IFSEC & FIREX International unveil exciting plans for 2016

With the current UK threat from international terrorism placed at severe and the national head of counter-terrorism recently warning that the UK is facing the threat of ‘enormous and spectacular attacks’ from Islamic State on western lifestyles, it is clear that those working within the security industries are under immense pressure to understand these threats and use the resources and technology available to minimise the impact of any terrorist actions.

Taking place from 21-23 June, IFSEC International  and FIREX International will once again bring together the leading suppliers, associations, thought leaders and businesses working within the counter terrorism, security and life safety industries from across the UK and beyond for three days at London’s ExCeL this summer.

A key component within the shows will be the IFSEC Professional Development Zone, hosting a series of free to attend seminars, workshops and panel debates covering every aspect of security and life safety.

The Professional Development Zone will feature numerous free-to-attend sessions that will explore issues around counter terrorism and keeping urban populations safe. A Highlight across the three days includes a case study from Joe Foster at Safety Awareness Limited on managing the security for the Rugby World Cup 2015, this included security for not just the stadiums but the players, hotels and training grounds.

Additionally, sessions on transport and retail security along with a look at the communication barriers between police and the security industry will touch on the very real threat of terrorism and will look at current trends within these sectors and how security professionals can future proof new threats.

The Professional Development Zone will have dedicated theatres for both end-users and installers along with the award winning security systems training provider, Tavcom Training, running sessions tailored to the needs of security professionals whilst also showcasing products from leading manufacturers.

Finally, the Innovation Arena in partnership with Benchmark, will display the latest and most creative products that could change the security industry. 

In 2016 IFSEC and FIREX International will introduce some exciting new features across the exhibition floor, the first of these is the new IFSEC Smart Zone that will encompass the latest suppliers for the smart building and home automation sector along with a dedicated educational theatre, tackling key topics within this burgeoning sector.

The IFSEC Smart Zone will host a dedicated Home Automation Zone where visitors will be able to test and trial the latest technology, speak to the experts within this field and source the right solution for their business, within the industry already involved include Honeywell Building Solutions, Control4, Habitech, CIE-Group, to name a few and the whole zone will be supported by KNX UK.

In addition to the Home Automation Zone the IFSEC Smart Zone will host the Smart Zone Theatre, which will provide free learning and development seminars focused on home automation and smart buildings. The programme will be delivered by a range of leading experts and will concentrate on key areas such as the Internet Of Things, systems integration, business intelligence, building information management, cyber security along with a series of relevant case studies.

Peter Selby, Regional General Manager Honeywell Building Solutions, UK and the Nordics, who will be exhibiting within the IFSEC Smart Zone has said: “With a focus on new industry trends and innovations, IFSEC International provides a great opportunity to showcase Honeywell’s latest technology and integrated security portfolio to an international multi-industry audience. With security evolving into smart building space, and integration becoming a driver for business efficiencies, Honeywell Building Solutions is delighted to be working with platforms like IFSEC International to connect to the right opportunities and publics.”

Along with the new IFSEC Smart Zone, IFSEC International have also confirmed that the Physical Perimeter Security Zone will be greatly enhanced for the 2016 edition. With more than 27,000 visitors annually attending IFSEC International and in 2015 5,200 of those directly expressed an interest in physical perimeter security the 2016 show will see more than 1,000 square meters of dedicated floor space to perimeter security.

The Physical Perimeter Security Zone one will now offer much more space to specialist manufacturers to fully display and demonstrate their products with all aspects of the sector covered including barriers, acoustic barriers, boom barriers, height restrictors, high security street furniture, blast protection, perimeter detection, blast walls, perimeter structures, bollards, protective bunkers, fencing, roadblockers, gate automation and turnstiles.

Confirmed suppliers within the Physical Perimeter Security Zone include the UK’s premier supplier of automatic gates, parking barriers, retractable turnstiles and tubular motors, CAME UK along with sister company BPT along with Marshalls PLC, Birmingham Barbed Tape, Blok n Mesh, DEA System, Engtex, GIlgen Doors, GM Techtronics, Kijlstra Precast, LPCB, Nitesite, Robust UK, Townscape Products, to name a few.

Another new partnership for 2016 is with the Door & Hardware Federation, a leading organisation representing key manufacturers and installers of industrial, commercial, pedestrian and garage doors and powered gates, as well as manufacturers of locks, building hardware and architectural ironmongery. There will be members exhibiting on the DHF Pavilion as well as content featuring in the seminar theatres.

Finally, an ongoing partnership with the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) will see the show welcome the first Red Book Security Pavilion to IFSEC International in 2016. This will comprise of a meeting and exhibition area whereby LPCB representatives will be on hand to discuss approvals, research and standards with visitors and exhibitors.

Along with the new and enhanced feature areas and new partnerships at IFSEC International in 2016, four additional show areas will return and cover vital industry sectors including Integrated Security Systems, Video Surveillance & Intruder Alarms, Access Control and IT & Cyber Security.

A stand out highlight from the 2015 shows was the launch of the Inspirational Speaker Series, which saw large crowds from across the security, safety, fire, facilities management and service management industries fill the 400 capacity theatre each day. In 2015 IFSEC & FIREX International welcomed Baroness Karren Brady, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Sir Chris Hoy over consecutive days to share anecdotes from their own illustrious careers and offer some invaluable advice on leadership and achieving success in any field.

For 2016 organisers have confirmed that Colonel Tim Collins OBE, Kate Adie OBE and James Cracknell OBE will be the headline speakers for the second Inspirational Speaker Series. The three speakers from very different backgrounds will each bring their own unique insights and personal experiences from their high profile careers to a live audience. All three will also participate in a short question and answer session following the initial presentation, visitors to the show will be able to pose direct questions to each of these inspiring individuals.

Also For the second year FIREX International will sit alongside IFSEC International at London’s ExCeL, with the two industries increasingly becoming more aligned, placing them side by side makes it easier and quicker for visitors to obtain the information, resources and products they are looking for when they visit. The combined shows will provide a seamless experience for both exhibitors and attendees, creating Europe’s largest event dedicated to the security and life safety industries. FIREX International will once again host the leading suppliers and associations providing the latest cutting-edge solutions and essential knowledge to ensure life safety.

The combined shows will welcome more than 1,000 of the leading suppliers from across both industries with the likes of Tyco, Milestone, UTC, Texecom, Salto, Paxton, Hikvision, Dahua, Assa Abloy, AXIS, Canon, CAME and Marshalls confirmed for IFSEC International, to name a few. 65 brand new exhibitors have already signed up for 2016 including the architects of the thoughtful home, Nest Labs, Inc to FIREX International along with AICO, Komtes, Rockwool, Legrand Electrical and Lehavot Advanced Fire Protection.

Gerry Dunphy, Event Director of IFSEC & FIREX International says: “We are really excited about our 2016 offering, we will be building on the great success from 2015 and introducing some exciting new areas showcasing some of the most cutting-edge technology in the security and life safety today. As a leading live event for these industries we are keen to ensure that our visitors can make the most of their time at IFSEC or FIREX International, be that for one day or all three. We aim to bring together all the right elements so they can meet with the right people, see and engage with the latest technology and come away feeling inspired by the industries they are working within.”

IFSEC & FIREX International will run from 21-23 June in 2016 and will once again be presented as part of UBM EMEA’s Protection & Management Series, the UK’s largest event dedicated to protecting and managing property, people and information. The series incorporates major events including IFSEC International along with FIREX International, Facilities Show, Safety & Health Expo and Service Management Expo. The series of events annually attract more than 40,000 attendees over three days to ExCeL London, in 2016 the series will run from 21 -23 June.

For more information on IFSEC & FIREX International and to register your interest in attending the shows please visit: ifsec.co.uk/internationalairportreview/