IFSEC 2011 records 12% visitor growth

According to UBM, the organisers of IFSEC, IFSEC 2011 attracted 25,468 security professionals from across the globe from 16-19 May 2011 at the NEC in Birmingham. This is a 12% increase year on year. Uniting an even greater number of security managers and directors from an array of disciplines within the security sector, IFSEC also saw an increase in the number of specifiers, installers, engineers and technicians in attendance.
Alongside a variety of technological advanced products, services and innovations from across the globe, IFSEC offered an educational programme through its training and seminar sessions, whilst new and established features such as the Intelligent Integration Zone sponsored by ISM (Intergrated Security Manufacturing) Ltd, proved to be magnets for IFSEC visitors.

When discussing the success of IFSEC 2011, James Kelly, Chief Executive, BSIA, said, "Yet another successful IFSEC for the BSIA this year, with the event providing an ideal opportunity for us to network with our existing members while making valuable new connections. "Our work alongside UBM to organise the IFSEC Awards reinforces our commitment to celebrating achievement and encouraging technological development in our industry, while the ever-popular ‘Meet the Buyers' event united UK companies with security buyers from around the world in a series of over 700 short meetings. By bringing such valuable events together under one roof, IFSEC remains the UK's leading security event and one which the BSIA will continue to support in coming years."

Mike Bluestone, Chairman, Security Institute, added, "The Security Institute congratulates UBM on yet another highly successful and well attended IFSEC event. The combination of specialist conference sessions, and an impressive line up of advanced security products, meant that there was something to hold everyone's interest. At the Security Institute stand we were able to welcome lots of visitors, including many old and new faces, as well as potential new members. Roll on IFSEC 2012!"

With more than 650 exhibiting companies including Sony, Norbain, Panasonic, Samsung, Redcare, Synectics, Risco, Texecom, HIK and CSL DualCom, IFSEC presented a wealth of game-changing products and exclusive sampling opportunities. The highly positive feedback from both visitors and exhibitors alike certainly verified the abundance of cutting edge technology and educational opportunities on offer.

The introduction of IFSEC's joint venture with Tavcom Training, the Tavcom Training Theatre, delivered IP solution training and proved popular amongst visitors. Mike Tennent FIET, Managing Director, Tavcom Training, said, "It was a pleasure to host the introduction of a FREE education centre for interested parties wanting independent views of the latest technologies in a non jargon style together with the opportunity to speak freely on a one to one basis to independent and supplier specialists."

IFSEC 2011 also saw the launch of the inaugural Future of Security Competition. The brand new initiative for IFSEC brought out the best in up and coming technologists, as nine finalists pitted their next generation security innovations against each other in a ‘Dragon's Den' style battle, judged by an influential panel. The closely fought contest resulted in 2020 Imaging gaining the judges' stamp of approval, winning not only the accolade, but also $10,000 to put towards the development of their technological innovation.

The international feel of IFSEC was compounded this year with the vast spread of international pavilions including Belgium, France, US, Italy, China, Taiwan, Korea and Canada. The international audience also increased to 33% of total visitors and represented 133 countries, cementing IFSEC's standing as must-attend global security event.

James Blue, Portfolio Director - Fire & Security, at UBM Live, a division of UBM Plc, organisers of IFSEC, said, "It is evident that the economic unease throughout the last couple of years have put a strain on the security industry, however, we have observed from the visitors and exhibitors at IFSEC this year, a new, buoyant outlook, which was clearly evident across the whole exhibition. IFSEC 2011 confirmed the industry is still attempting to return to pre-recession levels; nonetheless security spending is on the rise, as revealed in the Frost & Sullivan Security Industry Outlook report** findings.

"Indicative of the evolving security landscape, new ideas and product innovations are fundamental, which is why we take great pride in providing the security industry with the annual leading security event, showcasing the best in future security, products, services and technological innovations that the global security market has to offer."