Martin Folkerts

INTERSCHUTZ and the USA: This winning combination is being very well received by suppliers of equipment, services and solutions for the fire and rescue services, civil protection, safety and security, with heavyweights like Spartan, MSA, Plymovent, OnSpot and HAIX already on board – all the more impressive since the show isn't taking place until the middle of October, 2020. Safety And Efficiency For Fire Departments I believe the support we have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, for INTERSCHUTZ USA is two-fold" "I believe the support we have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, for INTERSCHUTZ USA is two-fold. First, the respect for the reputation and the brand INTERSCHUTZ throughout the world, and certainly in the U.S., is very powerful. Second, the U.S. fire-service is ready for an event that brings people and technology together in the interest of greater security, safety and efficiency for fire departments and rescue services," said Larry Turner, CEO of Hannover Fairs USA. So what kinds of technologies will tomorrow's fire services need? What strategies are the most likely to succeed in the 21st century? And what about new safety standards? Answers to these questions and more will be provided by exhibitors, keynote speakers, presenters and trainers at INTERSCHUTZ USA. Firefighting And Rescue Equipment For five days next year, Philadelphia will be the center of attention for everyone in the U.S. with an interest in firefighting and rescue equipment, solutions and services. INTERSCHUTZ USA gets underway on 13 and 14 October with training sessions and a networking event. Then, from 15 to 17 October, INTERSCHUTZ USA will continue with its exhibition program, conferences, product demos and additional networking opportunities. There's a reason we decided to stage the show in Philadelphia, on the east coast of the USA" "There's a reason we decided to stage the show in Philadelphia, on the east coast of the USA," explains Martin Folkerts, Deutsche Messe's Global Director INTERSCHUTZ. "It is a city steeped in history, including fire service history, and it's a location that around 44 percent of the country's 27,000 fire departments can get to by car in less than four hours.” Companies who are quick to act can take advantage of a special early-bird rate valid until 1 January 2020. Relevant International Markets INTERSCHUTZ USA is Deutsche Messe's very first full-fledged INTERSCHUTZ event held outside Germany and ranks alongside the company's suite of co-produced INTERSCHUTZ-branded (‘powered by INTERSCHUTZ’) events such as the AFAC show in Australia and the REAS show in Italy. That is not to say that INTERSCHUTZ USA is competing with the parent INTERSHUTZ event in Hannover, Germany, which runs this coming June. Quite the contrary, in fact: While the show in Hannover targets all the relevant international markets, the event in Philadelphia targets only the North American market. "The point is, ‘remarks Turner,’ not everyone can make it to Hannover to attend INTERSCHUTZ in Germany. Which is why potential exhibitors and attendees alike are so excited about our move to bring the global INTERSCHUTZ experience to the U.S. fire service right here in the USA. The enthusiasm we have in the planning of INTERSCHUTZ USA and in the concept of bringing the global INTERSCHUTZ experience to the U.S. fire service has been contagious among potential exhibitors and attendees alike."

Digital transformation is affecting all areas of life, as innovative technologies continue to make inroads into all sectors of industry, transforming infrastructures and workflows in the process. Communication itself – between people as well as between people and machines, including vehicles – is undergoing a major change. Data analytics, virtual reality and the Internet of Things are opening up new horizons, while at the same time requiring a careful weighing of implementation options. Innovative Digital Solutions INTERSCHUTZ has made the subject of digital transformation its lead theme for the upcoming fair For all these reasons, INTERSCHUTZ has made the subject of digital transformation its lead theme for the upcoming fair, codified in the slogan: ‘Teams, Tactics, Technology – Connecting Protection and Rescue’. The flagship fair is focusing on two major aspects: the use of innovative digital solutions and the necessary cooperation between the various players and institutions. "A large percentage of our exhibitors are putting the topics of digitization and connectivity at the top of their agenda for their appearance at the show," says Martin Folkerts, Project Manager for INTERSCHUTZ within the Deutsche Messe team. "We are also taking up these aspects recurrently in the conference program, and Hall 16 will serve as a hotspot for digital transformation themes at INTERSCHUTZ 2020." Improving Preventive Fire Protection Hall 16 is the venue where the pulse of the new era will be most strongly felt. Under the title of ‘Digitization & Transformation’, pioneers, lateral thinkers and team thinkers will convene – led by Stefan Truthän, Managing Director of hhpberlin as well as being an active member of the Berlin fire brigade and member of the INTERSCHUTZ Advisory Board for the last two years. "Our goal consists of visions, concepts and solutions for the future," says Truthän. We will be exploring the implications of phenomena like urbanization, demographic change and digitization" "At INTERSCHUTZ, we will be exploring the implications of phenomena like urbanization, demographic change and digitization in the context of public safety and security. For Truthän it is of paramount importance to act proactively to develop and implement innovative technologies and solutions for concrete application scenarios at an early stage: By making use of big data, we can improve preventive fire protection, and the use of virtual and augmented reality can help support sustainable knowledge transfer and operational tactics." Seamless Data Sharing Above all, however, Truthän is focusing on the major opportunities presented for urban areas and smart cities. "We will be demonstrating the strategies that can contribute to risk reduction in cities and improve public safety through advanced mobile location," he concludes. Another continually recurring topic in this context will be the future 5G mobile communications standard Another continually recurring topic in this context will be the future 5G mobile communications standard. Numerous speakers will be delivering talks on the range of potential applications for 5G technology. Several special presentations will be held in Hall 16 to bring attendees quickly up to speed on the topic of digitization & transformation. At the ‘Smart Public Safety Hub’, exhibitors will showcase joint and interdisciplinary application scenarios for seamless data sharing and connected systems. Demonstrations Of Solutions And Devices The Future Trends in Public Safety special display will provide insights into future technological, organizational and social megatrends in civil safety. The Transformation & Digitization Forum features roundtable discussions and interactive sessions on current and future opportunities and challenges. The Spread the Word Lounge is a hotspot for bloggers, influencers, editors and communication managers. Finally, the Demo Area will serve especially as a hotspot for demonstrations of solutions and devices that can also be tested and examined on-site. Hall 16 will also be the location for startups at INTERSCHUTZ. Seven startups have already been selected to participate at a group pavilion for young and innovative companies sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWi).

Ultimately, it is the emotions, personal encounters and that feeling of common purpose that make INTERSCHUTZ so memorable. But it's also about the numbers, for INTERSCHUTZ is not just the industry's global networking hub; it is also the number one business platform for the world of protection and emergency services. It is the place where the latest innovations and product refinements are unveiled, where deals are done and where the groundwork is laid for new business. At the end of the day, a company's tradeshow success hinges on the number of promising leads generated. And the more companies that exhibit, the more visitors are attracted to the show, meaning more potential leads. Fully Operational Emergency And Rescue Vehicles All the necessary fittings and equipment are purpose-engineered for firefighting and rescue assignments" Audi will be among the major players exhibiting at INTERSCHUTZ. Their showcase in Hall 12 will give visitors the chance to connect with development and sales experts. "We are proud of being able to present our fully operational emergency and rescue vehicles at INTERSCHUTZ – vehicles available ex works with all the special fittings and equipment required," said Benjamin Krämer, Senior Manager Sales to Authorities / Diplomates / Emergency Vehicles at Audi AG, adding: "All the necessary fittings and equipment are purpose-engineered for firefighting and rescue assignments, and are tested until ready for series production. Our high quality standards are evidenced in vehicles such as the A6 Avant command car in flame red (RAL 3000). While at the show, it's a major priority of ours to share experience with users." Growth In The Exhibitor Turnout For the organizers of INTERSCHUTZ at Deutsche Messe, the booking of the 1,000th exhibitor at this early stage is an important milestone: “We expect INTERSCHUTZ 2020 to at least rival the success of INTERSCHUTZ 2015,” said Martin Folkerts, INTERSCHUTZ Director at Deutsche Messe. “The commitment of companies and relief organizations to INTERSCHUTZ is sensational. We're already looking forward to next June and can see that our exhibitors are already preparing intensively for the event.” The previous INTERSCHUTZ (2015) attracted roughly 1,500 exhibitors and more than 150,000 visitors The previous INTERSCHUTZ (2015) attracted roughly 1,500 exhibitors and more than 150,000 visitors. This means there are still about 500 exhibitors to go until the 2015 record is cracked, but registrations are still coming in at a steady clip. With the current lineup consisting of 20% newcomers, all signs are pointing to further growth in the exhibitor turnout. Featuring Firefighting And Protective Gear Some halls are already booked solid. In fact, 98% of the space booked in 2015 has already been filled. Last week the decision was made to use add another hall to the originally planned site. Hall 11 will now primarily feature firefighting and protective gear. “We've once again optimized the layout of the INTERSCHUTZ site to create shorter distances and sharper distinctions between the various display categories,” remarked Folkerts. “Another improvement is that the conference program has been placed in closer proximity to the exhibition. And if we end up needing more space, the available options for further expansion are very good indeed,” he remarked.

Firefighters are physically fit. They have to be, to do the work they do. But the conditioning, skill and speed INTERSCHUTZ attendees can witness at the international FireFit Championships are in a league of their own. And now, for the very first time, the championships are coming to INTERSCHUTZ with an action-packaged program spanning all five show days, from 15 to 20 June 2019. "The FireFit Championships complement INTERSCHUTZ perfectly," commented Martin Folkerts, Global Director INTERSCHUTZ at Deutsche Messe. "They are a mix of high-performance sport, entertainment and heart-pumping adrenalin, so we are looking forward to some truly thrilling head-to-head clashes and amazing displays of athletic prowess." Relay and individual competitions It is a gruelling challenge, but the best-trained and prepared professionals can reach the finish line in under 90 secondsThe championships are open to anyone who feels they are fit enough to compete. The only requirement is that contestants must be professional firefighters, volunteer firefighters or members of a plant/factory fire service. They can participate in individual competitions, two-person technical relays, or relays in teams of between three and five persons. The team relay is a fast, fun way for FireFit rookies to give the sport a try. The individual competition is the toughest of them all. The entire course must be completed wearing full breathing gear, so it really pushes its contestants to the absolute limits of their strength and endurance. Hence, to be eligible for the individual competition, contestants must have a current certificate of fitness for wearing breathing apparatus (for German participants, that's G 26.3). It is a gruelling challenge, but the best-trained and prepared professionals can reach the finish line in under 90 seconds. Stages of the individual competition The competition course will be set up on the open-air site adjacent to the eastern entrance of the Hannover Exhibition Center and will comprise five events. The first stage of the individual competition is the stair climb, in which each contestant is required to ascend a 12-meter-high three-flight HAIX stair tower while carrying a high-rise hose pack weighing about 20 kilograms. Once the hose pack is up and correctly in place, the contestant races back to the bottom, taking care to touch each step on the way down Once at the top, it's time for the hose hoist stage, in which each contestant is required to hoist an additional hose pack up from the ground on a rope. Once the hose pack is up and correctly in place, the contestant races back to the bottom, taking care to touch each step on the way down. Next up is the ‘forced entry’ stage, where the contestant swings a special mallet to slide a horizontal hydraulic steel beam over a prescribed distance. From there, the contestant runs a 42-meter slalom course, picks up the nozzle end of a charged hose line, drags the line a distance of 23 meters, opens the nozzle and, energy and concentration permitting, hits a target with the water jet, before shutting down the nozzle and placing it on the ground. Final stage includes victim rescue Then it's onwards to the final stage, the victim rescue, where the competitor must lift an 80 kg dummy and drag it backwards for a distance of 30 meters to the finish line. The clock stops as soon as the dummy's feet cross the line. The contestant's final time is the time on the clock plus any time penalties incurred for breaches of competition rules along the way. The FireFit Championships were originally developed in Canada and are modeled on the core tasks performed by firefighters in their daily work. The very first FireFit Championships were held in Vancouver in 1994. The FireFit Championships for the upcoming INTERSCHUTZ are being co-organized by the Hannover, Rodgau and Mosel region teams.

New technology and strategies are urgently required if rescue services are to meet the enormous challenges they encounter in the modern world. Demographic change, the need for well-trained specialist personnel and responding to major incidents and disasters are just some of the keynote themes that demand answers. At INTERSCHUTZ 2020 manufacturers, suppliers, rescue services and training institutes will present their solutions and ideas for future-fit rescue services. At the same time, INTERSCHUTZ also serves as a platform for a professional exchange of know-how within this sector. Consequently, the visiting public includes emergency physicians, emergency paramedics, paramedics, medical technicians and first responders from every kind of rescue/emergency service, as well as decision-makers in local government, medical insurance companies and providers of funds and services. INTERSCHUTZ 2020 INTERSCHUTZ is a hub which addresses all the topical issues affecting the entire spectrum of rescue services" "INTERSCHUTZ is a hub which addresses all the topical issues affecting the entire spectrum of rescue services, both for domestic deployment and internationally", declares Martin Folkerts, Project Director of INTERSCHUTZ at Deutsche Messe. "One of the big bonus points of INTERSCHUTZ is that every sector in the field of security, safety and rescue services is represented at one convenient time and place. It is impossible to overstate just how important networking and communication between fire and civil protection services are to the development of rescue services that are future-proof and fit for purpose. In the final analysis, the players responding in day-to-day operations and those responding to major incidents and disasters all have to work closely together." Hall 26 will provide a central hub for the presentation of the rescue services at INTERSCHUTZ 2020. Offering a display space of more than 21,000 square meters, this venue provides visitors with a clear overview of manufacturers, suppliers and special themes. The hall is a magnet for any professional seeking information on rescue aids, transport, data management, equipment, disinfection equipment, medical equipment, tools/equipment for rescuing accident victims or information on training courses for the rescue services. The key topics of water rescue and high-angle and high rescue operations form the focus of displays in halls 17 and 16. Connectivity And Digitization Connectivity and digitization are issues that have long occupied emergency and rescue services" "Connectivity and digitization are issues that have long occupied emergency and rescue services", says Andreas Ploeger, director of the ambulance and rescue vehicle manufacturer Wietmarscher Ambulanz- und Sonderfahrzeug GmbH (WAS). "Although many countries are ahead of Germany in this respect, INTERSCHUTZ should get things moving. As far as WAS is concerned, this trade fair is something of an international benchmark." This is a view shared by Binz Ambulance- und Umwelttechnik GmbH, whose spokesperson, Matthias Quickert, deputy head of distribution and head of the special vehicles and series production segment of Binz operations, reported: "INTERSCHUTZ 2020 is an important national and international showcase, where our company presents its key products. One focal point is weight optimization in vehicle interiors for ambulances and rescue vehicles, as well as in other BOS emergency vehicles for which weight is a key factor, but naturally we also focus on the intelligent networking of voltage and power supply systems in vehicle modifications and data acquisition and presentation for diverse vehicles and vehicle modifications." C.Miesen, Gruau And GSF Ltd Among Exhibitors In addition to WAS and Binz, several other exhibitors have already announced their intention to exhibit in 2020, including C. Miesen, GSF Sonderfahrzeugbau, Groupe Gruau, Ferno-Washington, Weinmann Emergency, X-Cen-Tek, Holmatro, Lukas, Weber Hydraulik, Dönges and Andreas Stihl Ltd. While exhibitors from industry are clearly important to INTERSCHUTZ, great value is also placed on the participation of professional service providers, i.e. those organizations whose teams of professionals and volunteers deliver the emergency and rescue services. Their ranks include the German Red Cross (DRK), the national branch of the International Red Cross which operates in Germany and in voluntary operations assisting the German authorities in humanitarian missions. "For us it is self-evident that we should take part in INTERSCHUTZ as an exhibitor in 2020, but it is also very exciting," explains Dr. Ralf Selbach, chairman of the board of the DRK Association in Lower Saxony. Communication In Disaster Response The lead theme of connectivity and digitization is a very topical aspect of the work of the Red Cross" In the federal state of Lower Saxony, alone, the DRK employs around 3,500 in the rescue services, with a further 7,000 or more volunteers on standby. "The lead theme of connectivity and digitization is a very topical aspect of the work of the Red Cross – for instance, it is vital in communication in disasters and major incidents, or in the training of rescue service personnel," says Dr. Selbach. "This is something that we want to convey to the visitors to our trade fair stand in a tangible and practical fashion. We also want to inform them about the opportunities for working on a professional or voluntary basis in health-related services such as rescue and emergency, civil protection and disaster protection and relief." Likewise, INTERSCHUTZ is an important event in the calendar of the Johanniter Unfall Hilfe (German Order of St John) as Hannes Wendler, the Director of the organization in Lower Saxony and Bremen, is keen to explain: "INTERSCHUTZ not only affords an excellent overview of this sector, including all the latest developments – as a nationwide provider of rescue services and an established partner in general public services it also provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate our consistent efforts to upgrade and improve our services in line with current trends and standards." Johanniter Unfall Hilfe The Johanniter Unfall Hilfe at INTERSCHUTZ will not only place the focus on connectivity between teams and technology – it also aims to reach younger visitors and address personnel recruitment. The Akkon University in Berlin and the Johanniter Academy are two training facilities at which the Johanniter staff educate and train highly qualified personnel for the rescue and emergency services. Our training measures hinge on modern technology and innovative methods in order to prepare the participants" "Our training measures hinge on modern technology and innovative methods in order to prepare the participants as well as possible for the kind of challenges that rescue teams meet today," adds Wendler. "At INTERSCHUTZ we want to show visitors, especially young visitors, that we are a competent, modern and progressive employer – whether as a provider of terrestrial rescue services or in air rescue services and offshore rescue operations." Holmatro Extrication Challenge The exhibits and information offered at the individual stands at INTERSCHUTZ are complemented by an impressive supporting program rich in opportunities for discussion, knowledge transfer, learning and for making valuable new contacts. Demonstrations, activities and examples of practical applications are staged throughout the whole trade fair on the open-air site. Another daily highlight will be the Holmatro Extrication Challenge with rescue teams from all over the world competing against one another in exciting simulated scenarios in which they demonstrate their skills in extricating road-traffic accident victims from vehicles. No doubt, the scene will be less intense, but equally interesting, at the meeting of the rescue services, which is being organized mainly by the German Fire Protection Association (vfdb). This event will feature talks and panel discussions on current issues and challenges. One of many interesting topics will be the comparison of European emergency and rescue services. Directly adjacent to this event various rescue services' training schools will stage diverse activities simulating the kind of operations that rescue teams have to face today and showing ways of tackling future scenarios and challenges. 22nd Hannover Emergency Medicine Symposium Another key element of the supporting program is the 22nd Hannover Emergency Medicine Symposium from 19-20 June Another key element of the supporting program is the 22nd Hannover Emergency Medicine Symposium from 19-20 June, organized by the Johanniter Academy of Lower Saxony/Bremen in collaboration with the Medical University of Hannover. The symposium is held over two days, thus giving participants the opportunity to benefit from both the high-caliber theoretical content of this event and the experience of the leading world fair INTERSCHUTZ. The Johanniter Unfall Hilfe also organizes the Hans-Dietrich Genscher Prize and the Johanniter Junior Prize. Both awards are traditionally presented in Hannover to mark the achievements of courageous helpers. In 2020, the award ceremony will take place on the Wednesday of INTERSCHUTZ. The Hans-Dietrich Genscher Prize is awarded to adults – for example, an emergency physician or some other rescue or emergency worker – for their exceptional achievements in a rescue situation. The winner could be a professional or a volunteer layperson. The Johanniter Juniors' Prize is awarded to young people up to the age of 18 who have shown an exceptional level of commitment by providing first aid and/or other services in emergency situations. Hannover is, of course, also the place where German politicians and administrators responsible for the rescue services meet. Thus, on 16 and 17 June the German Federal States' Committee for the Emergency and Rescue Services will convene at INTERSCHUTZ. The participants will include the representatives responsible for the emergency and rescue services in the various German states, as well as representatives from the German Federal Ministries of Internal Affairs, Health and Defense, representatives of the German police air units, the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BAST) and the major local authority associations from across Germany.

When a trade fair decides on a lead theme, that is just the beginning. It is then up to exhibitors to take the next steps by breathing life into the lead theme – by featuring it at their stands, providing hands-on demos and sparking dialogue. "We are absolutely delighted at the early, strong commitment of our exhibiting partners and companies at INTERSCHUTZ 2020," says Martin Folkerts, Global Director of INTERSCHUTZ at the Deutsche Messe group of companies. "Our exhibitors are in the process of developing an abundance of great ideas and concepts which they will be showcasing at the fair, highlighting the opportunities that digitization and connectivity will provide for fire brigades, rescue services, civil protection and security." The following details some of these. Sharing International Experience Digitization, automation and connectivity are more than just modern buzzwords for us" "Digitization, automation and connectivity are more than just modern buzzwords for us," says Dirk Aschenbrenner, President of the German Fire Protection Association (vfdb). "The application of digital technologies is a prerequisite for speed and effectiveness. The use of robotics in danger prevention, for example, is no longer merely a utopia, but, in many areas, has already become a part of everyday life. Let me simply mention the use of firefighting robots or drones to explore emergency deployment sites." In Hannover in 2020, the vfdb association will present the current state of research in the field. "INTERSCHUTZ 2020 offers the best opportunities for sharing international experience among developers, manufacturers and users," says Aschenbrenner. The German Fire Service Association (DFV) is taking the connectivity lead theme literally and planning a showcase whose visualizations are all interconnected by an overarching network/web. Securing Livelihoods At a number of different levels, the web will symbolize the importance of connectivity for the further development of fire protection. "Under the keyword of 'Fire Brigade 4.0', there are already visible opportunities and capabilities to improve, accelerate and change the tasks of the emergency services – even if this might seem a long way off," says Frank Hachemer, Vice President of the German Fire Service Association. "But these opportunities are also associated with challenges that need to be mastered, such as data protection, training and budgets." In addition to technological and tactical connectivity, there is also connectivity between people. "Political and social connectivity will become increasingly important and intensive for mastering problems, for securing livelihoods, for the further development and daily work of the fire brigades," says Hachemer. Digitized Production Different conditions apply to the area of fire prevention and civil protection" "Connectivity is therefore the keyword, not least for the fire brigade associations and – as their umbrella – the German Fire Service Association, which we, as the central element, are placing at the core of our activities – and not just at INTERSCHUTZ." The keyword 'Fire Brigade 4.0' is derived from the oft-cited term 'Industry 4.0', which refers to digitized production and a high degree of connectivity between industrial enterprises. The two terms however cannot be equated. "Different conditions apply to the area of fire prevention and civil protection," says Dr. Rainer Koch, from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Paderborn. "High-connectivity solutions are possible for areas like preventive fire protection and resource planning. And 3D simulation systems for managers and staff training are already available in the training sector." Smart Home Technologies But the conditions for emergency services are different, he maintains. "For information systems to support us in this area, they need to offer a maximum of robustness, user friendliness and speed," says Koch. "In addition to providing already prepared information, these systems would then also be able to interact with building systems – and initial projects for the use of smart home technologies have already been launched. Digitization and automation can definitely facilitate the work of the emergency services here." When it comes to game-changing digital technology, industry is called upon to gear up, and by that I particularly mean industrial manufacturers and automotive makers. "Especially in an age of rapid technical change, INTERSCHUTZ is a definite must for everyone on the lookout for innovations," remarks VDMA Managing Director Dr. Bernd Scherer. Digital Assistance Systems The central prerequisite consists of reliable, manufacturer-independent standards" "Real-time communication over ultra-fast 5G networks, networked deployment processes, digital assistance systems and electric drives are high on the industry's innovations agenda." But digitization must not be an end in itself, as Scherer also makes clear: "Manufacturers of chassis, superstructures and equipment who are members in VDMA rely on reliable, robust and intelligent technology, true to the motto that what is sensible is also that which is useful for the purpose at hand." According to VDMA, the advantages of digital technologies include the promise of transparent and sustainable processes, effective coordination and a significant increase in operational reliability. These promises are not, however, a guarantee. "The central prerequisite consists of reliable, manufacturer-independent standards," says Scherer. "This is the only way for interfaces to function smoothly – regardless of whether they are mechanical, hydraulic, electric or digital in nature." Partnership-Based Networking Rosenbauer is one example of a vehicle manufacturer that has been relying on its own developments and innovations in the field of telematics systems and IT-supported deployment management for over ten years. "These systems are now being massively further developed, with the focus on customer benefit," says Michael Friedmann, Head of Group Strategy, Innovation and Marketing at Rosenbauer International AG. "This is not only about digital solutions for vehicles, but connectivity now also includes new technological options, with the keyword here being drones or smart wearables." Friedmann is convinced that a trade fair is also the right place for this, even in the digital age: "We want direct communication on site, because as the innovations, technology and world market leader at INTERSCHUTZ, we act as a platform for partnership-based networking on the megatrends of our time and on approaches for joint solutions." Optimization Of Processes Digitization, communication and overarching forms and systems of cooperation play an obvious role in this" The fields of rescue services and civil protection are also positioning themselves in relation to the lead theme. Johanniter Unfall Hilfe, for example, focuses on connecting people and technology for the benefit of people. "In the rescue service and in civil protection, everything revolves around the optimization of processes and procedures in order to serve the ultimate goal of saving human lives," points out Hannes Wendler, State Director of Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe (German Order of St. John) in Lower Saxony and Bremen. "Digitization, communication and overarching forms and systems of cooperation play an obvious role in this.” The challenge lies in enabling rescuers and helpers – equipped with specialist skills and all the available technical aids – to consistently act in a targeted and manner based on the situation at hand. Advancing Urbanization "We see ourselves as networkers for people – including our staff members and volunteer helpers," he says. "In addition to progressive HR development, this also includes space for innovative projects and services like telemedicine in offshore rescue and VR rescue simulations." As the flood of data grows, so does the complexity of the decision-making process Stefan Truthän, Managing Partner of hhpberlin Ingenieure für Brandschutz GmbH, focuses on civil security. His company deals intensively with the digital answers to new challenges, such as advancing urbanization, growing infrastructures and the increasing strength and frequency of natural phenomena. At the same time, digitization itself presents people with new challenges: As the flood of data grows, so does the complexity of the decision-making process. Concrete Connectivity Scenarios This leads Truthän to demand: "If civil security wants to take its mission seriously, data and thought silos need to be cracked open and the growing volume of data intelligently connected," he says. At INTERSCHUTZ 2020, hhpberlin will display a series of showcases highlighting the potential of digitization for civil security and fire protection. "Together with RXSK GmbH and selected partners from the digital industry, we will be using concrete connectivity scenarios to demonstrate the possibilities of new, non-redundant and latency-free collaboration," says Truthän. "Only if all actors interact more intensively and transparently than in the past, can cities become safer in the long run."

INTERSCHUTZ’s main display categories are fire services and rescue services, civil protection, personal protective equipment, and security technology The tradeshow partners are all signed up. The official site layout has been finalised. And already several hundred companies have signalled their intent to exhibit at INTERSCHUTZ 2020. Exhibitors can begin registering for the world's leading trade fair for the fire and rescue services, civil protection, safety and security. The release of the new INTERSCHUTZ brochure marks the beginning of Deutsche Messe’s promotional campaign aimed at exhibitors. Around 1,500 exhibitors and over 150,000 visitors took part in the last INTERSCHUTZ, in 2015. The upcoming INTERSCHUTZ will be staged from 15 to 20 June 2020 – again at the Hannover Exhibition Center in Hannover, Germany. Protection and rescue in focus “We are hugely looking forward to 2020,” said Martin Folkerts, Global Director INTERSCHUTZ at Deutsche Messe. “The reason is simple. INTERSCHUTZ is a trade fair that is well known for its passion and positivity. The energy and boundless enthusiasm of all the participants are already palpable in the discussions we are currently having with our partners and exhibitors.” Just one glance at the new INTERSCHUTZ brochure reveals the special focus of the upcoming event: connectedness. In a new first for INTERSCHUTZ, the 2020 edition of the show will feature an overarching, all-encompassing lead theme: ‘Teams, Tactics, Technology – Connected for Protection and Rescue’. The theme draws attention to two key aspects now shaping the future of the sector: the use of innovative digital solutions and increased collaboration among the many professional organisations and institutions involved. Fire services to security communication INTERSCHUTZ’s main display categories are the fire services (vehicles, materials and services for fire protection and firefighting), the rescue services (first responder vehicles, medical devices and services), civil protection (new technologies and logistical solutions for dealing with major natural and man-made disasters), personal protective equipment, and information, communication and safety/security technology. INTERSCHUTZ is the only show worldwide that presents the rescue and fire services, and the fire and civil protection sectors in their entirety as an integrated whole. Firefighter championships The site layout for 2020 will place commercial and non-commercial exhibitors in various topic clusters, both in the exhibition halls and on the open-air site. That way, visitors will not have to walk far to reach offerings of specific interest to them, and will never be far from the action, either. INTERSCHUTZ is a place of thrills and excitement – where heroes like height rescue specialists, smokejumpers and firefighters demonstrate their unique skills and put the latest technology through its paces at popular events such as the ‘Toughest Firefighter Alive’ championships. INTERSCHUTZ is a must-see for anyone wanting to learn about the latest innovations, trends and developments in each of the show’s display categories Shaping security business cycles INTERSCHUTZ is a must-see for anyone wanting to learn about the latest innovations, trends and developments in each of the show’s display categories. It is the undisputed highlight event for the world’s providers of solutions for fire and rescue services, civil protection and safety and security and shapes their business cycles. It’s also the platform of choice for companies planning to reveal their latest developments and innovations to the public for the first time. German Firefighting Convention Starting next year, the organisers are re-targeting their marketing efforts to pitch the show to an international audience. Deutsche Messe and its global representatives have already had promising talks with a variety of publishers and industry associations in Germany and abroad. The German Firefighting Convention, which will be staged in parallel with INTERSCHUTZ, will attract additional groups of visitors to the Hannover Exhibition Center. Tickets for INTERSCHUTZ 2020 go on sale in the late summer of 2019.