The South African security scene is changing rapidly. While the private security sector is still showing growth due to high crime levels, it is also beset with challenges. On the one hand markets are opening up for video remote monitoring and advanced access control systems as companies shift from physical to electronic surveillance – on the other, a shortage of skilled labour is affecting the installation and maintenance sector.
A lack of standards for security systems has left the door wide open for a flood of inferior, low-cost imports – which means good local suppliers are forced to compete on price rather than quality or service.
This may explain why so many security stakeholders are turning to shows like IFSEC South Africa to get a handle on the complexities of the industry. This is according to Ross Cullingworth, director sales and marketing at Montgomery Africa (a subsidiary of UBM Montgomery), as he announces IFSEC South Africa 2012, taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 19-21 June.
“Security providers are coming to the event with specific strategies – as active participants in the industry – to measure themselves against the competition and forge new relationships that will secure their positions going forward,” he says. “It is no longer just about networking but maintaining a visible presence in the industry as a service provider, supplier or manufacturer; it is about being there for existing clients and attracting potential new clients.”
The show is positioned to reflect the changing security landscape. “The market for fire protection, intrusion detection and guarding services are fairly well established,” Cullingworth explains. “Primarily, we predict the shift from guard services to electronic security to impact the industrial and commercial sectors.”
The numbers from last year’s show reflect this growing importance. IFSEC South Africa 2011 broke its own records with 6214 delegates (a 6,4% bump on 2010) and some 200 exhibitors. Two new events co-located with the flagship IFSEC show – OSH EXPO Africa and FACILITIES SHOW Africa – boosted overall attendance to 8402. “More encouraging than the actual numbers, were the profiles of these visitors,” Cullingworth reports. “We witnessed such diversity at the show, which shows us that it is reflective of a dynamic, growing and changing industry.”
To this end, 75% of visitors were from the African continent; 88% of international delegates travelled to South Africa specifically for the event; 73% of visitors came to source new products; while a further 67% came to meet and network with new and existing suppliers.
With the next expo coming up in June, the organisers have every reason to believe IFSEC South Africa 2012 will surpass the successes of previous events. Companies interested in exhibiting at IFSEC South Africa, should contact, Marlene Bosch – senior sales executive on [email protected] or +27 (0)11 835 1565.
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