Some Things Different, Most The Same

With this year's IFSEC exposition in the books, there are many things similar to tradeshows in the United States. IFSEC, hosted in the United Kingdom, relies heavily on local traffic. But because the show is in Birmingham, there is more outside traffic.

The same goes for vendors who attend the tradeshow. Most are U.K.-based, but there are an increasing number of security providers and manufacturers from outside the United Kingdom, at the show.

The differences are subtle, and a little more quiet. Here's what I noticed.

At tradeshows in the United States, attendees don’t have to spend much time waiting for assistance at any given booth. Most companies fully staff their booths to ensure swift response. At IFSEC, you can look, touch and handle a product before a company representative will help.

I like both approaches. Being an American, I guess I'm used to the more aggressive approach, and I expect it. Another difference I noticed with IFSEC is that exhibitors don't actively seek time with media representatives. Prior to ISC West or ASIS, company media representatives are seeking an engagement with the press. Not so much at IFSEC.

That doesn't mean the tradeshow is ineffective. I'd say this is the world's largest security show, and by all indications, it appears very effective and well run.

Thanks to our advertisers and e-news sponsors listed here for investing in the good cause of promoting IFSEC. I enjoyed visiting with company officials at their booths and looking over products. I appreciate the opportunity to visit the United Kingdom and IFSEC -- it's part of the global reach we enjoy at Security Products magazine.

Up next is ASIS in Orlando starting September 19. This is always a great tradeshow, and I hope we will be bringing you something extra special from this show. More to come on that at a later date.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.