Andrew Williams, Global MSC Security delves into the world of trade shows and how to make them work for you with the Security Event 2024 coming up.

With The Security Event just weeks away, many people will be planning their journey to Birmingham.

Some will be looking to learn about new products and best practices, others will want to network and take full advantage of the warm hospitality on offer in and around the NEC and there are those looking to address a specific requirement.

For this group trade shows are a great chance to meet vendors and get up close with products, but with so many manufacturers vying for your attention walking into the halls without a plan can be somewhat overwhelming.

What outcome do you want?

Speaking as a Consultant my advice is, of course, going to be to come and talk to me about your needs first, as it can save not only a lot of time, but also a lot of money in the longer term, through making the right purchasing decision the first time.

However, I would recommend every visitor asks themselves the one question before they make the journey – What outcome do I want to achieve?

Perhaps you are looking for new improved cameras, an upgrade to your VMS, a more advanced access control system, or you want to explore what video analytics can offer.

Whatever it is, have a gameplan.

Spending a short time spent deciding who to pay a visit will make your experience so much more productive.

With more than 350 exhibitors, The Security Event is getting bigger each year and you will certainly get your daily steps in, so plan your route through the maze of stands wisely.

If there are suppliers that you have been considering for some time, I would encourage you to pre-arrange a dedicated time to meet with them, as stands can get very busy and you can’t always be sure you will be able to speak to the right person to answer your questions.

Remember, the people on the stand are there to sell and it is easy to be drawn in by the bells and whistles on display.

Making the right choice

Exhibitors will have spent a lot of time, money and effort to promote their latest and greatest products at the show, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it is the right choice for your circumstances.

You may want to be the guinea pig of bleeding-edge technology, perhaps you may prefer a leading-edge solution that has had time for issues to be ironed out by the early adopters, but there is also no shame in going for a tried, tested and proven piece of kit from a brand you know and trust (that being said it is important to understand how long the product/solution will continue to be supported for and what migration programmes they have).

There are also some key fundamental questions that you will want answered to help you refine your shortlist of suppliers.

Do the products integrate technically with what you already have?

For example, it may comply with the ONVIF open standard, but beware that there are levels of integration and it doesn’t necessarily mean you will be able to take advantage of the full range of functionality that is being sold to you.

What relationships do they have – formal partnerships, alliances and project experience – with your current suppliers, or other manufacturers of complementary products you are considering?

Also, be sure to ask what their footprint in the UK looks like in terms of sales, service and support.

Price, affordability and availability

Finally, the elephant in the room is inevitably that of price, affordability and availability.

The security manufacturer landscape is rapidly changing, with many established names disappearing, as they are swallowed up by large multinational corporations.

In their place are new companies bringing new ideas and innovations to the industry and exhibitions such as The Security Event present the ideal opportunity to scope whether they have the potential to establish themselves and become a potential supplier in future years.

If you are visiting The Security Event, or another trade show later this year, I hope you find what you are looking for, including the ever-elusive seat to recharge for a few minutes!

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