FeuerTRUTZ is on course for success once again. When experts convene again at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg on 21-22 February 2018, they can look forward to a range of trade fair and information services that have expanded even further since the last occasion. More than 280 exhibitors will showcase innovations and best practices for passive, active and organisational fire protection. The supporting programme, with its exhibitor forums, compact seminars, and live demonstrations, offers expertise with a practical focus. This year, the highly regarded Fire Protection Congress, whose theme is “Fire protection as a driver of costs?”, will include the question of economic efficiency in fire protection, which always generates lively discussion.

Cutting costs in fire prevention often means making savings at the wrong end. One powerful example is the fire at Grenfell Tower in west London. When the building was modernised in 2015, other, cheaper materials were used than those intended – with fatal consequences. Even so, fire safety professionals must still consider the question of economic efficiency. The highly regarded Fire Protection Congress, held in parallel with the FeuerTRUTZ trade fair, will examine this topic in 2018. Since it debuted in 2011, FeuerTRUTZ has grown steadily and taken on a more international flavour. More than 280 exhibitors are expected at this year’s event, and more than one in ten will travel to Nuremberg from outside Germany.

Executive Director of FeuerTRUTz, Stefan Dittrich, elaborates on growth, internationality and numbers
Stefan Dittrich, Executive Director FeuerTRUTZ at trade fair organiser NürnbergMesse, explains what is special about FeuerTRUTZ: 'FeuerTRUTZ is Europe’s largest platform with a special focus on preventive fire protection. An attractive supporting programme and the accompanying Fire Protection Congress offer the latest knowledge about specific challenges and the market. Whether it’s in the exhibitor forums or at the Fire Protection EXPERIENCE with its fascinating live demonstrations, FeuerTRUTZ is the place for dialogue between exhibitors and visitors. It’s the meeting place for the industry, a kind of family get-together for fire protection specialists!'

Since their debut in 2011, they have come a long way. 'The first standalone FeuerTRUTZ trade fair was held in Nuremberg in 2011 – with 108 exhibitors and around 2,300 visitors. Since then, FeuerTRUTZ has enjoyed double-digit growth in exhibitor numbers every year, along with growing visitor numbers and increasing participation from abroad. It has proved a genuine success story, and has now expanded the fire protection theme with a dialogue platform in India: the Fire & Security India Expo', Stefan Dittrich continued.

Germany being one of the key markets for the fire protection industry, Dittrich further explains the role of foreign suppliers and trade visitors: 'Despite differences in certification practice between the individual countries, the growth in the trade fair itself has been accompanied by steady growth in foreign participation. In 2018, for example, prominent exhibitors such as Apollo from the UK, FirePro from Cyprus, Odice from France and Safera from Finland will be there. In recent years we have welcomed professionals from more than 30 countries. The market overview that FeuerTRUTZ provides also offers a strong appeal for international fire safety professionals.'

Exhibitor Forums with 45 Presentations
The extensive supporting programme at FeuerTRUTZ 2018 has also grown this year. At two separate forums, exhibitors and organisations will provide 45 30-minute presentations about products and trends, including the latest developments in the area of law and standardisation. Partner associations will moderate the four series of presentations. The agenda includes the series on Plant Technology and Fire Protection – new developments in standardisation and law (German Central Association of the Electrical Engineering and Electronics Industry, ZVEI), Firefighting Water Technology Forum  (Federal Association for Technical Fire Protection, bvfa), Fire Protection – the Details Matter (Berlin Fire Safety Academy, BAB) and Smoke Management in Buildings (Smoke Extraction Action Group, AGE).

Compact Seminars: Knowledge for Specialists
Three compact seminars held in parallel with the trade fair and congress will provide more in-depth knowledge. This includes the seminar on “Fire Protection DIRECT Extinguishing Technology” by the bvfa. Another seminar will focus on “Fire prevention in Bavaria”, and is aimed particularly at architects and representatives of official agencies in that State. “Well networked in case of fire?” is the question posed by a third seminar, provided by cooperation partner VDI (Association of German Engineers) in the forum for experts in building services.

Live Demonstrations at the Trade Fair
Under the heading of “Fire Protection EXPERIENCE”, there will once again be a range of live fire protection presentations in the outdoor area and in the trade fair hall itself. For example, Stöbich Brandschutz will give trade visitors the opportunity to experience at close quarters how quickly the build-up of smoke in a fire can lead to disorientation. Further live demonstrations will be provided at the stands of AUMÜLLER, Siemens, svt Brandschutz and WAGNER Group.

Job Board and Training & Career Meeting Point
Professional development is essential for experts in passive, active and organisational fire protection. Fifteen institutes, universities and academies will introduce themselves accordingly at the shared Training & Career Meeting Point. Both experienced fire safety professionals and newcomers will find exciting training opportunities and customised services to take them to the next stage in their careers. Anyone looking for a new professional challenge should also have a look at the new Job Board, either on-site or on the FeuerTRUTZ website, where more than 50 job vacancies posted by exhibiting companies are listed for fire safety experts.

Networking: After Work Party
After an eventful first day at the trade fair, it will be time to unwind at the FeuerTRUTZ After Work Party. Cold drinks, a buffet and a relaxed atmosphere will be perfect for networking and just chatting with friendly colleagues and new contacts. A special venue has been chosen for the 2018 After Work Party: the PARKS café in Nuremberg’s city park.