An overview of IFSEC 2010, the international security industry event

IFSEC is established as the world's largest annual security event

For the 38th successive year, IFSEC delivered a first-class event for the international security industry when it took place from 10 - 13 May 2010 at the NEC Birmingham.

Established as the world's largest annual security event, thousands of visitors descended on Birmingham to see more than 750 industry-renowned companies showcase their latest developments and take advantage of more than 30 hours of free educational content.

James Blue, Director of Fire & Security at UBM Live, organisers of IFSEC, said: "As the economy continues its recovery, the security industry was in buoyant mood over the four days of IFSEC 2010. With business being generated across all three halls of the event, thousands of security professionals benefitted from more than 750 exhibitors and a vast amount of free seminars at the NEC Birmingham. The results were fantastic with positive feedback from both our visitors and exhibitors and we look forward to continuing our success with our global IFSEC events in Africa and India throughout the year."

Visitors to IFSEC 2010 were able to explore the latest security products and services available both in the UK and worldwide. The extensive exhibition was organised into the following categories:

1. Integrated security/IP & Network solutions
2. Access control
3. CCTV
4. Intruder alarms
5. Counter terror & physical security
6. Security solutions
7. Fire solutions

Axis, Dallmeier, Genie CCTV, Hikvision, IndigoVision, JVC, Norbain, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Tyco were amongst those exhibiting. IFSEC has long been the platform for these companies to launch their new products and 2010 proved no different - Axis, for example, took the opportunity to demonstrate their series of high-performance, outdoor-ready pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) domes, including two HDTV models, at the event. Within the exhibition there were also seven dedicated international pavilions in which visitors could seek the latest products and services from all over the globe.

Visitors to IFSEC 2010 were able to explore the latest security products and services available both in the UK and worldwide

Supported by the US Commercial Service, IFSEC 2010 featured its first US Pavilion. Based in hall 4, this pavilion housed a plethora of innovative manufacturers, allowing visitors to source US security products and services in one concentrated location. Commercial staff from the U.S. Embassy in London was on hand to answer any queries.

In addition to the US, visitors could source products and services from Belgium (new for 2010), China, France, Italy, Korea and Taiwan. Furthermore, the Secartys association, a voluntary organisation which represents more than 1,200 industries in electronics, information technology, telecommunications and solar energy across Spain, also introduced new Spanish exhibitors in the different product areas within the exhibition.

The annual ‘Meet the Buyers' event, which provides UK exhibitors will unrivalled access to international buyers of security products and services, was also a great success. Through strategic partnerships with UK Trade & Investment/UKTI Defence & Security Organisation and British Security Industry Association (BSIA), IFSEC invested in bringing 125 buyers from all over the globe to the event as part of the Inward Missions programme. A record-breaking 722 meetings took place which demonstrates the importance placed on this initiative to the international buyers' UK trade network.

Free-of-charge seminars ran in the New Products & Technology Showcase Seminar Theatres (one in hall 4, the other in hall 5) so visitors were able to hear about the latest developments in this evolving industry.

Also within the exhibition, the new Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) Red Book Pavilion housed seminars and presentations based on all aspects of LPCB third party approvals, training schemes and research relating to physical security. The free-of-charge educational programme was led by industry experts from the LPCB and dedicated staff was on hand to answer any questions.

Returning for 2010, the IFSEC Conference delivered an unparalleled educational programme packed with carefully researched high-level content aimed at senior security professionals. Running alongside the IFSEC 2010 exhibition, the content took a fresh and unique look at the key issues facing the security industry, including countering terror, protecting critical national infrastructure, preparing for London Olympics 2012, corporate security issues, security guarding and recent technological developments.

Each day of the conference was dedicated to a different area of security:

• Day one - Countering terror and protecting the nation
• Day two - Corporate security in the recovering economy
• Day three - Next generation technologies

The high-level seminars were delivered by some of the most senior players in the industry, including Professor Adam Ogilvie-Smith, Industry Secondee, Office for Security & Counter-Terrorism, Home Office; Chris Phillips GCGI, MSyl., DCI Head of The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and Don Randall MBE, Head of Security, Bank of England.

Finally, the IFSEC Security Industry Awards, organised in association with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), acknowledged the people, products and technological advancements that have played a big part in the security industry over the past year. Presented by former Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo, the 2010 winners were:

1. Access Control Product of the Year: Smarti Guardeon - Tab Systems
2. CCTV Camera Equipment Product of the Year: WV-CP500 - Panasonic System Networks Europe
3. CCTV System Product of the Year: BriefCam VS Online - BriefCam
4. Communication Product of the Year: QlinQ - SafelinQ UK Ltd
5. Guarding Service Product of the Year: Marks and Spencer Plc - Securitas Security Services
6. Integrated Security Product of the Year: Closed IP TV - Dedicated Micros
7. Intruder Alarm Product of the Year: Moviwall - Hymatom
8. Physical Security Product of the Year: Terra Mount Blocker - Frontier Pitts
9. Policing Partnership Product of the Year: Westfield Shoppingtowns Ltd/VSG/Police Service of Northern Ireland - Westfield CastleCourt and Belfast CitySafe Retail CrimeWatch Partnership
10. Security Project or Installation Product of the Year: South African Airports - DVTel

Key issues facing the security industry, including countering terror, security guarding, etc were discussed

The testimonials from exhibitors demonstrate the event's success:

James Kelly, Chief Executive, BSIA, said: "I have worked in a number of industries in the past and I have been involved in very many trade shows and IFSEC is one of the best I have ever attended. It's been absolutely marvellous for the Association."

Phil Doyle, Regional Director, Axis Communications, said: "The show has been very international this year which has been fantastic. We have met a lot of end users [...] and a number of system integrators obviously which again has been fantastic for us."

Steven Smith, Sales and Marketing Director, ISM, said: "We have had exactly the right mix of people coming through the stand from not just within the UK but globally."

IFSEC 2010 visitors were equally impressed with this year's event:

"It's been very interesting. I have seen some new developments, it's always a good opportunity to meet customers and suppliers so it's been very good."

"Impressive the new technology...where it was five years ago and where it is now. CCTV, door entry systems...pretty much A-Z about security."

"All the exhibitors I was looking for are here."

"All the major players certainly have a presence here which is the main thing."

"It keeps you up-to-date with where technology is at the moment so I am very impressed."

IFSEC 2011 returns to the NEC Birmingham from 16-19 May. Please visit the website, follow them on Twitter and join their LinkedIn group for the latest information on the event. Companies interested in exhibiting at IFSEC 2011 should contact Charlie Cracknell on +44 (0) 20 7921 8069 or email him.