IFE’s 2026 AGM and Rasbash Lecture to run on 30 July

Indeed, the AGM is an important opportunity for members to engage directly with the work and governance of their professional body. The gathering will include updates from the IFE and consideration of the annual accounts. The new Board of Trustee Directors will be announced and the new presidential team outlined with plenty of time for questions.

Following the success of the chosen delivery method last year, the AGM will be held once again in a hybrid format, ensuring members can take part in a way that best suits them. In-person delegates will be welcomed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon with online attendees able to participate via the AGM website.

Important moment

Paul Adams, CEO at the IFE, commented: “This AGM is a particularly important moment for me as it will be my first as CEO of the IFE. It provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved, reaffirm our commitment to professional standards and transparency and look ahead to the role we will continue to play in supporting our members and the wider sector.”

Adams continued: “I’m very much looking forward to engaging with members, hearing their views and working collaboratively to build on our strong foundations in the year ahead.”

Rasbash Lecture

The IFE is delighted to announce the return of the Rasbash Lecture, which will follow immediately after the AGM and be streamed live to online attendees.

This year’s lecture will be delivered by Dr Karen Boyce FIFireE, senior lecturer in the School of the Built Environment at the University of Ulster. Boyce’s presentation runs under the title: ‘Safe Evacuation for All: How Far Have We Come and How Far Are We Prepared To Go?’

The presentation will explore how current means of escape design guidance aligns with the realities of accessible building design and changing demographics, drawing on research and real-world evidence to question underlying assumptions, evacuation planning approaches and management expectations. Ultimately, it’s about challenging whether the profession is doing enough to deliver effective and inclusive safety for all.

Those attending the AGM and Rasbash Lecture in-person are invited to join Dr Boyce for an informal drinks reception following the event. A recording of both the AGM and the Rasbash Lecture will be made available to members on MyIFE shortly after the day has concluded.

Booking details

IFE members will receive an e-mail from AGM partner PIN Communications on 30 June. This contains a unique security code and instructions.

Anyone planning to attend the AGM and the Rasbash Lecture in-person must register their place via the IFE’s website before 3.15 pm on 28 July. Visit the IFE’s events page to book in-person places online