Ahead of International Security Expo and International Cyber Expo 2023, SJUK catches up with Rachael Shattock, Group Event Director, Nineteen Group to find out what’s on.

SJUK: For those who may not have attended in the past, what can visitors expect from International Security Expo and International Cyber Expo?

Rachael Shattock (RS): At International Security Expo, visitors can expect 300+ leading security brands showcasing the latest innovations and brands, however, we are certainly more than just a trade show. We are an event: We have got three conferences, one summit, live interactive demonstrations, industry pavilions as well as specialist zones covering key subject matters and industry themes.

The conference agenda is shaped by an Advisory Council made up of 70+ key security experts, government officials and individuals working across academia. This Advisory Council is Chaired by Admiral the Rt Hon Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC PC DUniv. For those that haven’t been to the event before, they can certainly expect a lot.

International Cyber Expo, specifically, launched as a standalone event last year. This year, however, we have outgrown the space we launched in and have subsequently located the event in the National Hall for 2023, side by side with International Security Expo. There is a lot of synergy between the two shows and there will be access provided between the two halls.

The importance of the content at International Cyber Expo is critical as cybersecurity will sit in the remit of responsibility for many in attendance at International Security Expo. Last year, we welcomed just under 5,000 visitors, so we will be exceeding that number in 2023 and providing visitors with access to approximately 175 leading cybersecurity brands and over 100 conference speakers. This event is designed by the community, for the community. 

SJUK: How important are your partnerships with security industry associations and government?

RS: Our partnerships are essential. We pride ourselves on our collaborations and we work closely with the UK government, security industry associations and media. We want to be holistic and one of our key strengths is bringing these different areas of the industry together. We work closely with the likes of The Security Institute, ASIS International, IFPO, IPSA, SIA, Emergency Planning Society, PSSA and Resilience First.

Our partnerships with government are equally critical and, last year, we were delighted to welcome Tom Tugendhat to International Security Expo, where he gave his first public address after being named Minister of State (Minister for Security). We are hopeful he will attend in 2023. We have approximately 15 agencies represented in the Government Zone, with the likes of JSarC and the Defence Science And Technology Laboratory (Dstl) participating. We also have key officials speaking at the summit and at many of the conferences.

International Cyber Expo is a community-driven event so partnerships are truly our bread and butter. We are working with Cyber Griffin and CrisisCast to showcase vendor products as well as with ITN Business, who have chosen our event as a platform to raise awareness about today’s cyber-threat landscape. We also have the presence of IASME and the NSPCC at the event as well as government agencies such as the NCSC. We work closely with the industry to help keep us accountable and ensure that our event is as inclusive and diverse as possible.

SJUK: Can you tell us more about the live demonstration areas?

RS: We love our live demonstrations at International Security Expo as they really bring things to life. The LPCB Live Testing Lab, for example, which sits in the Perimeter Protection Zone, is where our forced entry experts test LPCB-accredited products such as doorsets and put them through their paces. This really is fascinating to watch.

Elsewhere, we have the Counter Threat Pavilion, in association with the ADS Special Interest Groups, CBRN UK, Counter-EO UK and DPAC (Drone Platforms and Counter-Drone), which demonstrates real life scenarios. In addition, British Transport Police will showcase its Firearms Unit and Special Response Unit; throughout the event, British Transport Police runs demonstrations which highlight the work of its divisions and how they operate on a day-to-day basis.

At International Cyber Expo, we have the Immersive Cyber Demonstrator which won ‘Best Feature Area’ at the recent Exhibition News Awards 2022. This provides visitors with a better understanding of the current threats, how to prepare and source products and services to increase cyber resilience.

We also have the NCSC-certified Table Top Exercise and, of course, the Global Cyber Summit which will feature speakers such as Ciaran Martin CB, Oxford University Professor and Former CEO, National Cyber Security Centre, Theresa Deumchen, Tech Policy Associate, Global Counsel and Christine Bejerasco, Chief Information Security Officer, WithSecure.

SJUK: What are the major talking points at this year’s sessions?

RS: We have the Global Counter Terror & Serious and Organised Crime Summit, International Security Conference and International Risk and Resilience Conference taking place at International Security Expo. We are heavily focusing the first of these two conferences on Martyn’s Law, putting this into context with the newly launched CONTEST strategy. Moreover, we will be looking at political policy and legislation, through to the written policy and implementation of each element.

We will be looking at the impacts identified through the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the ramifications for UK companies involved, trends and challenges related to critical infrastructure, transport hubs and maritime environments. Serious and organised crime and its impact on our connected world as well as diversity and inclusion across the industry will also be discussed.

We are also continuing our theme which focuses on the Realities of Terror, looking at the impact of terror through the eyes of victims and others affected. Figen Murray is a great advocate of the show and will speak once again this year across both days. This is hard-hitting content, but it really does highlight the realities of terrorism and provides attending professionals with valuable guidance.

At International Cyber Expo, we also have a fantastic lineup. We have a Global Cyber Summit where we will invite global cybersecurity leaders to discuss key themes such as AI, quantum computing and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war. In addition to this, we also have the Tech Hub Stage, covering the latest product launches and game-changing solutions, a dedicated Government Zone as well as hosted round-table discussions which are designed to target C-Suite professionals.

Our women in cyber event, Grab the Mic, is also new for this year, which will be a two-and-a-half-hour networking event focused on education and connection. Also new for this year, we have the Metropolitan Police’s Cyber Crime Unit hosting an escape room and we already have a Cyber Wellbeing Corner, designed to provide support for professionals in the industry.

SJUK: Personally, what are you most excited about in the build up to this year’s events?

RS: Seeing panellists, speakers, partners and exhibitors on social media discussing what they will focus on and present is really exciting. This engagement and interaction is so valuable and ties in with our pre-registration for the event, which is now live.

As an organiser, seeing so many people register makes all the effort worthwhile. We have further invested in our International Hosted Buyer Programme and International Delegation Programme – though we ran successful programmes last year, now we have moved further away from the impact of COVID-19 in the UK, seeing our investment pay off is really exciting for us.

The build and setup process is also particularly special; seeing it go from an empty hall to one which comes to life with a queue of people is something which really excites me. Both events provide the best opportunity to stay up to date with key themes.

International Security Expo and International Cyber Expo return to London on 26-27 September 2023.

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