Nineteen Group heralds record attendance at International Security Expo 2023

No fewer than 9,011 security professionals from upwards of 70 different countries visited the International Security Expo 2023, creating a buzz throughout the Grand Hall at Olympia, with packed conference theatres and busy exhibitor stands showcasing the latest technological innovations designed to protect people, businesses, Critical National Infrastructure and nations.

With more than 300 security brands showcasing thousands of the industry’s newest products and solutions, attendees were afforded an unmissable opportunity for in-person demonstrations, helping them to understand how emerging products and solutions can meet their current and future challenges.

International Security Expo is the only publicly accessible security event where attendees can meet with and hear from the wide-ranging UK Government departments and agencies responsible for national security.

For the second year running, delegates benefited from a keynote presentation delivered by Tom Tugendhat, the Minister of State for Security, wherein the Conservative MP for Tonbridge and Malling discussed the nation’s counter-terrorism strategy, the security challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and also expanded on the Government’s key security priorities.

Unmissable content and cutting-edge insight

International Security Expo offered an unparalleled line-up of educational content, which included presentations delivered as part of the Global Counter Terror and Serious and Organised Crime Summit, the International Security Conference and the International Risk and Resilience Conference.

It was standing room only for all of these top-level conference programmes, which witnessed sessions on the draft version of the recent Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – commonly known as Martyn’s Law – now making its way through the Houses of Parliament. Delegates heard from the most senior figures involved in piecing together the proposed legislation, alongside those who will be implementing and enforcing its contents.

The Global Counter Terror and Serious and Organised Crime Summit offered talks delivered by representatives from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, the Office for Homeland Security and UK Defence and Security Exports (itself part of the Department for Business and Trade), alongside professionals representing The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime and Microsoft.

The programme included an extensive examination of how the UK is addressing – and can better combat – terrorism, plus an in-depth look at the major serious and organised crime-focused issues. Abu Ahmed, the new head of the Home Office’s Joint Security and Resilience Centre, updated the industry on its priorities, while Day One at conference ended with a panel session on the realities of terror featuring victims discussing their experiences and the impact it has exerted on their lives, as well as that of their families and friends.

International Security Conference

This theme continued in the International Security Conference, with a panel session on the aforementioned Martyn’s Law featuring campaigners Figen Murray OBE and Nick Aldworth, who were joined by Debbie Bartlett (deputy director for Protect and Prepare at the Home Office), Tracy Reinhold from Everbridge and Barrie Millett of Mitie.

Conference also played host to a seminar on ‘The Impact of Inclusion and Belonging in the Security Industry’, chaired by Satia Rai from the International Professional Security Association and Securitas and featuring Chris Hutchinson, the mother of security operative Gaby Hutchinson, who sadly passed away aged 23 following the Brixton Academy incident in December 2022.

Elsewhere in the International Security Conference (sponsored this year by CSL and Everbridge), issues around aviation and port security were addressed by members of the Civil Aviation Authority, SAFEsky Inc and INTERPORTPOLICE. The theatre was packed for the session delivered by Paul Fullwood (director of inspections and enforcement at the Security Industry Authority), who addressed the subject of professionalising the security industry, while Dr Aoife Hunt from Movement Strategies discussed the practical implications for Control Rooms planning their response to terrorist attacks.

The programme for the International Risk and Resilience Conference was put together in partnership with Resilience First. A number of panel discussions sought to tackle the many prominent issues around risk and resilience.

The opening address was delivered by Tobias Ellwood MP (chair of the Defence Select Committee), who noted the importance of preparedness and resilience in these troubled and complex times. Panels covered issues such as making Environmental, Social and Governance a new strategic priority, complex risks in an uncertain world, delivering a ‘whole of society’-style approach to national resilience and security for digital systems. Speakers were provided by the Cabinet Office, Santander, Holcim, the National Grid, Deloitte, the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, CBRE, Network Rail and a host of other organisations.

Product launches and demonstrations

Demonstrating the International Security Expo’s invaluable role in facilitating new product launches, many exhibitors took the opportunity to unveil their latest innovations, sharing all-new technologies and refreshed solutions with a packed audience of vetted international buyers.

Launches included Apstec’s next generation screening technology the Human Security Scanner, which is a smart solution that detects explosives, weapons, pyrotechnics, narcotics and cash on people and in bags to provide better capability on a more cost-effective basis. It actively increases the speed, agility and effectiveness of the scanning process, while in parallel dramatically improving the overall screening experience.

LINEV Systems UK used the Expo as a platform to showcase its CLEARPASS C.I. partial body scanner for the first time, which is described as the perfect solution for prisons and borders as well as many other areas where people scanning is necessary to check for stuffed or swallowed contraband. This solution boasts rapid image acquisition and scan times.

Upon arrival at Olympia, visitors witnessed hostile vehicle mitigation barriers outside the entrance provided by SafeCrowds. They also had to pass their bags through Rapiscan’s Orion 920CX X-ray scanners and witnessed Pimloc's Secure Redact in action. The latter is an SaaS solution that automatically blurs faces, objects, number plates and other personal or sensitive data in video.

International Security Expo offered a fully interactive experience for attendees, which included scenario-based counter-terrorism demonstrations delivered by Counter-EO UK and CBRN-UK. The Counter-Explosive Ordnance team and a bomb disposal operator demonstrated specialist clearance of an Improvised Explosive Device, while a specialist CBRN operator ran a demonstration using cutting-edge chemical, biological and radiological detection apparatus.

The British Transport Police Special Response Unit highlighted specialist equipment capable of detecting and assessing powders, liquids and gases, in addition to the X-ray of suspicious packages. While on its stand located in the Government Zone, visitors were able to meet representatives of the Armed Policing Unit and view their firearms and other devices at close quarters.

The Perimeter Protection Zone featured the latest perimeter security products and solutions: everything from fencing, bollards and barriers through to intruder detection, access control and video surveillance. Many of these solutions and systems were put through their paces by a team of forced entry experts in the LPCB Live Testing Lab.

At multiple points across both days of the Expo, Everbridge ran interactive desktop exercises on its stand focused on how to protect employees, assets and the public in a critical incident. Further, the Toshiba Infrastructure Systems and Solutions Corporation provided presentations and demonstrations on how the organisation protects customers and members of the public from malicious drones thanks to its C-UAS solution.

Future of cyber security

The worlds of physical and cyber security converged across the two days at Olympia. In only its second year, the co-located International Cyber Expo played host to circa 6,500 visitors, which is up by 35% on 2022.

Bigger and bolder this time around, International Cyber Expo allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the latest innovations and cutting-edge technologies that are essential for protection in the digital domain. The exhibition floor was packed with many leading global cyber security solution providers, while the Global Cyber Summit harboured a range of noted cyber experts providing essential updates on this critical and evolving sector.

Alongside a jam-packed conference programme, the event also played host to the Metropolitan Police Cyber Escape Room and ‘Grab the Mic: Women in Cyber’, the latter being a 2.5-hour networking event aimed at inspiring, educating and connecting the incredible women (and their allies) operating within the cyber security industry.

Two award-winning demonstrations also made a return appearance: the CrisisCast real-time cyber attack demonstrator and Cyber Griffin’s National Cyber Security Centre-certified table top exercise. These live demonstrators are an essential way of bringing the cyber threat to life for attendees at the event.

Record numbers of attendees from both events joined forces with exhibitors at the end of Day One for free networking drinks receptions, with music from the Cyber House Party in the International Cyber Expo and The Shadow Monkeys providing the sounds in the International Security Expo.

Phenomenal feedback

Speaking about the International Security Expo 2023, event director Rachael Shattock from the Nineteen Group said: “It was fantastic to see Olympia packed for both days. We’ve received phenomenal feedback from our exhibitors, in particular about the quality of visitors in attendance. This extends to the VIP programme, which hosted some of the country’s most influential security leaders, alongside our International Delegations Programme which saw senior security buyers from around the world visiting the event to source the latest products and solutions.”

Shattock continued: “Many exhibitors have already confirmed their stands for 2024. On that note, we are already working on exciting plans for next year. Our thanks go to all the participating Government departments and agencies, exhibiting companies, Advisory Council members and, of course, our visitors. We cannot wait to see you next year.”

*International Security Expo and International Cyber Expo return to London’s Olympia on 24-25 September 2024. For more information visit: https://www.internationalsecurityexpo.com