About the forum

National expertise, under one roof

The MBA Forum is the Alliance's annual event for our stakeholders to meet, exchange, learn and act together — where national actors compare notes under one roof, and one coordination.

Pursuing a renewed, sharper strategy, the MBA aims to become the stage where technical information, know-how, networks and relationships are shared, and where the dots are linked to produce technical, evidence-based positions that protect the markets of our industry.

By gathering national and European know-how, we intend to become the one asset our members rely on to anticipate regulatory issues and to produce a positive, consistent narrative at both European and national level.

Technical know-how that enables local advocacy — that is what we aim at.

Unveiled at this forum

The PV Toolkit

Industry Communication Guide on Rooftop PV Fire Risks

In this first edition of the MBA Forum, we unveil the PV Toolkit — the Alliance's new communication asset for the safe use of photovoltaic systems on flat roofs. No more fragmented messaging, no more inconsistent arguments across markets: just one clear framework that lets every National Network advocate with credibility, communicate with consistency, and defend safe design choices at every point in the value chain.

This isn't a toolkit to keep on the shelf. It's a mandate to go on the offensive — proactively, together.

We must all speak with one voice.

Programme

Draft agenda

20 October 2026 Brussels · Day 0
19:00–22:00
Networking dinner TBC
Pending final numbers of attendees.
21 October 2026 Brussels · Day 1
09:30–09:40
Welcome & opening remarks
Nicola Filizola
09:40–10:00
Keynote: why your markets are at risk — and why you should fight for them Speaker TBC
A short, visually-led talk on the 2026–2028 outlook for the European plastics market: the regulatory threats ahead, how they can be tackled, and what role the MBA can play.
David Carrol (Advisor, Plastics Europe) — or Dr Christine Lukas (Associate, Uetliberg Partners GmbH)
10:00–10:30
PV Toolkit: Industry Communication Guide on Rooftop PV Fire Risks
Franklyn Okwara (Fire Experts, MBA)
10:30–11:45
Case studies: large-scale PV tests by MBA members
EUMEPS, Kingspan and PU Europe present the latest fire-safety developments and solutions for PV panels on flat roofs.
Emanuela Gallo (EUMEPS), Roy Weghorst (Kingspan), Edith Antonatus (PU Europe)
11:45–12:00
Plastic industry standardisation representation
Why the MBA's active role in standardisation groups matters, illustrated with PU Europe fire-test case studies addressing two questions: is a PIR-insulated roof more dangerous than one with non-combustible insulation if the PV panel above is burning? And can a roof approved to CEN TS 1187 still meet safety goals when PV panels burn, if PIR insulation is used? Tests comparing PIR- and mineral-wool-insulated roofs (with different waterproofing layers) point to one conclusion: a holistic approach is needed — swapping in non-combustible insulation alone does not improve fire performance.
Edith Antonatus
12:00–12:05
Morning session wrap-up
Moderator: Nicola Filizola
12:05–14:00 · Lunch break
14:00–15:00
Update from the National Networks Speakers TBC
Open floor for National Network members to report on local developments.
15:00–15:50
External speakers: EU projects on fire safety & renovation
Fire safety guidance for the electrification and renovation of buildings (FS‑REBuild); insulation and other parts of the building envelope; solar installation.
Eric Guillaume (Efectis) · second speaker tentative
15:50–16:00
Wrap-up & closing
Nicola Filizola
Roster

Our speakers

Nicola Filizola
Nicola Filizola
Secretary General, Modern Building Alliance — Host & Moderator

Opens and closes the Forum, and moderates the morning session.

Dipl. Phys. Edith Antonatus
Dipl. Phys. Edith Antonatus
Fire Expert & Consultant

Diploma in Physics from the Universities of Würzburg and Bremen. In the field of fire testing, certification and standardisation since 1982, across aircraft, vehicles and construction products. Following retirement from BASF in 2016, now consultant to the PU associations IVPU (Germany), PU Europe (Europe) and IIII (international), lead of the MBA's Technical Working Group, and quality assessor for fire laboratories and certification bodies on behalf of DAkkS Germany.

Emanuela Gallo
Emanuela Gallo
Fire Experts & Technical Affairs Manager, EUMEPS

Holds a degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Materials Science focused on fire performance. With a background spanning academia, fire testing, and over ten years developing fire-resistant materials in industry, she supports the development of safe, high-performing fire solutions.

More speakers to be announced

The roster is updated as new sessions and speakers are confirmed.

Also presenting
Franklyn Okwara
Fire Experts, MBA
Roy Weghorst
Kingspan
Eric Guillaume
Efectis
David Carrol
Advisor, Plastics Europe — keynote candidate
Dr Christine Lukas
Associate, Uetliberg Partners GmbH — keynote candidate