After almost three years, FIREX returned in-person to London in May for the biggest gathering of international fire safety professionals in 2022
With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, FIREX International continued its long-standing partnerships with organisations such as the Fire Industry Association (FIA), ASFP and Aico to ensure the event showcased high standards and professional competence to all.
Industry professionals had the opportunity to reconnect with the entire fire buying chain, including manufacturers and vendors, distributors, installers, integrators, consultants and end-users. As always, the event offered an immersive experience for the entire fire safety buying chain. Exhibitors and visitors alike were able to reconnect with the entire fire safety community, share expertise and get up to speed on the latest legislation.
The ExCeL Centre was once again filled with the familiar sounds of the hustle and bustle of a busy trade hall, the welcoming chatter of old friends and familiar faces, and the excitement of possible new business ventures and innovation.
FIREX International came back with a bang in May 2022, having been postponed for three years. The event ran alongside four complimentary shows including IFSEC, Safety and Health Expo, Intelligent Buildings Europe and the Facilities Show. The show welcomed a diverse audience from manufacturer to consumer, offering full solutions for every aspect of the industry.
The Coronavirus pandemic caused a lot of unease and worry in the fire industry, especially when it came to the events landscape, with shows being cancelled and postponed left, right and centre. Nearly three years later however, restrictions began to lift and events re-opened their doors for the first time to a more than welcoming industry. Although FIREX was not quite as rammed as it had been previously, it was clear that attendees were excited to be back, reunited. The feedback from exhibitors was that attendees offered quality over quantity, proving that events are a much-needed component in the industry.
Despite the footfall lacking in a few small areas, it was clear that this actually allowed visitors to interact more with the conferences, workshops and most importantly, the exhibitors. However, it was certainly not a quiet show, with over 20,000 customers returning to the ExCeL Centre across the three days.
Gerry Dunphy, Event Director said, “And didn’t we all have to wait! As FIREX closed its doors in June 2019, we were eagerly looking forward to returning in June 2020. But Covid 19 had very different ideas. As the pandemic began to unfold, it was immediately apparent that large-scale gatherings were one of the first areas of concern, which included sporting events, concerts and trade shows. Frustratingly we had to postpone the events three times as we tried in vain to second guess the Government’s lockdowns and seek a gap where we would have permission to host the events in a safe and practical way.
“So it was with immense relief and pride that we were able to bring FIREX back to ExCeL from 17-19th May, welcoming over 20,000 customers back to a show which hadn’t traded for nearly three years. In the intervening period we maintained a constant and purposeful dialogue with the exhibitors, many of whom understood our frustrations and were happy to work with us towards the day when we could finally re-open the doors.”
To read the full article, as well as the latest news stories, see our June issue here.
Media contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, International Fire Buyer
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]
