Welcome to IFSEC, or, at the very least, to this magazine dedicated to all things IFSEC. This is the security show that the world stops spinning for. The one that you can see from space. The security exhibition and conference that generates enough sheer interest to power the entirety of Belgium for a year. The greatest show (security category) on Earth. You asked for the best, so you got the best. Etcetera!
Why not read on for plenty of interesting and life-enhancing information about this event to top all events? You’ll emerge full of fresh new information, looking and feeling just great!
Halls are decked
One of the most wonderful, magical, and, darn it, useful things about this year’s IFSEC is its coloured carpeting, which differentiates the show’s varied exhibitor theme areas – and matches the corresponding floorplan and maps to help visitors navigate the show! (If you’re reading this at IFSEC, have a look at the floorplan included with this magazine, and then glance down at the carpet you are probably standing on. If you see a coloured carpet that matches one of the shaded areas on the floor plan, you’ll know roughly where you are!)
The CCTV product area is huge – covering halls 19 and 20 of the NEC, and featuring all of the latest developments in video surveillance, ranging from cameras to control room furniture and all areas in between.
IP & Networks is located in hall 18, and is bound to attract a lot of interest – particularly as it includes, for the first time, the IP & Networks Feature Area, which promises to educate visitors about new technology in a unique and interesting way. Ron Alalouff has all the details in his article on page 18.
Similarly, Brian Sims, venerable editor of SMT magazine, guides us through the highlights of the Security Guarding area, located in hall 7, in his article.
New this year is the Counter Terror area. The new feature will enable visitors to meet and network with policy makers and product innovators who provide solutions for protecting the world’s borders, infrastructures and people. Counter Terror at IFSEC has been purposefully arranged and organised for visitors from government agencies, emergency services, customs and excise office, immigration services, police forces and law enforcement services to meet suppliers and learn about new solutions as well as participate in free seminars, a high-level conference and live demonstrations.
Exhibitors in the area will include companies specialising in access control, biometrics, baggage screening, bomb detection, covert surveillance, crisis management, emergency response equipment, location tracking systems and RFID systems.
Highlights will include a live demonstration area where the latest technologies will be put to the test in real-life scenarios, including conflict management, drug and bomb detections, and concealed weapons.
Access Control and Security Solutions takes place in hall 6. It offers a comprehensive range of security solutions, services and products from a varied portfolio including retail security, secure communications, photo ID, key management, door entry control, X-ray imaging, guard tour and perimeter fencing.
Intruder Alarms and Physical Security is in hall 17, and is a focal point for the alarms sector, featuring leading manufacturers and suppliers showcasing everything from alarm systems and control panels and detectors, as well as perimeter protection, locking systems, safes and other physical security measures.
The Fire Solutions area, in hall 7, returns, illustrating the increasingly allied nature of the security and fire sectors, particularly from an installation point of view.
Make time to talk (also listen)
One of this year’s major highlights is the IFSEC Conference, which has the theme of ‘Protecting businesses, people and processes’. It runs from May 12 to 14, and features an outstanding line up of speakers. These include DAC John McDowell, National Coordinator of Terrorist Investigations; Michael Schuck, Chief Executive of Action Against Business Crime; Don Randall MBE, Senior Vice President and International Security Manager at JP Morgan; and Nigel Carpenter, Director – Projects Security, Support Group Security, at BP International.
All the conference sessions and speakers are outlined here (please note that the conference details have not yet been finalised), and Brian Sims mentions the thing himself on his very own page. He chairs a couple of Lunchtime Live Debates. The conference takes place in Rooms 21 and 22 of the NEC. Visit www.ifsec.co.uk/conference for more information and to book your place.
Visitors also have the opportunity to hear about all of the latest trends and developments at the New Product and Technology Showcase seminars – you can find details here. There will be information available on many of the products launched at the show, with exhibitors able to discuss issues and new technologies affecting the market.
I don’t like to go badmouthing anybody, but I think it’d be a foolish person who doesn’t take the time to have a listen to at least a couple of these – particularly if they’re relevant to some sort of product you are interested in! That would make a hell of a lot of sense.
Rouge traders
The IFSEC 2008 Security Industry Awards take place on Monday 12 May at the National Motorcycle Museum. The evening is themed around Moulin Rouge and the organisers promise that the winners, finalists and opening night of IFSEC will be celebrated in spectacular fashion.
The awards recognise and reward the products and technological innovations influencing and shaping the industry. The glittering evening celebrates the very best in the security market. From leading manufacturers, distributors and re-sellers, to influential integrators, installers and end users, the events bring together over 800 of the world’s most powerful security professionals in a night of glamour and revelry.
Guests will be wowed by the superb food and dazzling entertainment, and with a truly international theme running throughout the night, lucky attendees can be sure of entertaining clients and colleagues alike in style. Email [email protected] for ticket enquiries.
Taking the challenge
One of the great competitions in the world security industry is the Apprentice Skills Challenge, which sees young apprentice installers pitting their skills against each other in a desperate bid for glory and fame – or, at the very least, fantastic prizes and industry acclaim.
The Apprentice Skills Challenge, in association with Skills for security, SSAIB and the NSI, requires participants to carry out a fault-finding exercise prior to re-commissioning an existing system in line with EN standards.
The task requires critical assessment as well as installation skills. Points are allocated against the various disciplines, taking into account the different skills required.
The contest has attracted interest from leading national companies, and employers have recognised the importance of having their apprentices showcased at IFSEC where they have the opportunity to excel amongst their peers, and put their training into practice in public.
Skills for Security’s John Stanton is wildly enthusiastic. “Apprentice installers are the future of this industry and we should do everything possible to encourage them to uphold professional standards. The standard of entry at least year’s event was incredible and we are looking forward to seeing more of the same this year.”
If you’re interested in being involved, call John on +44 (0)8450 750111.
Future is in the cards
One of the brand new developments for IFSEC 2008 is the RFID & Smart Card Feature Area. Sponsored by HID, the new attraction offers a truly interactive demonstration area for end users, installers, systems integrators and the curious alike. It aims to showcase all elements of these technologies in action, across a range of market sectors and applications.
It promises to be a great way to assess the latest solutions on offer, talk to the experts about your specific requirements, or just generally see how everything works together.
Visitors to the feature area will be talked through a range of products working seamlessly with each other. These will be demonstrated using HID’s iClass 13.56MHz contactless smartcard technology. Effective and simple: several companies will be working together to demonstrate the use of one technology across a range of applications.
Leading market suppliers already confirmed include ITS (access control/time and attendance); HID (logical access); M2Digital (secure printing); SMI (mobile); VMC (cashless vending); iTrak (long range); TSSi (key cabinet); Intandem (document control); Salto (locking systems); and Privaris (biometrics).
It’s ideal for university personnel looking to implement access control solutions for the first time or upgrade their existing systems and introduce cashless vending. It’s also suitable for transport personnel who want to effectively implement their e-ticketing plans and combat fraud, as well as those from Local Authorities who are looking to speak to the right suppliers about citizen card or leisure scheme implementations.
The other people who should come along are anyone else who is considering the use of smart technology for securing manpower, assets and data. I may well see you there.
