As this was my first IFSEC, I have to go on Dr Craig Donald's review of the 2004 event (Hi-Tech Security Solutions June 2004) in which he stated, "IFSEC lived up to its reputation of being one of the best security exhibitions in the world again in 2004. The scope of the exhibition continues to amaze me. With more than 600 exhibitors and over 25 000 visitors, it is a massive occasion. What is remarkable is how IFSEC has continued to grow in scope and activities on a regular basis over the past number of years."
The number of visitors this year was reportedly up by another 4% over last year's figures. "This year we have seen the highest rise in visitor attendance for a long time. Positive feedback from exhibitors and an evident buzz in the halls made it clear IFSEC 2005 has performed remarkably well. Such an impressive rise in visitor footfall cements the position of IFSEC as the definitive event for the entire security industry - present and future," said Simon Parker, group director at organising company, CMPi, the UK-headquartered professional media division of United Business Media.
Held at the same time at the NEC in Birmingham, Safety & Health Expo, The Facilities Show, and ACPO - International Police Conference & Exhibition all saw increases in attendance compared with last year's events as well.
Biennial fire event International Fire Expo continued to build on its position as the leading European event for the entire fire industry, attracting an impressive number of visitors.
For the first time IFSEC's IP and networks showcase Network Advantage featured the HUB, which featured a series of live demonstrations and seminars from IBM's business partners. The seminars, which catered for both IT professional and security professionals in all business types covering distribution, retail banking and the public sector, consistently drew an attentive audience, demonstrating the impact this field has on the future of security.
As always, the opening Monday saw the IFSEC Awards take place. The overall winner for the product awards was Bosch for its Easy Series - a simple, cost effective, ergonomically designed intrusion control panel providing an easy-to-use intruder alarm system. The other product award winners demonstrated the breadth of innovative new products that have come on the market in the past year.
The various features of the show included Security Solutions, specifically tailored to meet end-user requirements; Network Advantage, which was launched in 2004 in recognition of the latest industry developments in IP and Networking technology; the Business Development Zone seminar programme covered a broad range of topics; and Distinct Zones covering every discipline from CCTV to Intruder Alarms, provided visitors with a complete range of new products and emerging technologies, together with first-rate support and advice.
IP technology was very prominent again this year, and wireless devices also had a high profile at the show, but more about specific trends and products as the appropriate features come up in Hi-Tech Security Solutions. - Lynne Larsen
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