Dr Thomas de Maizière, Minister of the Interior, has praised the commitment of the many volunteers working with Germany’s technical civil defense organisation, the voluntary fire service and other relief organisations. According to de Maizière, who is also serving as the patron of Interschutz 2015 in Hannover, approximately 1,7 million volunteers form the backbone of Germany’s civil protection services.
The country’s unique voluntary services enjoy inestimable esteem worldwide. On the same note, de Maizière described the international trade fair for fire protection and disaster relief as a top international event, adding: ‘I wish Interschutz every success and hope that civil protection will benefit from the technological innovations on display at the show.’
1,300 exhibitors from more than 40 countries
With still eight months to go before Interschutz 2015 opens in Hannover, the demand for exhibition space has been remarkably high. This International Exhibition for Rescue, Fire Prevention, Disaster Relief, Safety and Security, which is staged every five years by Deutsche Messe, generally attracts around 1,300 exhibitors from more than 40 countries. Interschutz is sponsored by a number of professional organisations, including the German Fire Protection Association (vfdb), the German Fire Services Association (Deutsche Feuerwehrverband e. V.) and the German Engineering Federation (VDMA). Interschutz has attracted a unique mix of commercial and non-commercial exhibitors whose participation ensures groundbreaking conferences and an excellent supporting program. With this lineup, visitors can be sure that every aspect of safety and security is covered.
Interschutz has long since ceased to be an event dedicated exclusively to the fire services,’ stressed Dr. Jochen Köckler, Member of the Managing Board at Deutsche Messe with responsibility for Interschutz 2015.
‘The event has evolved into a global event for all security and safety related areas.’
Interest has grown internationally as a result. Deutsche Messe has addressed the trend that has emerged over the past few months by allocating additional display space (Hall 25) to accommodate the growing demand for space in the categories fire prevention, disaster relief, rescue and security. Thus exhibits in Hall 25 will focus mainly on the themes of rescue and disaster relief also featured in Hall 26 and become a hub for professionals from these sectors. Halls 25 and 27 will provide manufacturers a platform for their firefighting vehicles, equipment and diverse accessories. The meeting-place for professionals in the fire protection sector is located in Hall 13, while exhibitors in Hall 12 will stage displays focusing on safety and security. Hall 12 will also feature a special meeting-place called: Security & CRI!SE, as well as displays of protective gear and communication technology.
The displays in the exhibition halls will be complemented by presentations on the large open-air site and test tracks, where visitors can experience numerous exciting demonstrations. Display space totaling more than 85,000 m² in five exhibition halls and on the open-air site has already been booked. ‘The final figure is likely to reach as much as 90,000 m²,’ predicted Köckler.
‘The many interesting new products are not the sole reason why visitors from Germany and further afield will find a trip to Hannover for Interschutz 2015 worthwhile,’ said Dr. Köckler.
‘It’s the right place for anyone seeking interesting job offers and information, thanks to the ‘job and career’ project, which employers may also want to use to head hunt.’
Joint pavilions such as ‘Innovation made in Germany’ provide new German companies with an opportunity to showcase their latest developments, as well as recent trends in fire prevention, disaster management and civil security. The importance and vast scope of Interschutz is underlined by the CRI!SE – Critical Infrastructure Event, a forum which deals with the protection of critical infrastructures. Furthermore, several hundred professionals will be taking part in a large congress for rescue services which is organised by the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe (Order of St. John’s) and the vfdb (German Fire Protection Association).
There will also be several displays of physical prowess, including the contest called ‘TFA Toughest Fire-fighter Alive’, which is considered to be the world’s ultimate test of a firefighter’s strength, coordination and physical condition, as well as the German rope rescue championship with more than 100 contestants from every state in Germany taking part.
