Messe Essen GmbH/Security - Experts & Thought Leaders

Security Essen is once again providing strong momentum for the security industry – not only through innovative products and technologies, but also with a high-calibre supporting programme. From 22 to 25 September, the trade fair for civil security will place current challenges and future-oriented topics centre stage through conferences, expert forums and themed days. Whether talent development, cybersecurity, drone technology or the protection of critical infrastructure, the programme at Messe Essen combines knowledge transfer, networking and practical insights at the highest level. Best of all, most events are freely accessible and already included in the trade fair ticket. Cross-organisational cooperation A key focus is on attracting young talent: the Training and Further Education Day will take place on 22 September. Companies, educational institutions and associations will provide information on career paths, qualification opportunities and prospects within the security industry. Young people will gain practical insights into a wide range of professions and have the opportunity to speak directly with potential employers. Also on 22 September, the Emergency Services Day will be held. Representatives of the police, fire services, ambulance services and other emergency response organisations will learn about current operational scenarios, new technologies and cross-organisational cooperation. Practice-oriented presentations Cybersecurity and knowledge transfer at the highest level Running in parallel, the DNS Digital Networking Security Conference will begin on 22 September and continue until 23 September, highlighting the latest developments in digital security. Experts from industry, research and public authorities will discuss current threat scenarios and strategies for a secure digital future. Topics will include cyber defence, network security and artificial intelligence, as well as insights into the dark web and phenomena such as doxing. Continuous knowledge transfer will also be provided by the Security Experts Forum, which will take place throughout all four days of the exhibition. In practice-oriented presentations, specialists will showcase trends, solutions and best practices from all areas of the security industry. Future technologies and the protection of critical infrastructure Another highlight will be the European Drone Conference, taking place on 23 and 24 September. The event focuses on the opportunities and challenges of unmanned systems in the security sector. Growing security requirements International experts will provide insights into current applications and future developments in this technology, which is becoming increasingly The Banks and Savings Banks Day on 24 September is specifically aimed at security professionals in the financial sector. The focus is on current requirements for the protection of branches, cash machines and safe deposit facilities. In light of rising threats and growing security requirements, the event offers valuable insights for banks, savings banks and financial service providers. Tickets available online Tickets for Security Essen 2026 are available online. A day ticket costs 49 euros. The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Important note: A separate exhibition ticket is required for EUDEX, the international defence industry trade fair taking place at the same time.

The evolving security landscape is increasingly shaping industrial development in Germany. The war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and a growing focus on civil protection are having a noticeable impact on markets, business models, and investment decisions. This is precisely where the EURO DEFENCE EXPO comes in. The new international trade fair for the defence industry will make its debut at Messe Essen from 22 to 25 September. Around 250 exhibitors are expected. For Messe Essen CEO Oliver P. Kuhrt, the economic implications of these developments are clear. Profound industrial shift “Germany still tends to discuss defence primarily in political terms – but in reality, we are currently witnessing a profound industrial shift,” says Kuhrt. “Anyone talking about the future of industry today cannot ignore this topic. Behind it lies enormous momentum for innovation, investment, and employment.” The figures underline this trend: the German defence sector employs well over 100,000 people. At the same time, military spending in Germany rose to more than €97 billion in 2025 – an increase of 24 percent compared to the previous year. Traditional defence companies Oliver P. Kuhrt adds: “Demand for security and defence technologies is growing faster than it has for years. This is no longer benefiting only traditional defence companies – SMEs and technology providers are also opening up new markets.” Dual-use technologies are gaining in importance At the same time, a structural transformation is taking place: an increasing number of companies from traditional industries are entering security related business fields. “Automotive suppliers, mechanical engineering firms and technology companies are developing solutions for drone defence, reconnaissance, and the protection of critical infrastructure,” explains Kuhrt. Civilian disaster response “The area of dual-use technologies, in particular, is currently experiencing very dynamic growth.” This development will be clearly visible at the EURO DEFENCE EXPO. Companies such as AIRSENSE Analytics, analyticon instruments and ARX Robotics exemplify technologies that can be used both in civilian disaster response and in military operations. Established industrial companies such as BINDER, Bernd Siegmund and Alexander Binzel Schweisstechnik are also increasingly applying their expertise to security-related applications. At the same time, leading players are using the event as a platform: KNDS Deutschland Tracks, a key European provider of military land systems, will be present, as will Heckler & Koch, one of the most recognised manufacturers in the field of infantry weapons. Civil security solutions Military and civil security together for the first time Kuhrt concludes: “For companies today, the key question is no longer whether they engage with security, but how strategically they do so. The EURO DEFENCE EXPO makes this transformation visible and brings together the key stakeholders.” Representatives from industry, the military, politics, security authorities and research are expected at Messe Essen from 22 to 25 September. A particular highlight: Security Essen – one of the leading trade fairs for civil security – will take place at the same time as the EURO DEFENCE EXPO. “For the first time, Messe Essen will bring together military and civil security solutions in one place, becoming a central meeting point for the security-related industries,” says Kuhrt.

The security industry is positioning itself: months ahead of the event, Security Essen 2026 is already seeing strong demand from companies and a correspondingly high level of exhibitor participation. From 22 to 25 September at Messe Essen, trade visitors can look forward to a comprehensive market overview, a wealth of innovation and excellent opportunities for networking and business development. The ticket shop is now open; tickets for the trade fair are available at the Security Essen website. A wide range of companies have secured their participation in Security Essen at an early stage, sending a clear signal of their commitment to market presence and customer proximity. Specialised product manufacturers Exhibitors include major system providers as well as specialised product manufacturers, start-ups, associations and organisations. Together, they represent the full spectrum of the security sector – from mechanical security systems, access control and video surveillance to fire protection and alarm technology, as well as cybersecurity, integrated security solutions and services. Hall 7, dedicated to fire protection, intrusion prevention and security systems, is already fully booked. Only a limited amount of space remains available in Hall 6, which focuses on mechatronics, mechanics and system solutions. Addressing current challenges “The exceptionally high demand underlines the importance of personal interaction and technological innovation for the industry,” says Julia Jacob, Head of Project. Alongside the trade fair, Security Essen offers a high-calibre supporting programme addressing current challenges and trends in the security sector: Day of training and further education (22 September) Emergency services day (22 September) DNS Digital Networking Security Conference (22 and 23 September) European drone conference (23 and 24 September) Day of banks and saving banks (24 September) Operators of critical infrastructure This creates targeted touchpoints for all key audiences – from security service providers and industry to public authorities and operators of critical infrastructure. Security Essen and EUDEX held in parallel for the first time In 2026, Security Essen will also set an important strategic milestone: for the first time, the Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) will take place concurrently at Messe Essen. This new trade fair is aimed at stakeholders in the defence industry and highlights the growing importance of security policy issues in Europe. An exhibition area dedicated to civil protection and resilience will provide a thematic link between the two events. This creates new interfaces between civil security, defence, public authorities and armed forces – offering an expanded network for decision-makers across both domains. Additional international attention The venue will receive additional international attention from the annual conference of the NATO Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC), which is taking place at the same time and is expected to attract high ranking military representatives. Tickets now available Tickets for Security Essen 2026 are available online now. A day ticket costs €49. The exhibition will be open Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please note: a separate ticket is required for EUDEX.

Security Essen 2018, held in Messe Essen, Germany, promised attendees a newly modernised trade show with a simplified layout and more interactive experience. Compared to previous years, halls were reorganised by technology area, with aisles laid out to make more direct pathways for attendees. The fair welcomed 950 exhibitors and more than 36,000 trade visitors from the global security market. Several manufacturers mentioned that footfall had been lighter than expected, but that the show had delivered on its promise to welcome more international visitors, in particular from the Middle East region. Exhibitors also grumbled about higher costs for booth space. Key security industry exhibitors Exhibitors expressed concern that the absence of key players reduced overall foot traffic Exhibitors praised the bigger aisles, which made it easier for visitors to navigate the show. However, some were unsure whether this was due to a better layout or simply because the show was missing key exhibitors. Notably absent were access control provider Dormakaba, security solutions company Honeywell, and surveillance providers Geutebruck and Dallmeier. Exhibitors expressed concern that the absence of key players reduced overall foot traffic. Security Essen hosted a particularly strong access control presence. Halls 2 and 3 were home to companies from across the access control and mechatronics spectrum. Sponsorship by EVVA covered the west entrance. The locking systems manufacturer, which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, boasted significant floorspace. Exhibitors were pleased with the large access and locking presence, commenting that London-based IFSEC International tends to be dominated by video surveillance providers. EVVA, which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, boasted significant floorspace Deep learning and artificial intelligence The push toward artificial intelligence (AI) in physical security continues, although the tone at Security Essen seemed to be shifting beyond hype and more toward how the technology can actually add value. For example, Hikvision’s cameras boasted more intelligence and processing power, and the company emphasised faster-paced product cycles. Customers ultimately do not buy AI – they buy benefits and solutions VIVOTEK embraced artificial intelligence as the biggest trend in the industry. The company demonstrated its latest deep learning technology for crowd detection applications. For Dahua, artificial intelligence allows users to easily search metadata in a video, including age and behaviour. Dahua demonstrated its solution for the transportation market, which is able to learn if a bus or train driver is falling asleep at the controls. However, some manufacturers chose not to focus on artificial intelligence. Representatives from Brivo and Eagle Eye Networks highlighted that customers ultimately do not buy AI – they buy benefits and solutions. Historically, video analytics were oversold and underdelivered, and the same could happen to AI if the term is overused in marketing security solutions. VIVOTEK embraced artificial intelligence as the biggest trend in the industry The German market & GDPR While the fair welcomed an increase in international visitors, many stands offered a distinctly German flavour. Exhibitors catered to German customers’ preference for data protection and high levels of privacy. Visitors were welcomed to the show by banners from Genetec, emblazoned with the slogan “Privacy matters… So, remember to forget me.” The video security provider’s stand demonstrated this concept more tangibly, via its Privacy Protector Module.  The surveillance software, which is certified with the European Privacy Seal (EuroPriSe), monitors events while automatically pixelating people and vehicles in real time. If an incident occurs, an authorised operator can securely access the unaltered video. Visitors were welcomed to the show by banners from Genetec Other companies also acknowledged issues of privacy and cybersecurity. Hikvision noted that Europe is more regulated, which limits the implementation of the company’s products compared to those used in China. Dahua emphasised that its data for the German market is stored in Frankfurt to meet demands for data protection. IDIS made a point of saying there are no backdoors to their products. The deep learning products are easy to use and 96% accurate, says the company. FLIR has developed a cybersecurity hardening document, and strives to be transparent about cyber issues, including a web landing page where customers can raise any concerns. Vanderbilt is also pushing the cloud as a way forward with its ACT365 cloud-based access and video solution. Users are not intimidated by the cloud anymore since we all use it in our personal lives, says the company. Also on the access control side, EVVA were clear on the security of their AirKey mobile access system, which uses technology based on internet banking, double encryption and high-quality hardware. As well as demonstrating its SAROS thermal camera, FLIR strived for cybersecurity concerns to be addressed by customers Taking a broader view Nedap views security as being about allowing people to focus on their daily lives and work, safe in the knowledge that security is being taken care of. At the show, Nedap launched its new slogan ‘Security for Life’, stating that “true security is when you don’t have to think about it”. Nedap’s global client program represents a long-term commitment to projects. They are having more discussions with clients about risk management through standardisation and centralised policy.Solutions – as opposed to products – were also a focus at Security Essen, as at IFSEC before it Clients remain with Nedap because they keep investing in the platform, constantly updating the code and simplifying it to improve scalability for organisations, says the company. Nedap had one of the few double-decker booths at Security Essen. Solutions – as opposed to products – were also a focus at Security Essen, as at IFSEC before it. HID Global touted their extensive use of partnerships to provide solutions. SeeTec highlighted their move away from products to a more solution-based approach. FLIR, perhaps best known as a thermal camera company, were pushing their solutions approach to markets including intelligent traffic, smart city, video management and PSIMs.  Nedap had one of the few double-decker booths at Security Essen Vertical markets in focus As vertical markets go, retail was big, and several players were offering some type of retail solution. Retail – along with banking, finance and transportation – was among Hikvision’s vertical markets of choice. Dahua's new panoramic cameras stitch together the image inside the camera instead of on the server SeeTec’s retail solution combines EAS with business intelligence and heat mapping. Dahua’s retail offerings include people counting and emotion detection, which can correlate with weather data, for example. Genetec also showcased a range of retail solutions. Technology improvements announced at Security Essen include FLIR's more robust FB6 series thermal line, Promise Technology's SMARTBOOST technology improved playback performance, and Videotec's cameras with better night performance. The extended 50m range of Optex's intrusion detection laser sensor reduces the need for cameras. Dahua's new panoramic cameras stitch together the image inside the camera instead of on the server. The Hanwha Techwin booth featured Korean flags and a “Korean at heart” motto to set the company apart Signs of the U.S. congressional ban There were signs at Security Essen of an impact of the recent U.S. ban on use of Hikvision and Dahua equipment in government installations, although both big Chinese manufacturers maintained a high profile at the German show. For example, the Hanwha Techwin booth featured Korean flags and a “Korean at heart” motto to set the company apart. Chinese camera manufacturer Uniview were keen to stress that they are not owned by Chinese government (neither is Dahua). Uniview’s all-IP camera line offers high resolution, low-light, multisensor and fisheye options, and AI software provides facial recognition, object detection, and fire and smoke detection at the edge. The company aims to increase its global presence with more international branch offerings and international factories.

Newly modernised halls with lots of daylight will house hundreds of exhibitions and conference events at the upcoming Security Essen 2018 at Messe Essen, Germany. A new layout and hall numbering system will be unfamiliar to past attendees but promises to simplify the experience as it brings together attendees and exhibitors. European physical security market Security Essen is an international trade fair, but the emphasis is more on German, Austrian and Swiss companies. In all, Security Essen will feature 1,000 exhibitors from 40 nations. The trade fair has more of a continental European “flavour” compared to IFSEC, which focuses more on the U.K market. At the last Security Essen in 2016, organisers reported about 40,000 visitors including conference participants, VIP guests, members of various delegations and journalists. Security Essen 2018 has more of a continental European “flavour” compared to IFSEC, which focuses more on the U.K market  “This year, we have sharpened the profile of Security Essen,” says Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, a trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. “The trade fair has become considerably more digital, more modern and more interactive. Due to the optimised hall layout, we are offering our exhibitors and visitors the best possible experience with short paths and direct communication.” Newly modernised Messe Essen The newly modernised site of Security Essen will encompass eight halls, newly renumbered and with the subject areas reorganised, too. Visitors will find Services in Hall 1; Access, Mechanatronics, Mechanics and Systems in Halls 2 and 3 and the Galeria; Perimeter Protection in Hall 3; Video in Halls 5 and 7; and Fire, Intrusion and Systems in Halls 6 and 7. A helpful smart phone app, downloadable free from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS), will be available two weeks before the event and include a show floor plan; the exhibitor list with booth numbers and contact information; and an overview of the supporting programme. A separate hall – Hall 8 – will house new Cyber Security and Economic Security categories. Cyber Security Conference At the new Cyber Security Conference, located prominently at the new East Entrance, experts will share their knowledge about the more pressing challenges and potential of cybersecurity. The programme opens and closes on 25 and 28 September with the main topic “Opportunities and Risks of Cyber Security”. On 26 September, discussions and lectures will centre on “Entry, Admission, Access: Identification Options”.A helpful smart phone app, downloadable free will be available two weeks before the event and include a show floor plan On 27 September, the topic will be smart homes and focus on “Connected Building, Security in the Buildings of the Future”. Speakers will include the president of Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security, who will address cybersecurity as a challenge for politics, business and society. The fair organises the conference in cooperation with the BHE Federal Association of Security Technology and the technical support of the Federal Office for Information Security. In Hall 8, a new Public Security Forum will enable visitors to experience digital security technologies for public spaces from the areas of sensors/IoT, cyber security and surveillance. The products and solutions will be installed in four different building scenarios (town hall, school, hospital and library) and it will be possible to test them extensively. The forum, including lectures and discussions, will target municipal decision makers and planners of public spaces. Comprehensive programme A Security Expert Forum in Hall 2 will present a continuous programme with more than 90 presentations during the period of the fair. Visitors will obtain information and solution ideas about all six subject areas covered at the fair, and the programme will begin with a keynote lecture each morning and finish with a live demonstration in the evening. On the first day of the fair (25 September), Security Essen’s Career Forum will introduce retrainees, students, trainees and graduates to companies from the security industry. Targeted and professional communication will be established between companies and job applicants to facilitate making contacts, developing networks, and filling actual vacancies. Thursday (27 September) will be observed as Fire Prevention Day, and a Drone Course will be provided each day in Hall 7. One day admission to Security Essen is €41; a four-day ticket is €105. Advance sale tickets are discounted.

There was another big trade show last week –  the four-day Security Essen event in Germany. I didn’t attend, but several of my SourceSecurity.com colleagues report it was a busy show from start to finish, with the halls devoted to video/CCTV and access control dominating the show. The other halls were quieter, with smaller stands. Hot topics included big data, machine learning, mobile credentials, storage and an emphasis on solutions (rather than products). The exhibit hall was a bit of a maze, but attendees managed to find their way to the various stands. Three big companies – Bosch, Siemens and Honeywell – were conspicuously absent from their usual large role at Security Essen, and there was mixed feedback about the impact of their absence on the larger show. Without three gigantic stands to concentrate the footfall, attendees seemed more spread out than clustered. Hands-on, technical displays Hands-on displays with plenty of technical detail were the norm, encouraging attendees to interact with the products. The ASSA ABLOY stand, huge as always, reflected the continuing popularity of key systems in the German, Swiss and Austrian markets. ASSA ABLOY’s Yale also featured a home automation zone. Hands-on displays with plentyof technical detail were thenorm, encouraging attendeesto interact with the products Hikvision envisions cameras coming very soon with “deep learning” capabilities. These cameras, combined with big data applications, are the future of smart traffic systems, for example. Deep learning systems will replace traditional licence plate recognition (ANPR) and analyse electronic data about cars, rather than relying on number plates, says the company. Hikvision also highlighted multi-sensor cameras that can cover a large area and reduce the cost-per-channel – they have big projects in China and Southeast Asia. Hikvision’s privacy masking functionality is popular in Europe because of privacy regulations. Fujifilm demonstrated its impressive zoom lens series, featuring 60x zoom, long focal length and full HD quality, for use in airports and perimeter protection. Stabilisation is important with zoom because even slight movement can have a large effect, says the company. In Fujifilm lenses, the stabilisation is optical-based (in the lens), rather than software-based. Another stand that drew attention was Nedap, where a tiered seating area was provided for visitors to view video projected on a back wall. New laws in the Netherlands and France require that no information can go outside government buildings, thus requiring closed security systems, according to Nedap. It’s a trend likely to follow in the European Union, with similar laws potentially impacting hospitals and banking as well as government, says Nedap. This is why they are working with partner AET Europe to ensure that encrypted communications are secure between all elements of an IT-based access control system. Solutions – not just products The need to provide solutions rather than “just products” was a repeated theme. One solutions provider is MOBOTIX, which highlighted a new corporate design with fresher and more unified branding. The solutions approach includes analytics and people counting embedded for inventory optimisation and business intelligence. MOBOTIX is releasing new plug-and-play bundles to combat the perception that the company’s technology is not easy to use. There is also a 4K bundle with NAS (network attached) storage – all preconfigured; just power it up and it will run. MOBOTIX is releasing new plug-and-play bundles tocombat the perception thatthe company’s technologyis not easy to use Sony also offered solutions, including their intelligent approach to 4K, which they say overcomes traditional concerns with the higher-resolution technology. Sony also displayed “glass-to-glass” technology, streaming 4K cameras directly to a screen with no PC in between. Even with the company shifting to end-to-end solutions, their cameras are still at the core of the portfolio, including an accent on low-light and changing light conditions. Adding ROI was another hot topic for exhibitors. MOBOTIX emphasised its process monitoring capabilities, as did Geutebrück. VIVOTEK highlighted combining a people-counting solution with other retail data for business intelligence. Contrary to the focus on solutions was LTV Europe, a video company that keeps the attention on products. LTV emphasises personal service and a fresh approach rather than competing with bigger providers. Focus on storage and automation The themes my colleagues heard at Security Essen were not unlike those we heard recently at ASIS and earlier this year at IFSEC and even ISC West. More companies are looking to expand into non-traditional applications beyond security, such as asset tracking and logistics/delivery. Another example: Sony suggested using video to monitor rivers and lakes water levels for flood warnings. Quantum is keeping itsattention on storage, whileaddressing the IT department’sneed for data protection Quantum is keeping its attention on storage, while addressing the IT department’s need for data protection. The new StorNext scalable storage system, which can handle 4K, integrates various tiers of storage appropriate to varying workflows and business needs. For example, retrieval can be faster for more valuable data, thus maximising value while minimising the overall cost. Allegion is rolling out products that combine electronic and mechanical locks from subsidiary SimonsVoss and the Allegion portfolios. Allegion wants to position itself as electronic access control expert. Paxton highlighted a building automation system, Paxton net10, which is aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and works on mobile credentials as well as cards. They’re looking to build this kind of technology into future products. Another company, AxxonSoft, is pushing strongly to establish its brand in the United States – something to watch in 2017. SALTO also highlighted cloud-based mobile access control: They have developed a Keys as a Service system, SALTO KS, which allows businesses to grant access remotely while viewing a video of the door. Four busy days in Germany Security Essen is an international show, but the emphasis was on German, Austrian and Swiss companies and larger companies targeting those markets. There was more of a continental Europe “flavour” compared to IFSEC’s focus on the U.K. market. Four days is a long time for a trade show – my feet are shot after two and a half days! But my colleagues agree it was time well spent, if for nothing else than getting to watch an 8-foot-tall robot dance around Hall 3.