Informa plc announces decision to “retire” Anticipate London

Issuing a short statement on the event’s dedicated website, Informa plc explains: “We’ve taken the decision to retire Anticipate. This industry is about evolving and adapting. We know that the ways in which UK professionals want to stay informed across the many topics and specialisms within security, safety, health, buildings and facilities are changing, too. We’re proud to have served this fantastic community over the years. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey.”

Informa plc bought UBM plc, which used to run IFSEC International from its headquarters in London’s Blackfriars, back in June 2018.

Popular brand

IFSEC International, of course, is a brand that has resonated with practitioners in the security industry for so long, having supported the global security community since its inception in 1974.

For decades, IFSEC was viewed as the place to connect face-to-face with the entire security supply chain and offered networking with international companies operating across the access control, video surveillance, perimeter protection, intruder alarms and cyber security domains.

In a parallel move, IFSEC Insider – the Informa plc website dedicated to the integrated security and global fire safety sectors – has now ceased publishing. Formerly branded IFSEC Global and, prior to that, Info4Security, IFSEC Insider published news, features, White Papers, video content and product information. Developments in video surveillance, access control, intruder/fire alarms and security guarding plus cyber security, drones, smart buildings, home automation and the Internet of Things were all part of the editorial mix.

Informa plc’s statement concludes: “To our valued Anticipate, IFSEC, FIREX, Safety and Health Expo, Facilities Show and Safety and Health Practitioner customers, we would like to take a moment to thank you for being an essential part of Anticipate and its related events. You have helped us to create many memorable moments over the last 50 years and we thank you for your continued support. While this chapter comes to a close, we look forward to continuing our work together in new and exciting ways.”

Premise for Anticipate London

The premise for Anticipate London was based on the fact that, in an ever-changing world, people and property leaders are facing constant challenges that demand proactive solutions. From technological innovation through to climate change, new legislation and unanticipated threats, those practising professionals must continually seek to minimise business risk, while also embracing new innovations and opportunities for progression.

Anticipate London was designed to stand at the forefront of this evolutionary process, duly offering a platform wholly dedicated to smarter properties, safer occupants and integrated/converged systems. Emerging from the legacy of IFSEC International, FIREX International, Safety and Health Expo and The Facilities Show, Anticipate London wasn’t just about a new name. Rather, it was badged by Informa plc as a bold and unified event orchestrated to meet the evolving needs of today’s business leaders, while in parallel preparing them for tomorrow’s challenges.

Ten years ago, IFSEC International and its co-located events were among the biggest trade shows in the UK, generating a turnover of circa £15 million. Now, it appears that the brand has been consigned to the history books.

Anticipate London 2024 ran from 2-4 December.