The popular industry event continues to grow. 5,200 fire protection professionals gathered […]
The popular industry event continues to grow. 5,200 fire protection professionals gathered at Koelnmesse to see the latest solutions and engage in lively discussions about industry trends.
Cologne, December 2025. The VdS-FireSafety Cologne 2025, one of the most important industry events for preventive fire protection in Europe, broke records once again: Fire protection enthusiasts from a total of 24 countries came to Cologne to learn about the latest fire protection trends and exchange ideas.
The industry gathering attracted 180 exhibitors and 5,200 visitors. In total, there were over 100 presentations given by more than 120 speakers and moderators at the six specialist conferences and forums on the exhibition stage.
This combination of fire protection trade fair, specialist forums, and topic-specific conferences is unique in Europe. Feedback from visitors, speakers, and exhibitors was extremely positive.
Trade fair, conferences, hands-on technology, and much more
The diverse program of the VdS-FireSafety Cologne 2025 included the large international trade fair, numerous live demonstrations of the latest fire protection solutions, the job board and the meeting point “training and career”, a colorful program on the trade fair stage, and six VdS conferences in the adjacent halls. One of the conferences, “Fire Extinguishing Systems – International,” with speakers from seven countries, took place with simultaneous German-English translation.
The new special area for structural fire protection, covering around 230 m², was also a popular attraction. The latest technology was demonstrated here, and the Structural Fire Protection Forum by asecos academy offered a high-quality program of lectures.
Zapp Zimmermann was one of the companies that presented hands-on structural fire protection technology in the special exhibition area, with great success, as Michael Gasper from Zapp Zimmermann reports:
“There was a lot of activity at our exhibits, and visitors were very interested in experiencing the applications. We found that the special area made it even easier to strike up conversations with people. But I can also say that we always receive a lot of positive feedback at the VdS-FireSafety Cologne, even compared to many other events of this kind. The lecture program and the well-timed breaks in the conferences attract a large professional audience. That’s what really sets VdS apart.”
Another special area featured live demonstrations of sprinkler systems, where interested visitors could try them out for themselves.
In addition, the VdS laboratory demonstrated how sprinklers from old installations are tested for functionality. Visitors were also able to experience and try out the VdS software for dimensioning gas extinguishing systems live.
Expert forums on the exhibition stage
Three expert forums were held live on stage in the exhibition hall on both days of the fair: the “Future Forum on Fire Protection” on important future topics, the “Exhibitor Forum” on innovative solutions, and the VdS FireSafety Talk.
The “Future Forum on Fire Protection” and the “Exhibitor Forum” covered topics such as “Fire protection for lithium-ion batteries,” “The future of IoT fire protection,” “Thermographic early fire detection,” and “Innovative exhaust gas purification,” among many others.
In the two 90-minute rounds of the “VdS-FireSafety Talk,” high-ranking experts discussed the topics “Accepted by the authority and ready to burn out – building regulations fulfilled, business destroyed” and “Fire protection for PV systems – risk or controllable technology?” in front of a packed audience.
Guided tours of the trade fair
Guided tours of the exhibition gave visitors a good overview of interesting innovations. They were designed and conducted by two students from the “Security and Safety Engineering” course at Furtwangen University.
High-caliber expert conferences
The six conferences in the adjacent congress halls were largely fully booked. Conference attendees were happy to take the opportunity to visit the trade fair and its supporting program before the conference began and during the breaks.
VdS-FireSafety Cologne 2026 on December 2 and 3
The next VdS-FireSafety Cologne will take place on December 2 and 3, 2026, at Koelnmesse in Exhibition Hall 10.2.
Detailed information is available at vds.de/fire-safety
Caption VdS-BST25_Messehalle.jpg: The VdS-FireSafety Cologne 2025 attracted 5,200 trade visitors. (Image: VdS) Caption VdS-BST25_Talk: One of the attractions was the VdS-FireSafety Talk on the exhibition stage. (Image: VdS) Caption VdS-BST25_Structural-Fire-Protection.jpg: Visitors to the VdS-FireSafety Cologne 2025 were able to experience a wide range of technology, such as here in the special area dedicated to structural fire protection. (Image: VdS) Caption VdS-BST25_Exchange.jpg: The many technical discussions are a special feature of the VdS-FireSafety Cologne. (Image: VdS)
About VdS
VdS is one of the world’s most renowned institutions for corporate security. Around 500 experts offer a unique range of services for fire protection, security, cyber security, and natural hazard prevention.
VdS’s services include risk analyses, testing and certification, plant inspections, information systems on natural hazards, and a wide range of training courses. As an independent company, VdS also sets international safety standards by publishing regulations.
The optimal protection of our partners is based on a globally unique protection concept, whose reliability is built on 115 years of VdS experience and combines all aspects of loss prevention. Decision-makers around the world rely on VdS-tested effectiveness and safety.
Further information is available at www.vds.de
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