IFSJ Leaders Conference: The definitive gathering for industry leaders
Iain Hoey
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The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2025 will unite fire safety professionals to share perspectives on leadership and the evolving responsibilities of decision-makers
The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2025, held in partnership with Britannia Fire, is set to take place on May 8, 2025, at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina.
This one-day event has become a central meeting point for senior fire and safety professionals to engage in high-level discussions, share expertise and influence the direction of the industry.
The conference will examine emerging risks and advancements in fire safety, such as alternative fuels, AI-driven fire detection and sustainable suppression technologies.
It provides a focused platform for professionals to address these challenges, ensuring every discussion leads to practical insights that shape the future of fire and safety.
A fully subscribed sponsorship line-up for 2025
Demand for IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety sponsorship has been exceptionally high, with the 2025 event now at full capacity.
The recent additions of VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH and Apollo Fire Detectors complete the line-up, reflecting the strong appeal of this high-level industry gathering.
This year’s sponsors include Platinum Partner Britannia Fire, Gold Partners ATEÏS / VELOX and MSA – The Safety Company, Silver Partners RelyOn, FireDos and Global HSE Group, Partners Fire Lion Global, Paradigm, Apollo Fire Detectors and VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH and Food & Beverage Partner Performance Advantage Company (PAC).
Although sponsorship for 2025 is closed, organisations can now register their interest for 2026 to secure a presence at next year’s conference.
What to expect at IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety 2025
The final conference programme is yet to be unveiled, but discussions will likely focus on some of the most pressing topics in fire safety and emergency response.
Possible subjects include AI and fire safety, with an emphasis on how artificial intelligence is transforming fire detection, prevention and emergency response strategies.
The risks associated with alternative fuels and lithium-ion batteries may also be addressed, as these emerging technologies pose significant challenges for fire safety professionals.
Sustainable suppression technologies could be explored, assessing the transition towards environmentally friendly firefighting solutions.
Firefighter safety and decontamination are also expected to be key topics, with discussions on advancements in personal protective equipment and post-incident contamination reduction.
Other sessions may focus on protecting critical infrastructure, with expert insights into safeguarding transportation hubs, industrial facilities and public spaces.
An event defined by industry expertise
The conference programme is shaped by an esteemed advisory panel, ensuring that every session reflects the most relevant challenges and opportunities in fire safety.
Terry Johnson, Conference Chair & President of IFE GCC UAE Branch, will once again lead the event.
Engineer Salma Humaid Saeed AlAli, Head of Engineering Section, Dubai Civil Defense, will provide insights into regulatory enforcement and fire engineering.
Lieutenant Colonel Dr Humaid Al Ali, Deputy Director of Fire Affairs, UAE General Command of Civil Defense, Ministry of Interior, brings expertise in policy and operational fire affairs.
Lieutenant Colonel Dr Essa Almutawa, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, Dubai Civil Defense, will contribute knowledge on the role of AI in fire safety strategies.
Steve Apter, Former UK Chief Fire Officer and Deputy Commissioner of London Fire Brigade, brings experience in leadership and crisis management.
Tarek Al Assil, Executive Director of IFM Facilities Management LLC, offers expertise in large-scale fire safety operations.
Ghaith Bakir, Senior Regulatory Engineer at UL Solutions, brings regulatory expertise in fire safety standards.
Mark Buckingham, General Manager of Fire Rescue and Emergency Planning, King Abdulaziz Airport, Jeddah, provides insights into fire risk management in aviation.
Paul Calderwood, Deputy Chief (Ret), Everett Fire Department, Massachusetts, will share perspectives on emergency response leadership.
David Campbell, General Manager of Dubai Civil Defense’s Emirates Safety Laboratory, contributes expertise in fire testing and research.
Sawsan Dahham, CEO of SIENA, will provide perspectives on fire safety design and consultancy.
Robert Davies, Operations Director at WSP in the Middle East, brings strategic expertise in risk mitigation.
Dr Reginald D. Freeman, Executive Director – Fire & EMS for NEOM, brings a global perspective on fire and emergency service leadership.
Dana Kamal, NFPA Director at International Development (MENA), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, contributes knowledge of fire protection and international regulations.
Saif Essa Al Maskiri, Senior GHSE Manager – Emergency Preparedness & Response, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), will offer insights into fire risk management for high-hazard industries.
Sajid Raza, BEng (Hons), MBA, CEO of Butler Engineering, will contribute expertise in fire engineering solutions.
Robert (Bob) Rea, Director and Lead Facilitator at BR Training Solutions Ltd, brings extensive experience in fire safety training.
Peter Stephenson, Independent International Fire Safety Engineer and Fire & Emergency Response Specialist, will discuss the evolving landscape of global fire safety practices.
Mohammed Saeefan, Fire Protection Engineering Specialist at Saudi Aramco and Chief Operations Officer, World Firefighters Games 2026 (AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia), will share knowledge on fire protection engineering and international firefighter engagement.
A track record of value for exhibitors and attendees
The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference has built a strong reputation among exhibitors and attendees, with participants consistently recognising its value in shaping industry discussions and fostering connections.
Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director of Britannia Fire, reflected on why his company expanded its involvement: “After attending the event for the first time last year and witnessing the quality of seminars and the calibre of leaders in the room, I instantly knew we had to become more involved.The opportunity to lead as the platinum sponsor was an easy decision to make.”
Past exhibitors have also shared their experiences.
Sam Malins, CEO of Reacton Fire Suppression, said: “It’s always a pleasure dealing with Ben, Duncan and the whole team at IFSJ.
“The magazine provides us with great reach and we are always provided with a commercially viable package.”
Paul Pope, Global Head of Fire & Life Safety Business, Ajax Systems, said: “Having collaborated with IFSJ for several years I can say their content is always fresh, relevant and incredibly well-researched.
“Their ability to tackle key topics in the fire and safety sector makes their journal indispensable for anyone serious about staying informed.
“The Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference reflected the same high standards, bringing together top minds and ideas from across the industry.”
Exclusive networking and engagement opportunities
The conference provides more than just speaker sessions.
Attendees will have access to a dedicated networking area, positioned outside the main conference hall, allowing for private discussions and business connections.
Commercial partners will be on hand to showcase their expertise, while delegates can exchange insights in a setting designed to encourage direct engagement.
This structured format ensures that conversations extend beyond the conference sessions, leading to long-term industry relationships and business development opportunities.
Why this event matters to the global fire safety community
The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference is an international event that provides attendees from the US, Europe and Asia with the opportunity to engage with industry leaders from the MENA region.
With regulatory changes and technological advancements shaping fire safety in different markets, this event offers global perspectives that can be applied across diverse industry sectors.
For American fire safety professionals, the conference provides first-hand insight into challenges and solutions emerging in international fire safety.
Led by experienced industry figures, these discussions offer valuable takeaways that can be implemented within their own organisations.
With sponsorships for 2025 now closed, organisations looking to be part of the 2026 edition are encouraged to register their interest early, as demand continues to grow each year.
For further details on securing a presence in 2026, visit the event website or contact the IFSJ team directly.
Secure your place at IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety 2025
The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2025 is set to be a key event for professionals seeking to remain at the forefront of the industry.
Secure your place today to engage with experts, gain valuable insights and connect with senior decision-makers shaping the future of fire safety.
