IFSEC And FIREX Announce Professor Brian Cox OBE, Dame Kelly Holmes, And Simon Weston OBE As Keynote Speakers

The Inspirational Speaker Series provides insights from leaders outside of the security and fire professions

IFSEC and FIREX International, organised by UBM EMEA, announced its best ever inspirational speaker line-up: rock star physicist Professor Brian Cox OBE; double Olympic gold medallist, Dame Kelly Holmes; and Falklands War veteran, Simon Weston OBE. Taking place as part of the Protection and Management Series 2017, Europe’s leading events for security, fire, safety, workwear, facilities, and service management, at London’s ExCeL from 20^th – 22^nd June 2017, these three keynotes will support over 84 hours of security and fire safety content.

Launched in 2015, the Inspirational Speaker Series gives visitors the opportunity to hear from leaders outside of the security and fire professions, whose achievements are world-class and incredibly inspiring. Following an industry-wide survey, these three high-calibre speakers were chosen as the overwhelming favourites to lead keynotes in the Keynote Theatre, sponsored by Honeywell, and captain the 2017 speaker programme.

Renowned keynote speakers

Dame Kelly Holmes, presenting 20^th June, 2017, 11.30 – 12.30 and joining a panel debate, 12.30 – 13.15, is best known for her success in the 2004 Olympics, where she won two golds and became only the second woman in history to claim the 800m and 1500m titles for British athletics. Prior to her success on the track, she served almost 10 years in the military and was awarded an MBE for her services to the British Army. What many people may not know is that she has also battled with depression, and at Safety & Health Expo, following her keynote speech, Dame Kelly has agreed to share her struggles on the show’s mental health panel discussion. This will immediately follow her speech on ‘Having the passion, compassion and courage to succeed’ on 20^th June.

Professor Brian Cox OBE, presenting 21^st June, 2017, 11.30 – 12.30, is one of the UK’s most famous (and dare say favourite) physicists, having made the world of science so engaging and accessible to the masses. He has played a key part in the ATLAS and CERN Large Hadron Collider projects, whilst still finding time to take part in TV programmes such as Wonders of the Universe and Wonders of the Solar System, which have been viewed around the world by millions. Many will also know him from his keyboard-playing days in D:Ream, the pop band behind the 90’s hit single, Things Can Only Get Better. Professor Cox will be speaking about ‘Exploring the Universe’ on 21^st June.

Simon Weston CBE, presenting 22^nd June, 2017, 11.30 – 12.30, was aboard HMS Sir Galahad with the Welsh guard regiment when it was bombed by Argentinean planes during the Falklands War. The horrific burns he suffered required a series of operations that continue to this day. Despite his injuries and the physical and mental suffering, Simon’s life is an example of great personal triumph and courage. He is a true role model for positive mental attitude and overcoming hardship. Simon will share his very personal story about ‘Turning adversity into opportunity’ on 22^nd June.

Inspirational speaker programme

Brand Director for the OSH portfolio Chris Edwards commented: “Since we launched the inspirational speaker programme at Protection & Management in 2015, we’ve seen a phenomenal amount of interest from visitors, so the keynote scheme is something that we continue to invest heavily in. I think it’s fair to say that for most events any one of this year’s speakers would be a marquee signing so to have all three appear is quite a coup. I look forward to seeing a packed auditorium at ExCeL in June.”

IFSEC and FIREX International are part of UBM EMEA’s Protection & Management Series, the UK’s largest event dedicated to protecting and managing property, people, and information. The series incorporates major events Safety & Health Expo, Professional Clothing Show, IFSEC International, FIREX International, Facilities Show, and Service Management Expo, which attract more than 45,000 attendees annually over three days to ExCeL London, with 1,600 suppliers showcasing their latest products, and 150 hours of seminars, workshops and keynote speeches.