Leading the future of fire safety

FIRE Conference 2023 brings together experts and industry leaders

Details on keynote speakers, workshops, and ticket options for the FIRE Conference revealed

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has announced the programme highlights for the eagerly anticipated FIRE conference 2023, set to make a return on Tuesday 17th October at the Institution of Engineering and Technology in London.

Following the success of last year’s conference with over 400 delegates in attendance, the event will feature a mix of in-person and online presentations and workshops.

The theme for 2023 will be ‘leading the future of fire safety,’ with a focus on sustainability and new legislation.

This year’s conference will be chaired by broadcaster Sima Kotecha.

Among the keynote speakers and workshop highlights are:

• Keynotes:
  • Adopting a human-centred response to tragedy – lessons from Grenfell:
    • Danny Friedman KC of Matrix Chambers will discuss the learnings from the response to the Grenfell Tower fire and the subsequent inquiry, including the need for a system that “places human dignity at its core and removes discrimination.”
  • Building Safety Regulator updates:
    • An update on the Building Safety Act and its reception so far in England, led by a government representative.
  • A ministerial plenary:
    • Subject to confirmation, an MP will provide updates from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).
  • Enforcement – who is responsible now?
    • An overview of changes in enforcement due to new legislation.
  • The future of fire risk assessors:
    • Steve Hamm, IFE CEO, will discuss the future of fire risk assessment.
• Workshops:
  • Legal and contractual responsibilities.
  • The long-term health of firefighters.
  • Utilising new technologies – the future of training.
  • National regulator for construction products and the future of fire testing, featuring speakers like Chris Miles, Commercial Director, FPA, and Peter Caplehorn, CEO, Construction Products Association.
  • Tackling fire safety in batteries.

The event will welcome both physical and virtual attendees, with ticket options ranging from £125.00 plus VAT for virtual attendance to £275.00 plus VAT for non-member and commercial organisations wishing to attend in person.

Further details on sessions and speakers will be released as they are confirmed.

IFSJ Comment

The announcement of the programme highlights for the FIRE conference 2023 underlines the ongoing commitment of the fire safety industry to address pressing issues such as sustainability, new legislation, and technological advances.

The inclusion of key figures from across the industry, government, and related sectors adds to the significance of this event in shaping the future of fire safety in the UK and beyond.

About the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)

The Institution of Fire Engineers is a global organisation that supports the fire prevention and firefighting communities, promoting best practices and supporting fire professionals’ development.

By providing training, conferences, and resources, the IFE plays a pivotal role in enhancing fire safety and response across industries and governments. For more information, please visit their official website.