FIA’s Stand in Hall 4 at the NEC, this fast-paced, hands-on competition is tailored for trainees, apprentices and early-career technicians working in fire detection and alarm systems.

Participants will be challenged to work on a live, non-addressable fire alarm system where they must identify faults and any non-compliances, apply safe working practices, carry out accurate system testing and then document their findings.

Competitors will be assessed by experienced industry professionals using a structured and fair marking system, with performance judged on method, accuracy and the degree of professionalism shown.

The live format offers a unique opportunity for visitors, employers and peers to observe real-world competence in action, in turn highlighting the importance of skills development and raising standards across the industry.

Driving collaboration and innovation

By virtue of combining expert-led education with practical and skills-based competition, the FIA’s presence at The Fire Safety Event 2026 reinforces the Trade Association’s overriding commitment to supporting the fire safety community at every level.

With its largest offering at the NEC to date, the FIA invites all attendees to engage, learn and connect, ensuring that the industry continues to evolve, innovate and uphold the very highest standards of safety.

*Further information is available online at www.fia.uk.com

**Register for The Fire Safety Event 2026 online at www.firesafetyevent.com