The next edition of INTERSCHUTZ – the world’s leading trade fair and networking event for the fire and rescue services, civil protection, safety and security – will take place in the German city of Hannover on 1-6 June 2026.
The core topics have already been finalised. Alongside the impacts of climate change and civil protection, the spotlight will also be on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in control centres, situation centres and at the scene of operations, as well as on sustainability.
“The dramatic events around the world make it clear that the issues of disaster prevention and civil protection are playing an increasingly important role,” according to INTERSCHUTZ Project Manager Bernd Heinold of Deutsche Messe in Hannover.
“This was already evident at INTERSCHUTZ two years ago, but new conflicts, crises and disasters, too, must serve as reminders that there can be no taking breaks on the way to ensuring even greater resilience,” he added.
‘Safeguarding Tomorrow’ is the motto for INTERSCHUTZ 2026, and the six-day event in June will showcase the entire spectrum of products and services in the spheres of firefighting, preventive fire protection, rescue services, civil protection, communication and control centre technology, as well as protective equipment.
Holmatro Rescue Challenge: Firefighters and first responders will also have an opportunity to compete in the third international ‘Holmatro Rescue Challenge’ during ‘INTERSCHUTZ 2026’. The aim is to facilitate a safe learning environment for firefighters and rescue teams, who will be challenged to respond to a unique vehicle extrication scenario, using Holmatro’s advanced next-gen Pentheon rescue tools to free the ‘live victims’ within 20 minutes.
Each team will be monitored and evaluated by experienced assessors, who will judge them not only on tool use techniques, but also on criteria such as medical assessment, patient handling and on-scene communication. At the end of the Holmatro Rescue Challenge the winners will be announced at the award ceremony, including the presentation of prizes for the Best Overall Team, the Best Technical Team, and the Best Team Spirit.
