The figures, still to be confirmed by ABC independent auditors, show that Ifsec continues to unite an even greater number of security managers and directors from an array of disciplines within the security sector. The show also saw an increase in the number of specifiers, installers, engineers and technicians in attendance. The international feel of Ifsec was also compounded this year with the vast spread of international pavilions including Belgium, France, US, Italy, China, Taiwan, Korea and Canada. The international audience also increased to 33% of total visitors and represented 133 countries.

Alongside a variety of technological advanced products, services and innovations from across the globe, Ifsec offered an incomparable educational programme through its training and seminar sessions, whilst new and established features such as the Intelligent Integration Zone sponsored by ISM (Intergrated Security Manufacturing) Ltd, proved to be magnets for Ifsec visitors.
When discussing the success of Ifsec 2011, James Kelly, Chief Executive, BSIA, said, "Yet another successful Ifsec for the BSIA this year, with the event providing an ideal opportunity for us to network with our existing members while making valuable new connections.

“Our work alongside UBM to organise the Ifsec Awards reinforces our commitment to celebrating achievement and encouraging technological development in our industry, while the ever-popular ‘Meet the Buyers’ event united UK companies with security buyers from around the world in a series of over 700 short meetings. By bringing such valuable events together under one roof, Ifsec remains the UK's leading security event and one which the BSIA will continue to support in coming years." he concluded.

With more than 650 exhibiting companies including Sony, Norbain, Panasonic, Samsung, Redcare, Synectics, Risco, Texecom, HIK and CSL Dualcom, Ifsec presented a wealth of game-changing products and exclusive sampling opportunities. The highly positive feedback from both visitors and exhibitors alike certainly verified the abundance of cutting edge technology and educational opportunities on offer.

“We had a constant stream of visitors to our stand during all four days of the show,” said Marc Handels, Vice President Marketing and Sales of Salto Systems. There were times during the show when there was hardly any room to move around on the stand as it was packed with visitors all wanting to see demonstrations of our latest wireless access control solutions. Ifsec 2011 provided a great opportunity for us to strengthen ties with existing users and forge relationships with potential new customers alike. Impressively several major blue chip companies and corporations made a point of coming to the show specifically to see and do business.”

The introduction of Ifsec’s joint venture with Tavcom Training, the Tavcom Training Theatre, delivered invaluable IP solution training and proved incredibly popular amongst visitors. Mike Tennent FIET, Managing Director, Tavcom Training, said, “It was a pleasure to host the introduction of a free education centre for interested parties wanting independent views of the latest technologies in a non jargon style together with the opportunity to speak freely on a one to one basis to independent and supplier specialists.”

Ifsec 2011 also saw the launch of the inaugural Future of Security Competition. The brand new initiative for Ifsec brought out the best in up and coming technologists, as nine finalists pitted their next generation security innovations against each other in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style battle, judged by an influential panel. The closely fought contest resulted in 2020 Imaging gaining the judges’ stamp of approval, winning not only the accolade, but also $10,000 to put towards the development of their technological innovation.

James Blue, Portfolio Director – Fire & Security, at UBM Live, a division of UBM Plc, organisers of Ifsec, said, “It is evident that the economic unease throughout the last couple of years has put a strain on the security industry, however, we have observed from the visitors and exhibitors at Ifsec this year, a new, buoyant outlook, which was clearly evident across the whole exhibition."

Ifsec returns to the NEC Birmingham, UK from 14-17 May 2012.