Visitor numbers surge by 16% at International Cyber Expo 2024

An impressive 137 exhibitors showcased pioneering solutions. There were over 120 presentations and discussion – the latter including the ever-popular Chief Information Security Officer round table talks – combining to deliver the ideal learning environment for industry leaders and experts.

Central to this year’s discussions was the theme of resilience, itself a crucial topic influencing every corner of the cyber security sector and framed by both geopolitics and emerging technologies.

Backed by strong support from leading Government organisations, industry experts and leading industry vendors, International Cyber Expo has firmly established itself as a ‘must-attend’ event for cyber security professionals and thought leaders from around the globe.

Tarquin Folliss, vice-chair of the Security Awareness Special Interest Group (SASIG), observed: “International Cyber Expo is unique as a cyber event, co-located as it is with the physical security domain highlighted by the International Security Expo and carrying equal weight. We often talk about convergence between physical and digital security.  This was convergence in action and it was great to see. This is the future. The theme for this year’s Global Cyber Summit was resilience and the excellent array of speakers had a universal message: we are in this together and can only make ourselves safer by working together.”

Government presence

Security threats are growing more complex both here in the UK and on the global stage, with physical and cyber risks now increasingly interconnected. As Internet of Things devices become more common in both the work and domestic settings, and digital features are integrated within physical security systems, the line between the two is blurring, in turn driving a clear convergence of physical and cyber security.

Speaking at the co-located International Security Expo on 25 September, Dan Jarvis (Minister of State for Security) emphasised that “the whole security ecosystem needs to work together” to tackle these evolving challenges.

The Global Cyber Summit opened with a keynote address by International Cyber Expo’s Advisory Council chair Ciaran Martin CB entitled ‘Navigating the Future: Key Cyber Security Trends Shaping Our Digital World’. Martin set the tone for the event by outlining six pivotal questions that will define cyber security in 2025.

As an Oxford University professor and former CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, Martin captivated the audience with sharp insights on the failures of current cyber deterrence, the urgent need for safer software, industry’s core role in supporting Government security efforts, securing hardware in supply chains and the looming threat posed by legacy technology.

Curated by experts from SASIG, the Global Cyber Summit gathered leading minds from the public and private sectors to explore cyber security’s past, present and future. Discussions spanned crucial topics including national preparedness and the timely issue of cyber security’s potential impact on political elections.

Diversity and skills 

The all-new Diversity and Skills Stage launched with an InClusive InCyber-led panel hosted by LT Harper and exploring the value of risk-taking. Across two days of dynamic discussions, the Diversity and Skills Stage became a hub for forward-thinking leaders eager to future-proof their organisations by championing their own people.

With a keen focus on tackling ‘burnout’ and the skills gap, this year’s agenda featured some of the most innovative specialists in the industry, all of them driving the conversation towards a healthier and more inclusive future.

There was also the return of Assured’s ‘Grab The Mic’ session, chaired by cyber journalist and Assured’s co-founder Eleanor Dallaway, which tackled the bold question: ‘Can (cyber) women really have it all?’

International Cyber Expo delivered a tailored experience for security and cyber professionals. The International Delegations Programme, supported by UK Defence and Security Exports, offered personalised tours and meetings, ensuring visitors quickly accessed the latest solutions.

In parallel, the Connect+ Live service further streamlined networking by facilitating targeted one-on-one introductions with pre-selected buyers and suppliers, thereby helping attendees to connect with leading vendors and address their specific needs across both days of the event.

With the community at its core, International Cyber Expo hosted the dedicated Community Village, showcasing a range of not-for-profit and charity organisations committed to transforming the industry. Diverse missions were in evidence, from promoting greater diversity through initiatives like WiTCH, SheCanCode and WiCyS UK&I through to empowering children with accessible technology via ‘Every Child Online’, those organisations involved are leading the charge towards a more inclusive and resilient future for all.

Cyber Well-Being Corner 

The Cyber Well-Being Corner returned for 2024, this year with a theme centred on nature. Visitors flocked to the stand for moments of relaxation amid trees, nature sounds and woodland scents.

Informed by scientific research, the team at The Zensory partnered with International Cyber Expo organiser Nineteen Group to bring the space to life alongside a doodle wall and a colouring-in space.

The Cyber Well-Being Corner once again proved to be a welcome relaxation area for visitors and a refreshing sight amid the fast-paced, forward-thinking nature of the cyber security industry and the bustling show floor.

Visitors also had the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge innovations on the Tech Hub Stage, interacting directly with the creators behind the technology. This unique platform allowed attendees to explore the real-world applications of today’s and tomorrow’s leading tech.

Sessions featured insights from Elliott Wilkes (CTO at Advanced Cyber Defence Systems), who discussed strategies for thinking like a hacker to strengthen cyber security posture. Daniel Kendall, principal systems engineer at the show’s founding partner Fortinet, presented on the subject of combating Artificial Intelligence-driven advanced persistent threats, while Melissa Chambers, CEO and co-founder of Sitehop, delved into the future of encryption.

Pavilions of plenty 

A diverse range of pavilions showcased the IASME Consortium, CREST UK, TechUK, Trade Association the ADS Group and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. These dedicated spaces provided members with an ideal opportunity to convene and shine a spotlight on the dynamic cyber security communities they actively support and also contribute towards.

Rachael Shattock, Nineteen Group’s event director for both the International Cyber Expo and International Security Expo, explained: “With a record number of cyber security leaders in attendance, this year’s International Cyber Expo was remarkable. We proudly introduced highlights like the inaugural Diversity and Skills Stage, the Global Cyber Summit with SASIG and immersive live demonstrations. There were so many insightful speaker sessions and engaging discussions at every turn, where visitors could gain valuable knowledge about the latest trends shaping the future of the industry.”

*International Cyber Expo 2025 runs at London’s Olympia from 30 September-1 October. Register your interest online at https://www.internationalcyberexpo.com/visit/register-interest