Cementing its position as the must-attend event for the security industry, IFSEC International welcomed 34,756 visitors from 117 countries to ExCeL London on 18-20 June.
Visitors represented a combined annual purchasing budget of £23bn.
The show reported a 7% increase in the number of visitors per exhibitor versus 2018, making IFSEC International the global destination for security suppliers to generate business and build vital new relationships.
Connecting the security industry
The entire security buying chain of installers, integrators, distributors, consultants, government representatives, manufacturers and security stakeholders joined together to discover exclusive product launches, see solutions in action, meet suppliers face to face and take advantage of three days of critical content.
Sarb Sembhi, CISO of Virtually Informed Ltd., said: “IFSEC has been transforming over the years […] a must attend show for any stakeholder in physical and converged security.”
Exhibitors commented on the extremely high quality of IFSEC’s attendees. Norden Communications said: “We had long, detailed conversations with a good number of visitors per day. As a first-time exhibitor, we couldn’t ask for anything more.”
IFSEC has been transforming over the years […] a must attend show for any stakeholder in physical and converged security
The business development manager at A-Data Limited commented: “There was nothing we would improve. The networking opportunities were really good and we met good-quality installer and wholesale customers.”
A platform for product launches
IFSEC International showcases the best and most innovative products and solutions on the global security market, putting them in front of an audience of tens of thousands of potential buyers.
Among the major products launched this year was the cost-free IDIS Dynamic Privacy Masking (IDPM), developed by IDIS to help companies ‘de-identify’ faces in video footage and remain GDPR compliant without compromising security systems.
OPTEX demonstrated its new visual verification solutions, including Intelligent Visual and its short- and long-range LiDAR sensors, enabling users to better track people, vehicles and drones.
Market-leading provider of body-worn cameras Edesix launched its innovative VideoBadge CB-400, aimed at policing and security sectors. It will look to provide more transparency and greater accountability while preventing crime and anti-social behaviour and providing extra evidence for prosecution.
Director at the Association of Security Consultants said: “IFSEC is the place to be, and it has been for over 40 years. It is the only opportunity to see everything – it ticks all the boxes.”
Looking to the future
Reflecting the growing cybersecurity concern, much of IFSEC’s 35+ hour seminar programme focused on the future of security for physical, cyber and converged solutions alike.
James Morris, head of security solutions at Aon UK, spoke about the value of investing in people to establish a robust security strategy in an increasingly connected world. Meanwhile, a panel discussion led by Dr Dave Sloggett covered the growing risks posed by cloud technologies and the Internet of Things as companies pass the responsibility of keeping cloud-based systems secure to consumers.
Underpinning this was a holistic view of the security environment: Frank Gardner OBE, keynote chair and renowned security journalist, touched on the risks posed by extremism, terrorism and geopolitical uncertainty, alongside the new security approaches they require.
The overarching need to embrace the future is also why surveillance camera commissioner Tony Porter used IFSEC International as the platform for launching the ‘Secure by Default’ minimum requirement on the UK’s first ever National Surveillance Camera Day. This set of guidelines, ‘by manufacturers for manufacturers’, is designed to ensure security systems are built from the ground-up, are usable, and can evolve to meet changing threats.
The year ahead
IFSEC International 2020 will take place on 19-21 May 2020 at ExCeL, London. Once again running alongside FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo, Facilities Show and Smart Buildings Expo, IFSEC will be joined for the first time by Counter Terror Expo, Ambition and Forensics, fully embracing the wide remit of the security industry.
Visit ifsec.events/international to find out how your business can get involved with IFSEC 2020.
