Technical insight at the forefront: IFE’s International President outlines aims for inaugural technical fire conference

The IFE International President’s Technical Conference will support collaboration, knowledge exchange and lobby for fire safety improvement

Fire professionals are under growing pressure to respond to emerging risks, navigate regulatory change and harness innovation. In this context, the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is launching its International President’s Technical Conference; a two-day technical programme focused on the future of fire safety.

Book tickets for the technical conference here

IFSJ spoke to Trent Fearnley, the IFE’s International President, about what attendees can expect and why this event is a key date for the global fire safety community.

Can you tell us a bit about the International President’s Technical Conference?

The sector is facing fast-moving challenges, battery technologies, façade performance, wildfires, and sustainable construction. We need high-quality technical spaces to share ideas and solutions, and this conference is a direct response to that demand, and part of our wider commitment under the IFE strategy to support continuous learning and sector improvement.

This year’s theme is ‘Taking the Next Steps: A Collaborative Path to a Fire Safe Future’. What does that represent?

It reflects the fact that fire safety isn’t something achieved in isolation, and whether you’re a fire engineer, building control officer, operational commander or academic, our progress depends on collaboration. The theme also recognises how far we’ve come, particularly with regulatory reform and new competencies, but that there’s still more to do. This conference is about coming together to take those next steps as a sector.

What’s in store on the programme?

There’s a strong and diverse technical line-up across both days. Topics include façade testing methodology, lithium battery risks, sustainable construction vs fire safety, evacuation modelling, fire strategies and updates from both regulators and UK fire and rescue services. We’ve also got key insights from academia and case studies that will resonate with delegates from around the world.

How does this differ from other IFE events?

This conference is very focused on technical depth and professional exchange. It’s built for people who want to dig into the issues, hear directly from subject matter experts, and go away with knowledge they can apply. It complements our broader member events and CPD activities but stands out for its global scope and strong fire engineering focus which will hopefully satisfy the technical needs of fire engineers and operational fire personnel.

How is the IFE ensuring the content is globally relevant?

Drawing on his research in South Africa, our keynote address is providing an international perspective on sustainability and fire safety.  Other topics have origins in first principles fire engineering and therefore are not national code specific, such as the use of computer fire models for evacuation or structural fire engineering and car park loading calculations. By learning from each other, we can raise global standards and create safer outcomes worldwide.

Who would benefit from attending, and how can people book?

Anyone working in fire safety, engineering, building control, regulation or operational risk will find value here, and all sessions are CPD-accredited. The event takes place 18-19 June 2025 at the University of Lancashire (UCLan). You can register and view the full programme at https://www.ife.org.uk/Home/Events-and-resources/Events/Event-Details/eventDateID/1097