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FEU Leadership Conference 2026

On 3–4 June 2026, approximately 300 international fire chiefs and strategic leaders will gather at INTERSCHUTZ for the first FEU Leadership Conference 2026 — Safeguarding Tomorrow.

INTERSCHUTZ, Deutsche Messe, Hannover (Germany) · the world’s leading trade fair for fire & rescue, civil protection, safety and security.

Europe’s Fire Leaders. One Mission: Safeguarding Tomorrow.

On June 3–4, 2026, more than 300 senior fire chiefs and strategic leaders will meet in Hannover, Germany, for the inaugural FEU Leadership Conference, held in partnership with Deutsche Messe as part of INTERSCHUTZ 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for fire and rescue services, civil protection, safety, and security.

Organized by the Federation of EU Fire Officers (FEU), this high-level event unites Europe’s strategic fire leadership network to confront the challenges shaping our collective future.

Over two days, the conference will feature thought-provoking keynotes and dialogues with senior voices from the European Commission, NATO, and leading international agencies. Together, we will explore how Europe’s fire and civil protection services can strengthen resilience in a world defined by hybrid threats, climate extremes, AI revolution and evolving leadership dynamics.

Get ready for two days packed with bold conversations, fresh perspectives, and powerful ideas. The program ahead brings together leading voices and forward-thinking minds, all united by a shared mission: to future-proof Europe’s fire and civil protection services in a time of rapid change.

We’re excited to welcome you into this important dialogue and to co-create a more resilient tomorrow.

Program

FOREWORD FEU LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2026, SAFEGUARDING TOMORROW
As Europe and the world face an era of accelerating disruption - from hybrid threats and societal transformation to the escalating impact of climate change - the need for decisive, future-oriented leadership in fire and civil protection has never been greater.

The FEU Leadership Conference stands as Europe’s premier platform for leaders shaping the future of our Fire & Rescue Services. This two-day high-level event convenes decision-makers from across Europe and beyond, including senior representatives from the European Commission, NATO, leading national agencies, and international partners from North America, South Asia and Australia. Together, they will define the strategic direction for how our sector must evolve to safeguard communities in an uncertain world.

Designed as a meeting point where policy, strategy, and operational leadership converge, the conference delivers a unique blend of thought leadership, actionable insights, and peer-to-peer exchange.

Day 1 | June 3rd 2026 - GLOBAL STRATEGY AND SECURITY

Theme: Adapting to Disruption – Building Strategic Readiness in a Volatile World

Opens with Europe’s most senior voices in fire & rescue services, civil protection and security policy. As hybrid warfare, geopolitical tensions, and digital threats redefine the emerging hazards and threats, this day anchors the conversation on Europe’s collective readiness and leadership capacity. Keynotes and high-level dialogues address how fire and rescue services can support the wider European security architecture, bridging national systems and public resilience.
From To Program headline Speaker Notes
10:00 12:00 Registration Delegates arrive and connect. Branding opportunity at entrance and welcome areas.
11:30 12:30 Lunch Silver Sponsor – Lunch Partner 5-minute welcome message.
12:45 13:15 Official Opening – Europe’s Leadership in Resilience Stephan Wevers, President FEU
Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chair Deutsche Messe
Belit Onay, Oberbürgermeister Hannover 		Setting the stage: welcoming notes from FEU, Deutsche Messe and Hannover City.
13:15 13:40 Keynote – From Policy to Protection: Europe's Civil Response to Complex Crises DG ECHO - Maciej Popowski How Europe responds to compound crises through civil protection, cross-border cooperation, and operational solidarity - when disruption becomes the norm rather than the exception.
13:45 14:10 Keynote – Security in a Shifting World NATO Secretary General or Deputy (Pending) The global alliance perspective on resilience and response, linking defense, policy, and civil protection.
14:15 14:40 Keynote – Rebuilding Under Fire: Ukraine’s Frontline Lessons Ukraine State Fire Service (Pending) Real-world leadership in war. Stories of resilience and coordination under extreme pressure.
14:45 15:10 Networking Break
15:15 15:25 10 min Sponsor Presentation Diamond Sponsor – Command Partner
15:30 15:50 Keynote – Estonia: Resilience and civil readiness in an age of permanent disruption Director General - Marko Klaos How civil defence, emergency services, and societal resilience form the backbone of national security in an era of hybrid threats and geopolitical instability
15:55 16:10 DIREKTION Award for Technological Progress DIREKTION Award ceremony for technological progress.
16:15 16:30 Closing Remarks – The Day’s Strategic Takeaways FEU Spokesperson Summarizing Day 1’s insights and setting the tone for Europe’s collaborative resilience.
16:30 18:00 VIP Tours – Interschutz Experience Exclusive guided visits for speakers, sponsors, and senior delegates.
18:30 20:30 VIP Dinner – Hosted by FEU & INTERSCHUTZ 10-minute speaking opportunity by Gold Sponsor – Pathfinder Level Premium networking moment with EU representatives, senior fire chiefs, and key decision makers.

Day 2 | June 4th 2026 - CLIMATE, INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP

Theme: Leading Through Disruption – Resilience, Innovation, and Human Leadership

Turns to climate resilience and leadership in disruption, exploring how Europe’s fire and civil protection services must adapt to a world defined by hybrid warfare, geopolitical instability, and accelerating climate extremes. The sessions examine the technologies, alliances, and leadership mindset required to operate effectively in a fractured, rapidly evolving global landscape.
From To Program headline Speaker Notes
9:45 9:55 Opening Remarks – Setting the Tone for Action FEU President – Stephan Wevers Day 2 kicks off with focus on innovation, climate, and leadership.
10:00 10:05 Opening-day address (5 minutes) Platinum Sponsor – Resilience Leader Official welcome to delegates and transition into the conference theme “Safeguarding Tomorrow”.
10:15 10:35 Keynote – Lessons from the LA Fires LA County Fire Chief -Anthony Marrone A frontline perspective on megafires at the wildland–urban interface: leadership under pressure, rapid escalation, media scrutiny, and multi-agency coordination in real time.
10:40 11:00 Keynote – Response to extreme climate events Australia Fire Services -Darren Klem Managing wildfires in a permanent state of risk: preparedness, resilience, community engagement, and the human dimension of long-duration crises.
11:05 11:25 Keynote – Wildfires & Cross border cooperation Dutch Wildfire Management - Jelmer Dam / Brian Verhoeven Coordinating and scaling response to extreme events—from policy to field operations—through advanced technology, data-driven decision making, and trans-border cooperation.
11:30 11:45 Panel discussion - Leading Together When Extremes Collide Interactive discussion with speakers from LA County, Australia, and the Netherlands, followed by moderated audience Q&A. A transatlantic dialogue on leadership, coordination, and technology when climate events exceed national borders and institutional silos.
11:45 12:40 Lunch Silver Sponsor – Lunch Partner 5 minute speech from Silver sponsor #2
12:45 13:10 Keynote – Future Leadership in Times of Change CEO & Founder Prabhaav Global - Ritika Wadhwa The next generation of leadership, creating an optimal workforce for the future of fire and emergency services.
13:15 13:40 Keynote – London Fire Brigade: Transforming Through Leadership Fire Commissioner - Jonathan Smith Organizational transformation and ensuring inclusion while navigating through cultural diversity.
13:45 14:10 Keynote – Innovation and Preparedness in Asia Singapore Civil Defence Force, Commissioner – Eric Yap How AI, strategy on digital transformation strengthens national preparedness and rapid coordination.
14:15 14:40 Keynote – Mastering Disaster: The Human Factor Professor Kristian Lauta Bridging academia and practice: leading with awareness of chaos and crisis on citizens.
14:45 15:15 Closing Remarks – From Insight to Action Stephan Wevers Call to action and European cooperation priorities for the coming decade.
18:00 Exhibitors’ Night (Münch Hall) Networking event for all delegates and sponsors. (Optional add-on)

About FEU

The Federation of European Fire Officers (FEU) is an independent professional body comprising 24 national associations and state fire services from across Europe, including the United Kingdom and Norway. Its members are senior professionals responsible for the strategic oversight of Fire and Rescue Services at municipal, regional, and national levels. The FEU’s mission is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices to advance fire and life safety for all European citizens.

At a glance
24 national associations Senior leaders & strategists Pan-European network Public safety & leadership

Sponsorship Packages

Choose the level that fits your objectives
Diamond Sponsor
€30,000

Command Partner (exclusive, 12-month visibility).
Headline sponsorship at major FEU events including the 2026 Leadership Conference, Officer Development Programme Leadership Training, and two biannual FEU Council Meetings. Prominent brand visibility on-site and across event materials and digital communications, plus homepage presence on the FEU website for the full period. 10-minute presentation opportunity at your selected event.

Platinum Sponsor
€20,000

Resilience Leader (exclusive).
High-visibility sponsorship of the 2026 Leadership Conference with prominent branding at the entrance, main stage, and throughout the venue; recognition in all event materials (programme, website, app); 5-minute opening speech; VIP access to all events including dinner and networking; inclusion in pre-event promotions.

Gold Sponsor
€12,000

Pathfinder Level.
High-visibility branding at the conference dinner; opportunity to speak or present at the dinner; prominent logo placement on dinner materials and signage; invitations to VIP pre-dinner reception; premium networking. Includes Digital Partner & Program Sponsor benefits.

Silver Sponsor
€8,000

Lunch Sponsor.
High-visibility branding during the conference lunch (both days); speaking opportunity; prominent logo placement; networking with key decision-makers and international delegates. Includes Digital Partner & Program Sponsor benefits.

Digital Partner
€2,000
  • Company logo on the official FEU website leading up to the event (year-round presence).
  • Recognition across digital marketing campaigns, newsletters, and reminders.
  • Visibility to a broad audience of fire service professionals worldwide.
Program Sponsor
€1,000
  • Full-page, high-quality A5 ad in the printed conference programme.
  • Enhanced visibility throughout the event (every delegate receives a copy).
  • Ideal for promoting your brand, products, or services.

Sponsors

Ready to sponsor?

If you’re interested in promoting your organisation, raising brand awareness, or showcasing new products or services at the FEU Leadership Conference, contact our sponsorship team.

Email: secretary@f-e-u.org
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