London calls IFSEC International to the Capital!
IFSEC International waves farewell to the NEC after a show stopping year to start its next chapter at the ExCeL, London in 2014
IFSEC International (www.ifsec.co.uk) took place at Birmingham’s NEC for the last time from 13 – 16 May 2013, as the flagship security exhibition prepares to relocate to ExCeL, London in 2014. Following a phenomenal 40th year, the show proved to be a roaring success with 28,992 visitors (subject to ABC audit) flooding through the doors of IFSEC and FIREX, an increase of 2.4 per cent on 2011. A three per cent visitor increase was seen across the whole Protection and Management Week, running alongside FIREX International, Facilities Show and Safety and Health Expo.Showcasing the latest product innovations, technologies, services and solutions applicable to this broad industry sector, IFSEC International demonstrated the increased integration between the security and fire industries. Uniting the entire buying chain under one roof, the event brought together 32 per cent end users and 68 per cent trade visitors, presenting endless networking options and the chance to take advantage of the breadth of education on offer.
Charlie Cracknell, Event Director for IFSEC International, said: “On the back of our extensive market research, we have been able to deliver IFSEC 2013 which genuinely meets the needs of an evolving security market. Showcasing a broad range of innovation across the industry, hosting prestigious industry awards, identifying market educational demands with the wide range of unique workshops and conference programmes have resulted in an uplift of total attendees.”
IFSEC International listened to visitor feedback and significant focus was put on additional content alongside the show. The IFSEC Academy provided access to seven free education theatres allowing visitors to engage in the biggest issues in security from the industry’s leading lights. High level speakers including; Don Randall MBE (head of security at the Bank of England and Chairman of the City of London Crime Prevention Association), Balaji Srimoolanathan (principal consultant - Aerospace, Defence and Security at Frost & Sullivan), Dr Peter Speight (director of Security Risk Management at Securitas Security Services UK) and many more, took to the stage to discuss topics from counter terror to lone workers, integrated security to IP and networks, intelligent buildings to access control and biometrics, CCTV and video surveillance to physical security.
For the first time the Global Meetings Programme was set up to provide a platform for a bespoke and tailor-made hosted buyers’ programme, where manufacturers from the IFSEC International and FIREX International exhibitor base were brought together with end-user visitors in a seller:buyer environment. This proved to be an effective feature where both parties were able to hold targeted meetings and discuss their individual needs.
Alan Moody, Managing Director, AWM Alarms confirmed that he recognises IFSEC International as the leading industry event: “It’s my 33rd year attending IFSEC and every year it fulfils expectations! I see a lot of my suppliers informally face-to-face at IFSEC and colleagues that I don’t often have time to see so it’s good for networking and updating your knowledge. It’s important to attend IFSEC because there’s so much to see and so much information to gather, in security things move so quickly and dynamically so you must keep ahead of the game and the only way to do that is to come to IFSEC every time.”
The success of 2013 was felt across both the exhibitor and visitor communities, and with the excitement building for the move to ExCeL, London all eyes are on what IFSEC International will present next. Stephen Smith, Sales & Marketing Director, ISM said: “In all the years we’ve been exhibiting at the show, this year’s been the best IFSEC. We’ve already rebooked for next year, so we’ll certainly be back again.”
IFSEC International visitors are also enthused for what the future holds, Paul Hammonds, Telecommunications Engineer, Mottmacdonald, said: “IFSEC is a very important event and it’s great to see what’s new out there with security. IFSEC is definitely still a priority for us and there will always be members of the team attending the event to gauge what’s new!”
Commenting on the move to London, Cracknell said: “IFSEC International 2014 will move to the next level and provide an even richer business experience for exhibitors, visitor groups and delegates, with both the UK and global security markets further benefitting from the move to London. These provide real business leads and development opportunities, essentially helping all sectors in the security and fire industries build their business. We all recognise the importance of integrating with one another and IFSEC is the best place for this to happen.”
By understanding the whole buying chain, IFSEC International will continue to work closely with exclusive industry’s partner the BSIA, as well as, NSI, SSAIB, ASIS, Security Institute, FIA, ASFP, London First and UKTI, to ensure four key pillars are achieved:
1. Commitment to installer visitors
Launch of Security Installer Live will open a breadth of opportunity for installers from both around the UK and from International markets.
2. Commitment to end user visitors
IFSEC International will continue to create a targeted approach to ensure visitors fully understand what is on offer and how they can utilize their time most effectively, attracting business leaders across the IT, Retail, Finance, Transport sectors and many more.
3. Increasing International audience
With 32 per cent of visitors already attending from overseas, IFSEC International will broaden the opportunities for international buyers by moving to the Capital. Being at the epicenter of one of the most sophisticated travel networks in the world, ExCeL London will make the event attainable for more visitors than ever before.
4. Increased multi-show cross pollination
ExCeL being a purposed built exhibition venue will allow for improved cross pollination of visitors between all five events, IFSEC, FIREX, Facilities Show, Safety and Health Expo and Energy Expo adding even more value to visitor participation.
“We really can’t wait to showcase everything we have planned for London, so watch this space!” Cracknell added.
For more information about IFSEC International 2014, visit www.ifsec.co.uk.
