Updated programme for International Water Mist Conference 2025 released by IWMA
Iain Hoey
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Programme changes for Manchester water mist conference
The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has issued an updated programme for the 24th International Water Mist Conference, taking place from 23 to 25 September 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
The revised schedule includes adjustments to session timings and speaker line-up.
IWMA President Max Lakkonen is scheduled to deliver the welcoming address and industry review on the first full day of the event.
Sir Ken Knight will follow with a welcome note drawing on his more than 40 years in UK Fire and Rescue Services.
The conference will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, with technical sessions held in the Rothwell Suite and the exhibition in the Bernstein Suite.
Focus on modern water mist applications
According to IWMA, the first session will examine modern water mist systems in sectors such as marine, offshore, heritage buildings, and high-rise construction.
Ann Micheli of Ultra Fog will discuss adoption of water mist in marine and offshore fire suppression.
Antti Hurme from Marioff will present a case study on Notre Dame Cathedral.
Fogtec’s Rüdiger Kopp will address high-rise building protection using high-pressure water mist systems.
Further topics in this session include applications in data centres, machinery spaces, photovoltaic system roofs, and ammunition loading machines.
Design, installation and standards sessions
The updated programme lists a second session covering design, installation, and operation of water mist systems.
Presentations will include car park protection, data centre integration, and use of IWMA’s Water Mist Guide.
A session dedicated to standards will review EN 14972 design processes and the future of water mist in the UK.
This section will conclude with a panel discussion on UK standardisation, moderated by Ann Micheli.
Research, testing and development content
IWMA has confirmed that the second day will include sessions on research, testing, and development of water mist technologies.
Research topics will include shielded fire suppression, hazard comparisons in parking structures, greenhouse gas emissions from suppression systems, and passive fire protection requirements.
Testing and development presentations will address ignitable liquid storage fires, updated VdS test concepts, and interactions between suppression systems and touchless door-openers.
Components, certification and networking
The closing session will focus on water mist components and specialised applications.
Topics will include certification of electronically operated domestic systems to UL 2167A, remote maintenance, and alternative high-pressure nozzle technology.
The conference will end with a summary from Max Lakkonen, followed by a networking lunch.
IWMA has also scheduled evening receptions and optional social events.
Updated programme for International Water Mist Conference 2025 released by IWMA: Summary
The International Water Mist Association has released an updated programme for the 24th International Water Mist Conference.
The event will take place from 23 to 25 September 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
The conference will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Technical sessions will cover modern applications, design and installation, standards, research, testing, and components.
Confirmed speakers include Max Lakkonen, Sir Ken Knight, Ann Micheli, Antti Hurme, and Rüdiger Kopp.
Day one sessions will focus on marine, offshore, heritage, high-rise, data centre, machinery space, photovoltaic, and ammunition applications.
Day two will address shielded fires, parking structure hazards, greenhouse gas emissions, and passive protection.
Testing topics include ignitable liquid storage fires, VdS test updates, and suppression impacts on door-openers.
The final session will review certification, maintenance, and nozzle technology.
Networking opportunities include a reception and after-conference dinner.