Dr. Andreas Gruchow

INTERSCHUTZ, which was scheduled for June 2020, will be postponed by one year. This is the mutual decision of the organizers and partners of the trade fair for fire and rescue services, civil protection, safety and security. The reason is the coronavirus, which directly affects both exhibitors and visitors of INTERSCHUTZ and requires them to be available for duty at other locations. INTERSCHUTZ will now take place from 14 to 19 June 2021 in Hannover. About three months before the actual start of the event, it is now certain that the next INTERSCHUTZ will take place in summer 2021. Exhibiting Emergency Aid Organizations More than 150,000 visitors from all over the world attend INTERSCHUTZ "The people who under ordinary conditions would have come to INTERSCHUTZ in June this year are precisely those who are most needed due to the coronavirus crisis," says Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Member of the Managing Board, Deutsche Messe AG. "As INTERSCHUTZ, we are part of the industry. With our decision, we therefore take responsibility and provide security in planning". More than 150,000 visitors from all over the world attend INTERSCHUTZ. However, in times of pandemic, helpers and rescuers are needed to maintain supplies and security. The same applies to exhibiting emergency aid organizations or authorities with security tasks whose capacities are needed elsewhere. Digital Deployment Technology But also exhibitors from the industry are directly or indirectly involved in the crisis situation, such as manufacturers of protective equipment, suppliers of digital deployment technology or even vehicle manufacturers whose customers cannot or are not allowed to visit a trade fair in this situation. We therefore would like to wish all the players and the entire INTERSCHUTZ community" "We were on an excellent path – and we are aiming for a strong INTERSCHUTZ," says Gruchow. "Under the current conditions, however, this is not possible. We therefore would like to wish all the players and the entire INTERSCHUTZ community all the best and every strength for the tasks ahead. We will see each other in Hannover in June 2021, where we will have the opportunity to take a detailed and analytical look at the pandemic – and what we can learn from it". Enormous Number Of Organizational Consequences Postponing a trade fair on the scale of INTERSCHUTZ has an enormous number of organizational consequences. The 29th German Firefighters' Day will also be postponed until next year: "The synergy between the trade fair and the top firefighters' meeting is important to us - the postponement is a joint decision," explains Hermann Schreck, permanent representative of the President of the German Firefighters' Association (DFV). The most important questions arising from such a postponement for exhibitors and visitors of INTERSCHUTZ will be published in an FAQ on the INTERSCHUTZ homepage. Further questions will be clarified via the usual communication channels. INTERSCHUTZ has a network of strong partners who have also voted for a postponement and who will now work with Deutsche Messe to set the course for a successful event in June 2021. Facing Special Challenges Dirk Aschenbrenner, President of the German Fire Protection Association (vfdb): "vfdb as a strong supporter of INTERSCHUTZ welcomes the decision. As a network of experts for protection, rescue and security, we spoke out without hesitation in favor of postponing INTERSCHUTZ after the latest developments.” The postponement of INTERSCHUTZ is both responsible and appropriate" “Especially as organizers of the non-commercial segment of INTERSCHUTZ, we know that thousands and thousands of members of the fire brigades, rescue services and disaster control have been waiting for the world's leading trade fair with enthusiasm. But we also know that they in particular are sympathetic. After all, they will be facing special challenges in their daily work over the coming weeks and months. Our greatest concern is the safety of the population. The postponement of INTERSCHUTZ is both responsible and appropriate in view of the current situation.” Operational Readiness Of The Fire Brigades “We are also aware that even if the situation eases, the numerous exhibitors from Germany and abroad will still need sufficient time for their INTERSCHUTZ preparations. As vfdb, we will use the remaining months to process and communicate this event, which is highly relevant for civil protection. As regrettable as the current, unprecedented situation is, we will learn from it. And INTERSCHUTZ 2021 will undoubtedly be supplemented by a further topic." Hermann Schreck, permanent representative of the president of the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV): "We were very much looking forward to the 29th German Firefighters' Day and INTERSCHUTZ. However, in view of the development of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, maintaining the operational readiness of the fire brigades and rescue services has top priority for us in all considerations. The planning for the DFV's large joint exhibition stand and the accompanying events will of course continue at national and international level." Manufacturers Of Firefighting Technology INTERSCHUTZ is the future forum for the firefighting technology industry" Dr. Bernd Scherer, Member of the VDMA Executive Board, and Managing Director, VDMA Fire Fighting Equipment: "INTERSCHUTZ is the future forum for the firefighting technology industry, an industry that produces safety for people. In the current situation, this applies even more – to emergency and rescue services, but also to industry.” “After all, manufacturing companies also face ambitious challenges in economic terms, for example when proven supply chains are interrupted or production sites are affected by quarantine measures. Fortunately, none of this has yet been the case for manufacturers of firefighting technology. On the contrary: We are still in a unique economic boom phase.” Innovative Technology And Committed People “Nevertheless, or perhaps precisely because of this, we would like to hold an INTERSCHUTZ trade fair in which all forces are concentrated on what makes this unique exhibition of our industry so special: innovative technology and committed people who are completely dedicated to fire protection and rescue services. We look forward to it – together with you in June 2021!" For Rosenbauer, the health of all our visitors and partners, has absolute priority" Michael Friedmann, Head of Group Strategy, Innovation and Marketing, Rosenbauer International AG: "As a system provider in fire and disaster control, we have been committed to the safety of people and the protection of society for 150 years. For Rosenbauer, the health of all our visitors and partners, as well as that of our employees, has absolute priority. This is why Rosenbauer stands fully behind the postponement of the fair. We are certain that the industry's leading fair will be a great success in 2021 as well!" Economic Interests And Actions Werner Heitmann, Head of Marketing Fire Brigades and Authorities, Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA: "Our INTERSCHUTZ motto 'We protect you. At all times.' also means that we are now acting prudently and protecting all those involved in INTERSCHUTZ considering the current situation. We therefore support the postponement of the fair. The majority of visitors at our exhibit have always been fire brigades and aid organizations.” “As part of the critical infrastructure in Germany, it is essential to protect the emergency services to the best of our ability and not to expose them to unnecessary risks. The rescue forces must be prepared for action. Furthermore, we had planned a very large trade fair team in Hannover – we also have to protect them. Health and life always take precedence over all economic interests and actions of Dräger. In other words, 'Technology for Life'."

The last INTERSCHUTZ was five years ago, and a lot has happened since then. The megatrends of digital transformation, urbanization and demographic and climate change mean that societies worldwide – and the fire, rescue and civil protection services charged with safeguarding them – now face greater and often different challenges than just five years ago. Consequently, INTERSCHUTZ is now even more important than when last staged in 2015. "It is in times of change such as these that the world most needs an INTERSCHUTZ," commented Deutsche Messe Managing Board member Dr. Andreas Gruchow. "INTERSCHUTZ is a platform for discussing key trends, a showcase for learning about the latest technologies, vehicles and equipment, and a gathering hub for building up networks and a sense of community and cohesion." first-responder organizations This year's show, which runs from 15 to 20 June, will be the biggest and most international INTERSCHUTZ ever. The organizers already have bookings for 115,000 square meters (1.18 million sq. ft.) of exhibition space, up from the previous record of approximately 108,000 square meters (1.16 million sq. ft.), set in 2015. So far a total of more than 1,500 companies and first-responder organizations from around the world have registered. The organizers have also achieved their declared goal of further boosting the show's internationality. At 44 percent, almost half of the exhibition space at INTERSCHUTZ will be occupied by international participants, up from 37 percent in 2015. The biggest exhibiting nations, after Germany, will be Austria, Italy and the Netherlands, followed by the USA, China, France, the UK, Poland and Turkey. biggest festival for the firefighting community INTERSCHUTZ is a major event that would not be possible without its numerous supporters "INTERSCHUTZ is very close to the hearts of a lot of people," Gruchow said. "It is a B2B show that people attend with very definite procurement aims in mind, certainly; but it is also a powerfully emotive thing – like a keenly anticipated family reunion combined with the world's biggest festival for the firefighting community." INTERSCHUTZ is a major event that would not be possible without its numerous supporters, chief among them the official INTERSCHUTZ partners, namely the German Fire Protection Association (GFPA), the Firefighting Equipment Association within the German Engineering Federation (VDMA Feuerwehrtechnik) and the German Fire Services Association (DFV). The DFV is also the organizer of the 29th German Firefighting Convention, which will be held in parallel with INTERSCHUTZ and will attract even more members of the firefighting community to Hannover. Connected for Protection and Rescue INTERSCHUTZ revolves around six main display categories: Fire Fighting (a large part of the show), Fire Prevention (featuring as a display area in its own right for the very first time), Rescue Services, Civil Protection, Communication & Control Center Solutions, and Protective Equipment. This year is also the first time that INTERSCHUTZ has a lead theme. "Teams, Tactics, Technology – Connected for Protection and Rescue" will shape the displays and dialogue at the exhibition stands, forums and symposia. The "connected" aspect of the theme refers both to the opportunities and benefits of digital technologies and to the power of collaboration among stakeholder organizations and institutions. Another key focus of this year's INTERSCHUTZ is "Digitalization and Transformation". It is the defining theme of Hall 16, which will be configured as a space for interactive learning and discovery, innovative thinking and new ideas. fire extinguishing technology and agents INTERSHUTZ 2020 is rounded off by an extensive program of supporting conferences and workshops The hall will feature theme-specific walk-through displays that will explore the defining megatrends of our times and take visitors on a journey of discovery through the future of civil protection. The purpose of this part of the show is to bring together a range of perspectives, spark new ideas and initiatives, break down outdated structures and help actively shape the digital transformation process. INTERSHUTZ 2020 is rounded off by an extensive program of supporting conferences, workshops and captivating action. Over the six days of INTERSCHUTZ, there will in fact be more than 70 of these side events. They will be held in the exhibition halls and – in the case of spectator events and live demonstrations of the latest fire vehicles and fire extinguishing technology and agents – on a large outdoor demonstration site. rescue services and civil protection There will be knowledge-sharing and professional training sessions on offer at special summits on the rescue services and civil protection, fire prevention, incident-site hygiene and digitalization, at the "Transcending Borders" Civil Protection Symposium, and at the Hannover Emergency Care Symposium. Meanwhile, career starters and changers will find the information they need at the Job & Career showcase. And of course, INTERSCHUTZ would not be INTERSCHUTZ without a thrilling mix of high-performance sport, physical contests and outright fun. Events of this type include the German High Angle Rescue Championships; the Holmatro Rescue Challenge (in which 29 teams from all around the world will compete for top honors), the S-Gard SAFETYTOUR Program, and, last but by no means least, the FireFit Championship, in which firefighters will go head-to-head in an all-out contest of strength, fitness and speed. diversity of show's exhibitor lineup This diversity of the show's exhibitor lineup will likewise be a powerful magnet for visitors from abroad As a global event that welcomes participants from around the world, INTERSCHUTZ will be drawing special attention to a particular country on three of the show's six days. On the Tuesday, the spotlight will be on exhibitors from France, on the Wednesday, Italy will be in the limelight, and on the Thursday, exhibitors from the USA will take center stage. This diversity of the show's exhibitor lineup will likewise be a powerful magnet for visitors from abroad. National pavilions by Finland, France, Italy, Canada, Korea, Malaysia Russia and the USA, for example, will serve as a major drawcard for high-ranking visitor delegations from outside Germany. This international effect will be further amplified by numerous international side events, such as the meeting of the FEU Officer Development Leadership Program and the meeting of the ISO TC94/SC14 Firefighters PPE Committee. exhibitors and organizers The exhibitors and organizers are now kicking their INTERSCHUTZ preparations into high gear, and the same is true for visitors, judging by the ticket sales. Several hotels in and around Hannover are already fully booked for the duration of INTERSCHUTZ, but participants still looking for accommodation are sure to find what they are looking for on the company’s website under the accommodation section.

After entering into partnerships with Australian, Italian and Chinese trade fairs, the Deutsche Messe group of companies is now launching its own, fully proprietary INTERSCHUTZ trade fair in a foreign market: ‘INTERSCHUTZ USA’ is the name of the new event devoted to the North American firefighting equipment and safety/security sector. "Our new commitment in the U.S. represents an expansion of INTERSCHUTZ's worldwide network and allows us to occupy a key market with our strong brand," reported Dr. Andreas Gruchow, member of Deutsche Messe's Managing Board, adding: "While our foreign trade fairs are closely aligned with regional market conditions and needs, our Hannover-based INTERSCHUTZ – the world's flagship fair – focuses on the entire spectrum of global sales markets, supporting partnerships as well as business cooperation in the field of fire brigades, rescue services, civil protection and safety/security at the international level." Security solutions for fire brigades Firefighters in the U.S. have a great deal of respect for the INTERSCHUTZ brand as well as its size and scope"The first edition of INTERSCHUTZ USA will take place from 13 to 17 October 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The American subsidiary of Deutsche Messe, Hannover Fairs USA, is responsible for organizing the event. INTERSCHUTZ USA focuses on safety and security solutions, new technologies and the latest strategies for sustainable American fire brigades. "Firefighters in the U.S. have a great deal of respect for the INTERSCHUTZ brand as well as its size and scope," said Larry Turner, President and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA. "Many of the industry representatives we've met with are incredibly excited about the launch of our new show in America." Focusing on management of fire brigades INTERSCHUTZ USA will focus on the requirements of fire departments in the 21st century, focusing, in particular, on the management level of American fire brigades. But vehicles, technologies and strategy aren't the only topic: At the same time, the new Philadelphia-based trade fair will also feature a supporting program designed to appeal to interested parties and fire department enthusiasts, as well as to families and potential young recruits from the east coast of the United States. INTERSCHUTZ USA enjoys the support of key local partners: "Members of the Philadelphia Fire Department are excited about welcoming the whole firefighting world to Philadelphia," said Adam Thiel, Fire Commissioner of the Philadelphia Fire Department and Director of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, adding: "Since 1736, the Philadelphia Fire Department has been dedicated to safety, innovation, and best practices." Helping companies to exhibit in the US An additional partner for the event will be Local 22 IAFF of the Philadelphia Firefighters and Paramedics UnionAn additional partner for the event will be Local 22 IAFF of the Philadelphia Firefighters and Paramedics Union. "Local 22 IAFF is delighted that a prestigious event like INTERSCHUTZ, with such a diverse array of exhibitors, is coming to Philadelphia under the name of INTERSCHUTZ USA," remarked Mike Bresnan, President of Local 22 IAFF. The aim is to help companies from around the world – and particularly companies exhibiting at INTERSCHUTZ in Hannover – to get active on the American market, either as individual exhibitors or as members of a group pavilion. This has already been successfully practiced at the other INTERSCHUTZ events staged outside of Germany. These are currently ‘AFAC powered by INTERSCHUTZ’ (27–30 August 2019 in Melbourne, Australia), ‘REAS powered by INTERSCHUTZ’ (4–6 October 2019 in Montichiari, Italy) and ‘CEFE powered by INTERSCHUTZ’ (5–7 November 2019 in Shanghai, China).