The Security Event: Innovation and global reach
In May, the doors of the Birmingham NEC closed on The Security Event (TSE) for its fifth year and biggest to date. Designed by the industry for the industry, TSE has rapidly become the UK’s premier security event, bringing together manufacturers, distributors, installers, integrators, consultants and end users.
IDL has been a cornerstone supporter of TSE since its inception in 2019. Our commitment is driven by our belief in the industry—the security community. We believe it is important to connect in person, share expertise, and foster collaborations that drive the industry forward, and this event offers the opportunity to do just that.
For IDL, TSE is also a fantastic launch pad platform for new products—and this year was no different. We debuted two new additions to our highly acclaimed Fastlane Glassgate range of entrance control turnstiles. The event is a unique opportunity to showcase our products in a live, interactive setting where potential customers and partners can see and feel the quality firsthand.
Looking ahead to 2025, we spoke to Peter Poole, Sales Director, The Security Event, about the event’s rapid growth and evolving goals, particularly the importance of innovation and international engagement. He discussed the value of hands-on experiences for attendees, networking and plans for expanding the event to new markets such as Singapore.
TSE has grown rapidly over the past few years. Have your goals changed?
TSE’s growth has been nothing short of incredible. We’ve expanded significantly since our launch in 2019 when we had 80 exhibitors and around 5,000 visitors. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we’ve managed to grow and adapt, hosting 350 exhibitors and welcoming approximately 14,500 visitors at our latest edition.
Our initial goal was to become the UK’s premier security show, a milestone we proudly achieved by our third edition. While the UK market will always be hugely important to TSE, our ever-growing community drives us to aim even higher. As a result, we have a major focus on attracting more international visitors to solidify our reputation as Europe’s leading security show.
What makes TSE stand out from other events?
Our ambition with TSE is to provide a comprehensive platform for the security industry to explore the latest technologies, network with peers, and share knowledge. At Nineteen Group, we aim to make trade shows enjoyable and rewarding. TSE offers exhibitors and visitors the chance to achieve in three days what might otherwise take months of meetings across the UK and Europe. The social and networking aspects create a fulfilling experience that keeps attendees returning year after year.
TSE boast an exceptional calibre of exhibitors, including major global brands, leading distributors and many innovators. This high-quality lineup provides attendees with easy access to the latest technology and innovations through exhibitor solutions and informative sessions, effectively advancing their understanding of the security sector.
For exhibitors, TSE offers a unique opportunity to connect with a highly-targeted audience of potential clients and partners. Exhibitors get to showcase their products live, receive immediate feedback, and establish valuable business relationships, significantly boosting their market presence and driving growth.
Globally, security has become a board-level issue – has this changed who attends TSE?
Absolutely. We’ve noticed a shift towards more senior-level attendees, including C-suite executives and board members. As security becomes a critical concern for businesses globally, decision-makers at the highest levels recognise the importance of staying informed about the latest developments and integrating robust security measures into their strategic planning.
When we launched TSE, our primary focus was on the channel— distribution, installation, integration—which still makes around 67% of our visitors. However, end-user visitors now comprise 19% of our audience. We’ve also seen an increase in the quality and seniority of visitors, with more owner-directors, technical/operations directors, and high-ranking professionals attending. Additionally, there has also been a growing presence of engineers and apprentices, suggesting that attendees find so much value in the event and encourage their colleagues to join.
Protesters, terrorism and cyber security are all critical concerns of boards – learn how IDL supported a well-known energy company to improve employee safety and the protection of its asset here.
Are there any trends or areas of innovation you’re seeing?
While the convergence of physical and cyber security is not a new trend, it’s becoming more pronounced, underscoring the importance of integrated security solutions in today’s increasingly complex threat landscape. There’s also a growing focus on cloud security, with many exhibitors offering hybrid solutions that provide flexibility and reduce the fear of moving from on-premise to fully cloud-based systems. We’re seeing more collaboration between cyber and traditional physical security professionals, especially in commercial and enterprise spaces.
Another significant trend is the increasing focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in security solutions. We’re also seeing a rise in interest in IoT security and the integration of advanced analytics to predict and prevent security breaches. AI and access control technologies are other areas of significant innovation, with new companies bringing advanced biometrics, facial recognition, and remote access management solutions.
Those attending and exhibiting reflect these shifts, with more companies showcasing cutting-edge solutions designed to address these evolving challenges. The growth in end users attending demonstrates their understanding that this is of value to them.
Find out more about security innovation: Humanoids, IoT and AI: How smart technology is being integrated into entrance and access control
What are your plans for 2025?
We haven’t cemented all of our plans just yet, as it’s only been a few weeks since our 2024 edition. We are busy reviewing all of our feedback and are continually engaged with the market, all of which are important factors in how TSE evolves each year. Based on this ongoing process, the market can rest assured that TSE25 will once again deliver another blockbuster show.
We’ve recently launched the ‘Safety & Security Series Asia’ which will debut The Security Event Asia, in November 2025 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. This expansion into the APAC region allows us to bring the market to local buyers, providing them with a dedicated event without needing long-distance travel. While some international visitors come to the UK, having a regional event makes it more accessible. We aim to replicate the success and high standards of our UK series, though initially on a smaller scale, and grow it over time just as we have with ‘Safety & Security Series UK’ with The Security Event UK.
Discover our top events for your diary in 2024/5, which we believe security professionals cannot afford to miss
