International Security Expo 2024
All images by Hiatus.Design
The International Security Expo 2024, held at the Kensington Olympia, London on September 26-27, served as one of the largest global gatherings for security professionals and organisations.
It brought together more than 10,000 attendees and over 350 exhibitors, making it a key event for cutting-edge security technologies, governmental partnerships, and thought leadership.
The expo focused on various aspects of modern security challenges, including perimeter protection, counterterrorism (CT), resilience, and cybersecurity among others. The event, organised alongside the International Cyber Expo (featured in our other event report), provided a unique opportunity for visitors to gain a 360-degree view of security solutions across the physical and digital realms.
Exhibitors and Premiere Partners
A wide range of exhibitors representing the biggest names in security solutions were present at the expo, including Apstec Systems, Astrophysics, Audax Global Solutions, Gallagher Security, Leidos, and Rohde & Schwarz. These companies showcased innovations in access control, threat detection, intelligent surveillance systems, and data protection, among others.
Security Informed
The event was supported by leading industry associations such as ASIS UK, the ADS Group, and The Emergency Planning Society, giving attendees access to a network of experts and thought leaders who play a significant role in shaping the future of security.
Zones and Live Demonstrations
The International Security Expo 2024 was divided into several dedicated zones designed to highlight key areas of security. Among the most notable was the Perimeter Protection Zone, sponsored by Barkers Fencing and supported by the Loss Prevention Certification Board and the Perimeter Security Suppliers Association. In this area, professional forced-entry specialists demonstrated the robustness of various security products like fences and doors, showcasing how well they withstand real-world attacks.
Another critical zone was the Drone and Counter-UAV Zone, which offered hands-on demonstrations on dealing with aerial threats, an increasingly important area of security as the use of drones becomes more prevalent in various threat landscapes. Likewise, the Counter-Explosive Ordnance (Counter-EO) UK and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) UK teams ran a series of scenario-based demonstrations. These simulations focused on mitigating specific types of threats, ranging from drone-based attacks to chemical warfare situations, helping attendees understand the practical applications of these systems.
The Government Zone, a major attraction at the expo, saw the participation of several government agencies and departments, making it a central point for discussions on public policy, future security strategies, and ongoing governmental projects. The UK Home Office, Cabinet Office, and the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office were among the bodies engaging directly with industry representatives, allowing for valuable networking and the sharing of knowledge between the public and private sectors.
Educational Content and Conferences
One of the biggest draws of the International Security Expo was its educational program, which provided Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits to attendees. The program featured three major stages: the International Security Conference, the International Risk and Resilience Conference, and the Global Counterterrorism and Serious and Organised Crime Summit.
Across these stages, visitors had access to an unparalleled array of knowledge from industry experts, academics, and government officials. Speakers from high-profile organisations, including Microsoft, the FBI, NATO, and the UK Civil Aviation Authority, delivered keynotes and panel discussions. Topics ranged from aviation security to the geopolitical impacts of the Ukraine conflict, and the sessions delved into practical strategies for managing global security challenges.
One of the key themes of this year’s educational content was Martyn’s Law (also known as the Protect Duty), which has been developed in response to the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. Named after one of the victims, Martyn Hett, the proposed UK legislation is designed to improve public venue security by making it mandatory for organisations to consider the threat of terrorism in their security planning. Many sessions at the expo focused on helping attendees understand the implications of Martyn’s Law and how they can proactively integrate these new security standards into their operations.
Counterterrorism and Serious Crime
The Global Counterterrorism and Serious and Organised Crime Summit was a significant part of the expo’s educational offerings. With support from Counter Terror Business, the summit addressed some of the most pressing issues related to terrorism and organised crime globally. Topics included the rise of domestic extremism, strategies for preventing radicalisation, and the role of cybercrime in facilitating terrorism.
Sessions were led by prominent figures from security agencies and think tanks, offering participants in-depth insights into the evolving threat landscape.
The summit was particularly focused on developing practical solutions for both public and private entities. Attendees were given actionable takeaways, such as how to apply the latest counter-terrorism techniques and technologies in real-world environments. The UK’s approach to counter-terrorism legislation, including the use of intelligence to pre-empt attacks and prevent organised crime, was heavily discussed throughout the sessions.
Networking and Partnerships
Networking remained one of the most valued aspects of the International Security Expo. The event fostered connections between manufacturers, end-users, and security professionals from all corners of the world. The Government Zone in particular provided a platform for attendees to engage with key policymakers and security leaders from the UK and beyond, emphasising the event’s unique ability to bring together the entire security ecosystem under one roof. Attendees not only gained insights into the latest security technologies and strategies but also forged critical partnerships that could shape the future of global security.
Conclusion
The International Security Expo 2024 was an essential event for anyone involved in the global security sector. From live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies to in-depth educational sessions, it provided a comprehensive view of the modern security landscape. With support from leading organisations, governments, and industry experts, the expo set the stage for future advancements in the field of security and emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing today’s complex security challenges.
