1: One day wander:
If you’re just going to IFSEC for one day make sure you plan your visit. There’s no need for a military operation but a quick look through the index of this magazine and a study of the floor plan will make sure you don’t waste your time. IFSEC is well organised into sections so if it’s, for instance, IP network video you want to see, then there’s no route march between stands. But many manufacturers produce the whole range of security kit and what you are interested in might not be in that section. If you want to see a particular company’s products, make a note for the show. This may all seem blindingly obvious, but many times we’ve heard people say they really meant to see so-and-so, and only remembered after the show had closed for the day. And make sure you pre-register to avoid the morning queues.
2: What’s the gimmick?
Connected to this is the danger of being waylaid – oh so easy at a show like this when it’s tempting just to stroll around looking at the security goodies that catch your eye. By the time you’ve entered the various draws, played the computer games, put your card into jars, tried out the virtual reality surfboard, played pro golf, scored against a celebrity keeper, queued for a sandwich, watched the pole dancers, listened to a sales pitch just to get the freebie … the day has gone. This is all great fun and these peripherals and gimmicks help to give IFSEC its unique personality, especially if you’ve got plenty of time or if you’re just there to see what’s on offer. But if you’re on a mission, adopt a determined look and a power stride and if you really want to make the most of your time, pre-book appointments. Manufacturers would rather spend their exhibition time with serious customers and it often means you can see most or all of their products at once.
3: Face to face
On the subject of meetings, some people go to IFSEC with the main intention to network. Because it’s such an international event it’s an opportunity to open up business doors worldwide. Some people have no choice. They can’t walk around for more than a couple of minutes before someone stops them to say hello. Avoid the embarrassment of forgetting names or obviously having to look at their badge. Anticipate who you might bump into so their name trips off your tongue. And remember to take plenty of business cards, not only to put into those “win a car” jars but to distribute your name and company far and wide.
4: Eureka moment
We’ve spoken to many visitors who have seen something at IFSEC that has literally changed their lives – or at least their business. You might be there with a purpose, but have an open mind. Many manufacturers that are peripheral to mainstream security test the water at this show. Their product or service might be the very thing that will answer your needs. So don’t just stick to the big stands. Many a time we have seen crowds around the smaller stands. A lot of the ‘gadgets’ you see at this show are connected to the installer’s/surveyor’s/ guard’s own job rather than a product they would supply to a customer. Something you see here might make your working life easier, more efficient or safer. So if you’ve got time, check out the smaller stands.
5: Heavy going
It’s amazing how quickly those carrier bags get filled with brochures. Before long you’re like a pack camel and the more you collect the less likely you are to read them. It’s not so bad at 5pm when you’ve got a car at the NEC but if you’ve gone by train it can be difficult as these are generally crowded at this time. Be discriminating. Don’t take the brochure if you know you’re just going to put it in a bin. Manufacturers, you don’t want your precious literature left on a train. Single sheets are better to give out than perfect bound, heavy brochures. It doesn’t take many of those to become a burden.
6: Dress for the occasion
Wear comfortable shoes. This is, perhaps, the single most important piece of advice anyone can provide. IFSEC’s set in a number of halls – 11 this year – and they’re big. Seriously big. So if you’re planning on spending a day or two at the show, you’re going to be doing a pretty decent amount of walking. Or standing around talking/boozing. So don’t buy a new pair of shoes and try and break them in at the show. Also remember that it can get pretty hot inside the halls at the NEC – if it’s warm outside, it’ll be warmer inside the show, thanks to all the electrical equipment and security body heat. However, if you’re wearing a suit, think twice before removing your jacket. It might be more comfortable, but unsightly perspiration doesn’t make for a really good look. For anyone. We’d suggest plenty of cool water, and a couple of headache tablets before you go to bed on the previous evening.
