Review of INTERCHUTZ

The world's leading trade fair for fire, rescue, civil protection and safety, INTERSCHUTZ 2022, was a complete success - for exhibitors, visitors and organizers. The vfdb, originally the "inventor" of INTERSCHUTZ, is the conceptual sponsor of the world's leading trade fair, as is the German Fire Brigades Association. Now everyone is looking forward to the next big INTERSCHUTZ. It will be held in Hanover from June 1 to 6, 2026.

"It was great to see the community finally come together again," said vfdb President Dirk Aschenbrenner at the end. "What we wanted to see and experience came to fruition: There was an excellent product show and an incredibly large network. We also had many discussions about current problem situations, and many ideas were created. INTERSCHUTZ has already perfectly implemented its new format in 2022. We look forward to continuing in this format. So that the world's leading trade fair continues to deliver what it promises."

The crew of the large AGBF/vfdb joint stand in Hall 13 also drew a positive balance. Fire magazine boss Jan-Erik Hegemann summed up the mood in an interview: "When you walk through the halls, you only see satisfied faces. I haven't met any grumblers here yet. People are really happy that the trade show is taking place and from that point of view you can say they did everything right that Interschutz is taking place."

At a dozen theme islands, visitors to the AGBF/vfdb booth learned about topics including research, rescue services, fire protection, education, protective equipment, technical assistance, control centers and fire protection history, as well as the new SIE@vfdb and VIELFALT@vfdb initiatives. With numerous lectures the vfdb addressed beyond that the international specialized public. For example, the heavy rain expert commission chaired by Dr. Ulrich Cimolino, Prof. Peer Rechenbach spoke about the dynamics of major emergencies, Sven Dunkel spoke about the possibilities of geoinformation. Several demonstrations by the height rescuers rounded off the program and fascinated the visitors. For the first time, the successful online event series "Praxisdialog@vfdb" also took place in presence.

Those who were looking for more hobby and entertainment instead of science were not disappointed. A driving simulator, for example, in which visitors could feel the tension of an alarm drive, was constantly crowded. Philatelists were delighted with a special postmark and an individually designed stamp. For other guests, the daily raffle of a gas grill by the "CO macht KO" initiative was one of the highlights. "CO macht KO" was one of the partners at the stand, along with "Paulinchen - Initiative für das brandverletzte Kind" and the "Netzwerk Feuerwehrfrauen". There was much praise for the team from the Munich Fire Department, which had set up the stand.

Photographers got their money's worth, because there were plenty of motifs - for example, with the lucky charms from the Federal Association of Chimney Sweeps. The "pensioners' bench", which was set up for the first time, was also in demand for snapshots: for example, when THW Honorary Chairman Albrecht Broemme or Frankfurt's former fire chief Reinhard Ries took a seat there.

President Dirk Aschenbrenner and Vice President Dr. Anja Hofmann-Böllinghaus also completed an extensive program at the stand. Throughout the week, they and Secretary General Dr. Dirk Oberhagemann welcomed various delegations from several countries - including Denmark, Italy, France, the USA, South Korea and Malaysia. 

INTERSCHUTZ mascot Timmy was also present at many of the meetings. He had already caused applause at the opening ceremony when he presented Lower Saxony's Minister President Stefan Weil with an admission ticket to the world's leading trade fair.

Mr. Interschutz", Matthias Ludwig, also drew a positive balance without exception. He was responsible behind the scenes for the running of the event and the almost 80 non-material exhibitors, around ten percent of whom came from abroad. What he didn't know beforehand: At the end of INTERSCHUTZ, Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Deutsche Messe AG, and Dirk Aschenbrenner appointed Matthias Ludwig Special Representative of INTERSCHUTZ in recognition of his years of work and thanked him with a gift and a framed certificate.