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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.

Event Overview

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

As a robust network of European fire officer associations and national fire services, FEU connects senior professionals responsible for the strategic management of fire and rescue services across Europe. Our mission is to facilitate the exchange of best practices and collaborate on projects that enhance public safety at a European level.

INTERSCHUTZ, the world’s leading trade fair for fire and rescue services, civil protection, safety, and security, will be held in 2026 at the Deutsche Messe in Hannover under the theme "Safeguarding Tomorrow." This event showcases the entire range of products and services related to firefighting, preventive fire protection, rescue services, civil protection, communication and control center technology, and protective equipment.

Leadership Conference 2026
  • Interschutz Hannover/Germany is the place to be!
  • Organizer: Deutsche Messe, Hannover
  • More information to follow.

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

Strategic Response in a Disrupted World As Europe and the world face unprecedented challenges — from hybrid threats and rapid societal shifts to climate change — the need for decisive, resilient leadership in fire services and civil defense has never been greater. The FEU Leadership Conference brings together top leaders from across the sector to explore the evolving landscape of civil defense and equip them with the insights needed to navigate today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. This conference is structured to serve as a platform for exchange at the highest level, where policy, practice, and leadership converge.

Our focus is on preparing leaders who are ready to confront and manage disruption head-on, ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in an ever-changing Europe and world. The two-day program combines strategic discussions, practical insights, and peer-to-peer learning.

Day 1 focuses on the strategic domain of fire services and civil defense. Delegates will hear from prominent leaders and senior representatives of the European Commission, NATO, and other key institutions, NGO’s, as well as leading figures from North America and Asia. Discussions will address how civil defense and fire services must adapt to emerging risks, cross-border challenges, and the demands of a rapidly changing environment.

Day 2 begins with morning sessions on climate change, highlighting wildfires in Europe, resilience strategies, cooperation across European fire services and the role of innovation and technology in managing extreme events. In the afternoon, attention shifts to leadership in disruption, examining what today’s leaders must do to guide organizations through uncertainty, sustain public trust, and drive transformation in an increasingly volatile world.

The detailed program on the following pages sets out two days of deliberate dialogue, expert insight, and a shared commitment to strengthening the resilience of fire and civil protection services in an era of disruption. We look forward to engaging with you in this vital conversation and to shaping a stronger, more resilient future.

Day 1 | June 3rd 2026
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 – Safeguarding Tomorrow EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib (Pending) A strategic vision from the European Commission on strengthening Europe’s civil preparedness.
13:45 14:10 Keynote – Security in a Shifting World NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte 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 Coffee/Networking Break
15:15 15:25 10 min Sponsor Presentation Diamond Sponsor – Command Partner
15:30 15:50 Keynote – Estonia: Digital Readiness and National Resilience Director General Marko Klaos
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 – Jakob Vedsted Summarizing Day 1’s insights and setting the tone for Europe’s collaborative resilience.
16:30 18:00 VIP Tours – Interschutz Experience Interschutz Exclusive guided visits for speakers, sponsors, and senior delegates.
18:30 20:30 VIP Dinner – Hosted by FEU & INTERSCHUTZ Gold Sponsor – Pathfinder Level 10-minute speaking opportunity. Premium networking moment with EU representatives, senior fire chiefs, and key decision makers.

Day 2 | June 4th 2026
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 10:40 Keynote – Europe’s Climate Readiness DG ECHO Representative (Pending) The European Commission’s outlook on climate-driven disasters and response coordination.
10:45 11:10 Keynote – Lessons from the LA Fires LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone Transatlantic exchange on wildfire management, innovation, and leadership under pressure.
11:15 11:45 Keynote/Panel Discussion – Cross-Border Response to Extreme Climate Events Dutch Wildfire Expert and Australia Fire Services Spain (Pending) The global alliance perspective on resilience and response, linking defense, policy, and civil protection.
11:45 12:40 Lunch Silver Sponsor – Lunch Partner 5-minute speech for Silver Sponsor #2. Real-world leadership in war. Stories of resilience and coordination under extreme pressure.
12:45 13:10 Keynote – Future Leadership in Times of Change Ritika Radwa 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 and digital transformation strategies strengthen 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 FEU President – 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.

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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