With over 10,000 security professionals in attendance, SJUK takes a closer look at International Security Expo 2024. 

On 24-25 September 2024 at Olympia Events in London, International Security Expo returns; bigger, better, with more features and drawing over 10,000 security professionals from across the world.  

Attendees will represent sectors including critical national infrastructure, transportation, stadiums, public and private sectors, law enforcement, defence and those working on homeland and international security.  

A packed exhibition floor will provide visitors the chance to meet with an exceptional range of security manufacturers and suppliers.  

An incredibly informative content programme will be available to all visitors, alongside exciting new live demonstrations; plus visitors will find many opportunities to network throughout the two-days of the event, including the free Networking Reception at the end of the first day.  

 Celebrating innovation in security  

The continuing importance of innovation within the security sector means the exhibition floor is the place to be if you want to discover the latest products and solutions that are coming to market.  

The over 300 global exhibiting brands cover the entire spectrum of the sector, with products on display including hostile vehicle mitigation, perimeter protection, access control & biometrics, intruder detection / monitoring, communication, drone & counter drone, IT / command & control, intelligence, screening & scanning, drone & counter-drone, CCTV & surveillance, training, CBRN, blast protection and much more.   

This year’s Premier Partners include Apstec Systems, Astrophysics, ATG Access, Audax Global Solutions, Barkers Fencing, Gallagher Security, Hardstaff Barriers, Inner Range, Kosedag, LINEV Systems UK, Mitie Security, Parking Facilities, Pitagone, Rapiscan Systems, Rohde & Schwarz, Safe Crowds, Smiths Detection Group, Varex and Weytec. Many more exhibitors can be found across the exhibition floor.  

New for 2024, an all-new Innovation Trail will guide you to the exhibitors and products shortlisted for the inaugural Innovation Award.  

Exhibitors have been submitting their entries for this Award, highlighting the innovations they’re making to help ensure public safety. Judges drawn from the Advisory Council will select a shortlist of the best entries with the winner announced at the free to attend Networking Drinks Reception at the end of day one of the event.  

 All new exciting Live Immersive Demonstrator  

An exciting addition to this year’s event is the all new Live Immersive Demonstrator, produced in partnership with CrisisCast.

This Demonstrator will feature narrative-driven scenarios that show how best to deal with complex multi-layered terrorist incidents, whilst prioritising public safety.  

These scenarios will be set around aviation security and sporting event security, with the learnings applicable across most sectors.

Exhibitor products will be incorporated to better show you their practical applications and the benefits they can bring, with Audax Global Solutions, CSL Dualcom, F24, LINEV Systems UK and Mitie Security all participating, with more to be confirmed.  

In the Counter Threat Pavilion, run in participation with ADS special interest groups CBRN UK, Counter-EO UK and DPAC, highly skilled current personnel from these specialist areas will be carrying out British Army protocol and procedures during realistic scenarios featuring products from our exhibitors.

Plus, there will be some fun interactive demo’s taking place in the Pavilion that you can try your hand at.  

International Security Expo’s long-running partnership with LPCB continues, with the LPCB Live Testing Lab returning (supported by PSSA and sponsored by Barkers Fencing).  

This year has seen more demand than ever from exhibitors to secure their place, to ensure their products are put through their paces right in front of you.

From windows to fencing, doorsets to gates, walls to key safes, the live demonstrations will showcase the resilience and effectiveness of these products in the face of simulated intrusion scenarios – and this is the only opportunity to see the LPCB Live Testing Lab in London this year.  

Border Force return to the exhibition floor this year to show how they solve the challenges of concealment with some incredibly interesting examples and scenarios.  

Their dog team will also be on-hand, running demonstrations with the dogs on how they detect contraband.

British Transport Police will also be running demonstrations on their stand, with their Special Response Unit and Firearms teams ready to show how they deal with incidents across the transport network.  

Security insights  

Further building on the event’s reputation for delivering exceptional content, this year visitors can expect to hear from some fantastic speakers, all free of charge and with all talks CPD-certified.  

On the Global Counter Terror & Security Summit you will find high-level policy updates and strategic insights addressing the latest global terror and security trends, as well as priorities.  

A key subject will be Martyn’s Law. With the new Government’s commitment to deliver the legislation and its inclusion in this new Parliament’s king’s speech, visitors will get to hear from Shaun Hipgrave who heads up the Government’s Homeland Security Group, who have drafted the legislation and from NaCTSO (National Counter Terrorism Security Office) who will be implementing it.  

Figen Murray OBE will be in discussion with Supt Amanda King, head of NaCTSO as part of the popular realities of Terror thread, whilst Travis Frain OBE will have his own talk and join a panel sharing the lived experience of terrorism.  

Other talks on the Summit from those working to steer national strategy include Phil Douglas, Director General of Border Force, speaking about the future of UK border security – a subject that couldn’t be more topical.  

Abu Ahmed, Head of JSaRC, will provide an update on the Joint Security and Resilience Centre’s priorities, whilst Jon Savell, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism Policing, will discuss their current priorities.  

A host of other speakers on the Summit, will cover subjects from how the current Middle East conflict may affect terrorist acts, protective security challenges and advances, strategic risk management in the era of polycrisis, an overview of the UK Counter Weapons Threat Team Capability and talks on the role cybersecurity plays in terrorism and threats to national security.  

Don’t miss Victor Hoskins from the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority in the US in conversation with Anita Friend from DASA and Tracy Buckingham from UKDSE DBT, about the importance of security as a business and how to understand the global market.  

On the International Security & Resilience Conference, sponsored by CSL, essential topics covered will include everything from aviation security to HVM at the UEFA 2024 tournament, learning lessons from multi-agency exercises to protecting women from violence.

A key panel will discuss and celebrate the pivotal role women are playing in the Private Security Industry, featuring Lisa Baskott from 2nd Line of Defence Ltd, Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), Gemma Quirke from Wilson James Ltd and Savannah Plummer of Shecurity Ltd.  

The quality of speakers across the panels is exceptional. Fay Tennet, Deputy Director of Security Liaison for The Royal Household will be asking if you’re prepared for the worst, as she talks about the terrorist attack outside Parliament in 2017.  

Sgt. George Vit from South Brunswick Township Police Department will discuss technology in Law Enforcement in the US and how British companies should do business with the over 17,000 police departments in the US.   

Across both the Summit and the Conference you will find even more international speakers than ever before, who will be giving a crucial global perspective on the security issues affecting everyone the world over.   

Explore sector-specific zones and pavilions   

At the core of the event the Government Zone returns, giving visitors and exhibitors the opportunity to meet and network with over 20 UK Government departments, agencies and organisations.  

JSaRC will have a prominent position in the Zone alongside NaCTSO and Counter Terrorism Policing, highlighting the fantastic levels of support the event receives from the UK Home Office and UK Government as a whole.  

Also in the Zone will be UKDSE (UK Defence & Security Exports), SIA (Security Industry Authority), ACE, FCDO Services, PCPI, UK National Nuclear Laboratory and many more. DASA (Defence & Security Accelerator) will also be showcasing innovation on their stand, with a selection of exciting suppliers whom you can meet. Within the Zone you will also find Border Force and British Transport Police.  

A fantastic selection of perimeter security suppliers will be located within the Perimeter Protection Zone, offering the opportunity to see the broadest selection of products from this essential security sector.  

The Drone & Counter-UAV Zone also returns, bringing together a selection of international companies who specialise in drone and counter UAV technologies.

The adjacent Aviation Security Zone & Trail will give those working within aviation and the broader transportation sector the chance to explore the latest developments in aviation security.  

With many key suppliers to the sector located throughout the exhibition floor, the Zone and Trail will act as a guide for who you need to meet.  

Also retuning this year, the SCEG Pavilion will highlight the companies forming this ADS Special Interest Group, who have interests in the security and risk sector, operating across the globe including the Middle East, Africa and Asia and the event.

Don’t miss the two panels hosted by SCEG – The Security and Resilience Architecture to Enable Ukraine Reconstruction and on day two, Intelligence, Cyber Security and Due Diligence – the Bedrock of Resilience.  

Where physical security and cyber security meet  

For the third year-running International Cyber Expo will take place alongside International Security Expo, in the adjacent National Hall at Olympia Events.

A free pass will give you full access to both events. With cyber security now such an ever-present concern, International Cyber Expo offers attendees a 360° view of the industry.  

Meet 170+ industry-leading brands and source the latest game changing cyber security solutions and products from a wide range of international suppliers. 

The Summit and Conference programme will let you gain the knowledge and tools needed to protect your organisation against emerging threats and enhance your cyber security strategies.

You can attend informative sessions and workshops conducted by key industry experts and thought-leaders.  

An exciting selection of live demonstrations will mean you can experience the thrill of the Cyber Escape Room (brought to you by the Metropolitan Police Cyber Crime Unit), where you’ll race against the clock to outsmart hackers. Dive into decision-making in the face of cyber threats with the Cyber Griffin Lego Exercise.

Brace yourself for gripping simulations with CrisisCast, where you’ll learn crisis response strategies firsthand.

These unique immersive live experiences, where education meets excitement, will help shape your approach to future cyber security challenges.  

“This year’s International Security Expo is going to be unmissable,” said Rachel Shattock, Group Event Director, International Security Expo.  

“The new Live Immersive Demonstrator will offer an exciting experience for attendees and we are thrilled to launch the Innovation Award & Trail as well as an all new Aviation Security Award & Trail.  

“We have invested even further in making International Security Expo a truly global event, with more speakers coming from overseas to give a crucial worldwide perspective, whilst our International Delegations Programme will host active security buyers looking for the latest innovations to keep us all safe.  

“The exhibition floor will be full of companies showcasing their latest security innovations and the ability to also access co-located International Cyber Expo really makes attending this year’s event essential for global security professionals.  

“I really hope to see you at Olympia Events in London this year on 24-25 September – don’t forget it’s free to register and we are hosting a free Networking Drinks Reception at the end of day one (Tue 24^th Sept) that all visitors and exhibitors are welcome to attend.”  

For more information and to register to attend this year’s International Security Expo and International Cyber Expo for free, please visit: https://www.internationalsecurityexpo.com/isj   

This article was originally published in the September Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.