14 Oct International Security Expo makes welcome return

The world’s senior security professionals were finally able to join together to mark the return of International Security Expo, and the coinciding launch of International Cyber Expo.

The event took place the 28-29 September, after a nearly 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Thousands of security professionals were in attendance, browsing the innovations on display and soaking up the knowledge being shared by industry leaders.

Rachael Shattock, Group Event Director at Nineteen Group said: “The overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors alike is testament to the reputation of the show, and the value it gives to all those who attend. We were delighted to see so many visitors and exhibitors excited to be back at the show, reuniting with their peers.

“The energy in the hall spoke for itself, and the breadth of product launches demonstrates how the industry has continued to focus on research and development, constantly innovating to improve our safety and security. We are already looking forward to a bigger and better event in 2022, and welcoming back many of our international exhibitions and visitors who were unable to attend due to the pandemic.”

The specialist Government Zone provided a key meeting point for event attendees to network and discover the latest projects and plan from exhibitors – who including The Civil Aviation Authority, Accelerated Capability Environment, The Joint Security and Resilience Center and The National Counter Terrorism Security Office amongst others. Live demonstrations included Border Force seizing a Ford Kuga that uses a sophisticated magnet system to open a concealment area within the rear of the vehicle, and British Transport Police showcasing an experienced dog handled and trained Explosive Search Dog.

The event’s free-to-attend and CPD certified educational programme brought over 90 inspiring sessions and 120 speakers to the show. One of the most popular – and emotional – was that of Nick Bailey, retired Detective Sergeant who was involved in the UK’s Salisbury Novichok poisonings. On the state-sponsored attack he spoke about coming to terms with the trauma, the importance of resilience and the damaging impact of losing control of his own everyday life. He shared that he was “a different person, broken physically and mentally”.

At the inaugural Global Cyber Summit, major names in the field of cyber security came together. Professor Ciaran Martin CB, former CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre delivered a session on the current cyber threats and priorities. Underpinning his talk was the belief that we have unconsciously polluted the cyber environment, resulting in the need for a rethink to make it a safer place to inhabit. During his session, he explored five key areas that required change: people, money, rules, technology, and skills.

After a welcome return, International Security Expo and International Cyber Expo will once again return to Olympia, London, UK on the 27-28 September of next year.