This year’s Firexpo event will focus on increasing safety for building occupants and company employees through sophisticated fire detection technology and preventative measures, coupled with targeted emergency and disaster measures, highlights event management company Specialised Exhibitions – a division of Montgomery Group.

Specialised Exhibitions portfolio director Mark Anderson notes that Firexpo – being held this year from June 3 to 5 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand – has and will continue to grow in popularity within the fire industry, evidenced by it attracting an increasing number of visitors every year.

One of the benefits of Firexpo is that it offers visitors the chance to experience fire safety solutions first-hand, through live demonstrations, allowing visitors to test various fire safety products to ensure that they find the correct solution to their specific challenges.

This adds to the wealth of experience that exhibitors bring to the table, creating an interactive networking environment where visitors are assured of creating a work or living environment where fire risks are mitigated.

As the organiser, Specialised Exhibitions is focused on delivering a stronger, more impactful event by building on what has previously worked and elevating these aspects, and it aims to do so by growing the exhibitor mix to include more recent solutions, thereby ensuring that the event reflects the latest advancements in the sector.

“We’re curating a focused seminar programme that speaks directly to industry challenges and solutions, featuring expert-led talks and live product demonstrations and, owing to the growing demand, Firexpo 2025 will expand into Hall 4 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, giving us more space to showcase solutions and accommodate the event’s growth,” Anderson explains.

The company seeks to deepen partnerships with key industry associations and stakeholders to ensure that the event remains relevant, connected and valuable to the fire safety community.

The fire industry plays a crucial role in South Africa’s economy and public safety, serving as a catalyst for industrial growth and risk management, Anderson notes.

The significance of this industry lies in its protection of infrastructure and investment as it helps safeguard billions of rands’ worth of infrastructure across commercial, industrial and residential sectors, including manufacturing plants, warehouses and logistics hubs, power stations and renewable- energy sites, shopping centres, hospitals, schools and public buildings.

Anderson notes that without effective fire protection systems, these assets face a heightened risk of loss or damage, which could lead to job losses, insurance payouts, business closures and stalled economic activity.

The fire protection and firefighting industry employs many South Africans including fire engineers, system designers, firefighters, emergency responders, technicians, installers and inspectors. There are also support training institutions and certification bodies that contribute to skills development and professionalism in the broader safety and engineering sectors.

The industry is also attuned to technological evolution, with the organiser noting an increase in demand for smart fire detection and alarm systems, AI-driven fire risk analytics, environment-friendly suppression agents, firefighting drones and thermal imaging.

“These innovations promote the growth of South Africa’s technology sector and attract manufacturers, integrators and research and development investment into the country,” Anderson says.

The industry helps bolster the enforcement of the National Building Regulations, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, municipal bylaws and fire brigade services legislation, with Anderson highlighting that, by ensuring compliance, the fire industry supports legal and regulatory frameworks critical to sustainable development and public safety.

Firexpo’s co-location with other events such as Securex South Africa, A-OSH EXPO, and the Facilities Management Expo is creating a comprehensive and accessible platform for fire industry professionals and, in 2024, these combined events attracted 10 115 visitors over three days, highlighting the demand for integrated safety, security and facilities management solutions.

“By consolidating multiple industry events, Firexpo reduces the need for separate gatherings, thereby minimising travel and associated carbon emissions. This approach aligns with global trends in sustainable business practices, where exhibitions are recognised for their role in reducing environmental impact while supporting economic activity,” Anderson concludes.