We put the questions to Gerry Dunphy, Event Director at IFSEC & FIREX International, to find out more about what the exhibition has in store for fire and security professionals this year.
Q. What is IFSEC?
IFSEC is the UK security sector’s leading trade show and the largest part of a series of co-located shows which take place at the same time – FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo, Facilities Show and Intelligent Buildings Europe.
Q. Tell us more about the make-up of the show.
The show covers a broad range of technologies relating to intruder detection, video surveillance and analytics, access control, perimeter security, physical security, training and approvals. FIREX International sits next to IFSEC, so we’re also covering the fire alarms sector as well.
Q. What type of professionals would you recommend attend?
IFSEC has always been an event for security installers – they’re the most important group of professionals attending the show. Exhibitors use the event to engage with their installer customers, particularly if they have new products to launch and display. We also have very strong relationships with associations and certification bodies such as the ECA/FSA, as well as the NSI and SSAIB. Each one will have a presence on the show floor to meet with their members and approved installers.
Q. How many exhibitors will be there? Any key names you can share?
We’re targeting 250 companies this year and the headline acts include the likes of Texecom, Hikvision, Paxton, Dahua, Elmdene, CSL, BT Redcare and Allied Telesis. On the fire alarm and detection side we welcome C-Tec, Kentec, Apollo Fire Detectors, Argus Spectrum, Hochiki Europe, Aico, Detector Testers, Vimpex and plenty more.
Q. Are there other noteworthy events taking place?
This year we’ll be introducing IFSEC & FIREX Training into the shows for the very first time, where visitors can book on to a range of fully accredited CPD sessions covering several topics. These will include introductions to fire alarm system design, cyber security, fibre installation and intruder detection systems. We’re also working with our partners at Skills For Security, Tavcom Training and the Fire Industry Association to deliver vendor agnostic, standards-based sessions, which will become essential as the moves towards competency become even more apparent.
Q. Why is it so important for electrical professionals to keep up to speed with the fire safety and security sectors?
There’s always been a recognisable crossover between the electrical contracting sector and the fire and security industries – the products are installation-based and run off electrical power supplies for a start. The fact that the ECA introduced the FSA to realise this development is proof that electrical contractors are often adding security and fire systems into their business offering. The security sector is fast moving and as the technology evolves and areas such as IoT and AI become more prevalent, the opportunities for installers who are conversant with systems and power supply are greatly enhanced. With regards to fire, building safety systems have never been higher on the national agenda and customers are on the lookout for competent professionals installing accredited fire safety systems to ensure they’re fulfilling their duties as responsible persons.
Q. Where and when does the show take place?
The show will be running from 17-19 May at London’s ExCeL and visitors can register completely free of charge. Your registration will give you access to the other co-located shows, such as Safety & Health Expo, which will be of direct interest to professional installers with a focus on construction safety.
To register for your free IFSEC/FIREX ticket click here
