The annual showcase for the security industry opens its doors on May 19 to face a changed world
The security industry is preparing for an IFSEC which celebrates its 30th year from 19-22 May. This landmark event stands as a testament to the advances in the security industry over three decades, which from its humble beginnings in a London hotel has become an annual key date in the global industry's calendar.

Around 500 companies will exhibit at IFSEC, with products and services that touch all areas of society. Since the Twin Towers atrocities in 2001 and the onset of the war on terrorism, security concerns have taken on mainstream importance globally, and is increasingly reflected in the emerging technologies on the exhibition floors, from digital CCTV to facial recognition and IP technology.

Many new and returning companies can also be seen at the exhibition, including Texas Instruments, which is making its debut appearance together with the newly formed Bosch Security Systems, and Norbain SD, VCS and Videor Technical, all of which are IFSEC stalwarts (see our exhibitors' guide starting on p8).

Networks and standards
IFSEC and Security Solutions includes all of its regular highlights, giving visitors and exhibitors a once-a-year opportunity to network among familiar surroundings. The BSIA's IFSEC Awards, open to all exhibitors, takes place on the first night of the show. Within the exhibition itself, the show comprises all its usual features including the biometrics village which was introduced last year, the intruder alarms village, CCTV village, apprentice skills challenge, an emergency action zone and a more streamlined, themed conference programme over three days that is organised by the BSIA.

Two new features have also been added to the show. The Networked Security Knowledge Zone is a unique workshop area that gives visitors hands-on experience of the opportunities that IP technology brings to the market. It will have dedicated workshops giving practical advice on how IP affects not just CCTV, but all elements of the industry. It takes place in association with Tavcom Training, whose tutors will be on hand to de-mystify topics such as setting up IP addresses, subnets and masks, security issues of LAN, bandwidth monitoring and the effects of different compression techniques.

And standards also take the spotlight at IFSEC with up-to-date, impartial information and practical assistance at the Standards Centre, with a team of advisers from the SSAIB and NSI.

The free educational facility will focus on DD243:2002, and is a must for all installers. CMPi, which organises IFSEC, says the standard "has long been a cause for concern throughout the installer community, even though it has been in practice since last July".

IFSEC 2003 runs alongside Security Solutions, ACPO 2003, International Fire Expo, Safety and Health Expo 2003 and the Facilities Show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, from May 19 to 22. Doors open at 10am.

Conferences & Seminars
With the onset of war in the Gulf and the increased threat of terrorist activity in the UK and Europe, the security challenges facing the industry are greater than ever. As a result, this year's conferences and seminars at IFSEC are a 'not-to-be-missed' event for any security professional. The BSIA has, once again, put together a dynamic seminar programme over three themed days, with one whole day devoted to counter-terrorism. This will include a talk on terrorism of the past, present and future featuring a range of specialists, including a speaker from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office. The other two days focus on the increasingly sophisticated world of CCTV and biometrics. Added Value
As well as the conference programme, there will be a range of free seminars and features throughout the exhibition halls.

  • The CCTV village will feature all the latest in IP technology, network and ethernet solutions as well as CCTV surveillance
  • The intruder alarms village is a real opportunity to benefit from new technologies and standards set to improve the security marketplace
  • The biometrics village will provide practical advice and demonstrations of how biometrics can be beneficial in real world situations
  • The business development area will include a free educational seminar theatre.

In addition, the apprentice skills challenge is to be sponsored by Redcare for the third successive year. This is where the next generation of security professionals begin to shine, and the BSIA will also host an international visitors lounge.

Source

SMT