Another year another visit to IFSEC

Has another year gone by already! If I am honest I found IFSEC 2009 a little boring but this year the website blurb says 'IFSEC is the world's leading global annual security event, uniting over 25,000 security professionals with more than 600 world leading companies, spread over seven product areas, to source all your security solutions and meet with your peers'.

I have been lucky enough to attend a number of events this year including Infosec (too many IT geeks there for my liking), the Counter Terror Expo (which was good and Richard was a speaker at the conference), HOSBD (which was very good, but with too much testosterone on show for my liking). I have learnt a number of important lessons whilst walking around 1) don't look anyone in the eyes you are not interested in talking to, 2) don't walk onto any stands you are well 'not interested in talking too' and 3) don't let anyone scan your badge otherwise you will be bombarded with spam (these are very important points to remember). Yes I know I sound miserable but with over 600 exhibitors (plus the Facilities and S&H expo's), frankly I do not have the time or dare I say the interest in some of the products, services or even the companies (maybe that's another blog idea).

The plan was to meet up with a number of contacts, look at some security 'porn' and to spend some time in the SMT Select Lounge networking, all of which I happily achieved and gained some valuable contacts from. IFSEC serves a purpose for me which is that it maintains my knowledge and awareness of the latest technology available in the industry (although IFSEC is a little 'death by CCTV'). I don't spec for systems but I do need to know if there is a more effective solution available. But it is much like attending the British Motorshow I wouldn't buy a car just because I saw it (or sat in it) at the show. IFSEC is without question a one stop shop for all the latest technologies available to security professionals.

Whilst having a cup of coffee I did overhear a conversation between two fellow visitors and one said to the other 'it is good but how many bloody CCTV cameras can you look it'! A fair point I thought.

I would be interested in knowing from any exhibitors what their conversion rates are. The stands are getting bigger, brighter and clearly more expensive (some even had cars on display) I guess it must be worthwhile attending IFSEC or is it purely making sure that your are seen......keeping up with the Jones?

A couple of areas I feel IFSEC is missing is around the areas of Risk Management and Security Audit/Assurance (both are very important factors in an organisation where Security is embedded). Technology is important but how do organisations provide the ongoing assurance to the rel event boards or committees that they have the appropriate measures in place to manage security and mitigate against risks? Also what about Personnel Security we all know how important this area is (and its an ever increasing list of companies that have now made security departments responsible for pre-employment screening) but I didn't see any stands showcasing this? If the organisers truly want to provide a world-class show these are areas which must be represented, after all we are in a very cost conscious climate and technology solutions are expensive and are not always an option!

I think it should be compulsory that all senior management (with responsibility for security) or at the least budget holders to attend this show. In terms of security it is glitzy and actually demonstrates that security is much more then a uniformed guard stood on a door. Dare I say the show was almost sexy! Just look at these.........
and these.............

Also for anybody out there who is interested yes I did attend the Facilities Show and yes I also attended the Safety and Health show (or Health and Safety as its known to most). How did they compare to IFSEC? Well it just wouldn't be a fair comparison.....IFSEC had an Audi R8 on display, but they were blowing stuff up in the S&H show!

I met lots of interesting people whilst at the show, then of course there is this photograph which is a good representation of a two modern day security professionals.........

So will I attend next year, yes why not, hopefully some of the more cost effective solutions might be on display and by then maybe automated security guard robots will be released upon the world.....although some say we already have these!

All in all good job IFSEC! I will see you next year.