Some Things Different, Most The Same
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- May 25, 2011
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.