28 April 2026

The FIA are excited to announce that we will again be partnering with the Fire Safety Event and brining our biggest ever offering to the premier destination for fire safety professionals, installers, integrators, consultants, and end users to connect, collaborate, and stay ahead of the curve.

2026 will see us bring the inaugural FIA Fire Industry Newcomer of the Year Competition to the event as well as the return of the FIA Guidance Theatre. 

FIA Guidance Theatre:

The Guidance Theatre will feature a range of keynote speakers, FIA technical session and panel discussions delivered by experts in various sectors of the UK fire industry.

The agenda for the guidance theatre will be announced in due course.

Fire Industry Newcomer of the Year Competition:

The Fire Industry Newcomer of the Year is a fast-paced, hands-on competition designed especially for trainees, apprentices, and early-career technicians working in fire detection and alarm systems. Hosted live on the FIA stand at the Fire Safety Event 2026, this challenge brings real-world maintenance and fault-finding into the spotlight.

Competitors will be working on a live, non-addressable fire alarm system, identifying faults and non-compliances, applying safe working practices, testing the system correctly, and documenting their work just as you would on a real maintenance visit. Speed matters, but so does method, accuracy, and professionalism.

Throughout the competition, competitors will be observed by industry-experienced assessors, using a structured and fair marking approach. Visitors, employers, and industry professionals will be able to see competent practice in action.

Why should you or your team member take part?

• Build confidence with a real, hands-on challenge using industry equipment
• Gain experience beyond training rooms and day-to-day work
• Make valuable connections for your future career
• Show your ability to work under pressure and think clearly
• Add a respected industry challenge to your CV
• Take pride in demonstrating skills that truly matter in fire alarm maintenance

How the competition works

• Rules will be sent out in advance
• Competitors are allocated individual time slots
• A short safety and task briefing is given before you start
• You’ll work on an assigned rig within a fixed time limit
• Faults must be identified, maintenance actions carried out, and the system left safe
• All actions are logged on worksheets provided on the day
• Systems are reset between competitors

Who can enter?

• Open to trainees, apprentices, and early-career technicians
• Intended for those with up to 3 years’ experience in the fire safety industry
• Basic working knowledge of non-addressable fire alarm systems required
• Participants must be 18 or over
• Participants MUST be available to take part on all 3 days of the Fire Safety Event 2026

How to enter?

• Complete the Application Form
• The FIA will be in touch to confirm your place and timeslot

What’s the prize?

• 3 tickets to the FIA Annual Lunch
• An award presented at the FIA Annual Lunch
• A free company place on the FIA Fundamentals Units 1 & 2 Course
• A DetectorTesters Urban Kit

If you have any questions on the competition, please email [email protected].