In 2016 Ifsec International will be featuring a dedicated Smart Zone, comprising a replica ‘smart home’ fitted out with the latest home automation innovations from top exhibitors including Y3K, Lilin and Control 4. Taking place at London’s Excel from 21-23 June, Ifsec International 2016 will be a strategically significant platform to present current technologies and research to the market as security systems and services play an increasingly vital role in building automation.

Having polled the views of hundreds of installers, Ifsec International found that 92% saw the ‘smart home’ – whereby lighting, heating, alarms and other household functions are interconnected and remotely controlled via smartphone or PC – as a potential area for diversification.

The survey also revealed that 88% of respondents would be more likely to attend Ifsec International if a dedicated home automation zone were introduced.

Gerry Dunphy, Event Director of Ifsec and Firex International says: “Although we sensed that home automation and smart buildings were on the brink of a growth surge, even we were taken aback by the enthusiasm among installers to move. It certainly seems to vindicate our decision to launch an area dedicated to home automation and smart buildings for Ifsec International 2016.”

Marketsandmarkets projects global growth of 11.36% (CAGR) between 2014 and 2020 of the security specific home automation industry. Boasting knowledge of security standards and regulations, commercial security installers will hope to compete well with IT companies in any foray into a still-immature market. Training and education will be essential to a smooth transition, albeit installers and integrators will bring plenty of transferrable skills.

The new zone will also incorporate presentations on ‘smart cities’, a smart theatre will star leading speakers on the internet of things, home automation and the latest building automation technologies.

Ifsec International will run from 21-23 June in 2016 and will once again be presented as part of UBM EMEA’s Protection & Management Series, the UK’s largest event dedicated to protecting and managing property, people and information. The series incorporates major events including Ifsec International along with Firex International, the Facilities Show, Safety & Health Expo and Service Management Expo.