Change is the new normalcy – AFAC19 in full swing in Melbourne

AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ is the biggest-ever edition of the event. This is due in part to the first-time inclusion of the national conference of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) in the AFAC program, which also includes the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference.
The high-calibre Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Research Forum will once again cover all the latest research findings on natural catastrophes and resilience, while a German group pavilion with 11 companies will also be making an appearance at AFAC19. A further highlight includes a talk by the President of the German Fire Service Association (DFV), Hartmut Ziebs – the first time a German speaker has been featured in the AFAC conference program – speaking on the topic “How does the German fire brigade system work?”
This year’s lead theme at AFAC19 is “A shift to the new norm: riding the wave of change”, involving the need for emergency services to adapt to a new age in which substantial transformation becomes the normal state of affairs. This includes better preparation for emergencies, greater resilience in society and increased capacity to recover more quickly from crises.
“This year we are dealing with some major issues that affect us all: growth, climate change and technological progress,” says Stuart Ellis, AFAC CEO. “But we are also facing the challenge of promoting greater diversity and integration to better reflect the communities we serve,” he adds.
AFAC19 brings together the fire and rescue services of Australia as well as companies and organizations from abroad to discuss the latest issues. A total of nearly 200 companies will be showcasing their newest products and services on 12,000 square meters of exhibition space.
The following companies will be exhibiting at the German group pavilion: ALRO Engineering, askö, Crystop, Haix Group, Luitpold Schott Amaturenfabrik, s.tec Germany, Schmitz One Seven, Securemen, Skylotec, Stumpf & Kossendey Verlagsgesellschaft and the Wagner Group.
The German pavilion is organized by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology as well as the INTERSCHUTZ partner, the German Fire Protection Association (vfdb). AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ is a joint project of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and Deutsche Messe, acting in the capacity of Hannover Fairs Pty Ltd.
Deutsche Messe AG participates in AFAC by contributing its exhibition management expertise. At the same time, AFAC serves to reinforce the international standing of the Hannover-based INTERSCHUTZ event.