The premiere edition of the PROTEGA Trade Fair is behind us

PROTEGA took place at a particularly significant moment: nearly a year after the entry into force of the Act on Civil Protection and Civil Defence, which reshaped the approach of national and local authorities to modern threats.

A Ceremonial Opening with Government and Local Authorities

The trade fair began with an official opening attended by guests representing the key institutions responsible for national security. Marcin Bilik, Vice-President of the MTP Group, emphasized the importance of creating a space that brings together experts, practitioners and technology providers in one place.

Speeches were delivered by:

• Wiesław Szczepański, State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, speaking about the role of new regulations and the development of the civil protection system,
• Agata Sobczyk, Governor of Wielkopolska, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation,
• Marcin Gołek, Deputy Mayor of Poznań, pointing to the city’s efforts to strengthen infrastructure resilience,
• Maj. Gen. Paweł Frysztak, Deputy Chief Commander of the State Fire Service, discussing the significance of modern technologies in rescue operations,
• Col. Arkadiusz Kosowski, MD, Director of the Military Health Service Department at the Ministry of National Defence, stressing the Armed Forces’ involvement in civil protection.

 

 

Among the guests were representatives of the Governmental Agency for Strategic Reserves, the Territorial Defence Forces, the Police, the Air Force, the State Sanitary Inspectorate, the State Forests and many regional and local governments. The presence of such a broad spectrum of institutions confirmed that civil protection requires cooperation across all levels of the state.

Following the official opening, an inaugural panel launched the PROTEGA Congress, fully dedicated to the challenges and development directions of civil protection and civil defence in Poland.

Two Days of Debates, Panels and Workshops — Knowledge and Practice in One Place

The congress program was divided between two stages — the Congress Stage and the Workshop Stage — allowing participants to choose from a diverse range of expert debates and practical sessions.

On the Congress Stage, speakers addressed the most pressing challenges facing modern safety systems. Experts discussed responses to floods, critical infrastructure failures and power outages, as well as methods for training in civil protection and building psychological resilience in high-stress situations. Special attention was given to lessons from the war in Ukraine, particularly in the field of protective construction. Further discussions covered CBRN threats, the design of shelters and safe rooms and recommendations for public administration and services regarding protective infrastructure.

 

Meanwhile, the Workshop Stage offered intensive exercises and real-life simulations. Participants practiced first aid, learned how to respond to contemporary threats such as drone attacks, mass-casualty incidents or vehicle-ramming scenarios, and took part in workshops preparing local communities for functioning during crises.

 

This connection of theory and practice resulted in an event that responded directly to the real needs of emergency services, local governments and institutions.

Oxford Debate of Uniformed Classes — Young People in a Battle of Arguments

One of the most anticipated programme points was the first Oxford Debate of Firefighting-Oriented Uniformed Classes, held for the traveling trophy of the Wielkopolska Provincial Commander of the State Fire Service.

Students competed from:

• Edukacja Lubasz – Schools of I. J. Paderewski (Proposition),
• Zespół Szkół Mechanicznych in Poznań (Opposition).

The debate topic was: “Safety guidebooks in brochure form — a relic of the past or a timeless educational tool?”

After a dynamic and passionate — yet highly respectful — exchange, the team from Edukacja Lubasz emerged victorious. The jury representing academia, the State Fire Service, administration and youth emphasized the impressive level of both teams and the strong educational value of the event.

A Rich Exhibition — Technologies and Solutions for Services, Local Governments and Institutions

The trade fair gathered companies representing key sectors of civil protection and civil defence. Exhibited solutions included rescue and medical equipment, gear for search-and-rescue units and specialist protective clothing and personal protective equipment used in emergency operations. Producers of protective construction showcased shelters and safe rooms, alongside manufacturers of flood protection systems, water tanks and ventilation technologies dedicated to protective structures.

The communication and new-technology sector was also strongly represented. Participants could explore critical communication systems, advanced drones, threat-detection technologies, as well as mobile power sources and lighting systems used in field operations. A significant part of the exhibition focused on crisis logistics — from long-term food supplies and evacuation kits to containers and mobile modules supporting services and institutions during emergencies.

This wide spectrum of technologies demonstrated how complex and interdisciplinary modern civil protection has become.

 

A Premiere Edition That Opens a New Chapter

The strong interest in the PROTEGA Trade Fair demonstrated how important it is to create a space that enables meaningful dialogue between administration, emergency services, experts and industry. In a time of geopolitical instability and rapidly changing climate conditions, such events are not only valuable — they are essential.

Thank you to all participants, guests, partners and exhibitors. See you at next year’s edition of the PROTEGA Trade Fair!