KwikHEAT - Practical Facilities Management

It’s that time again, when the world’slargest annual security event returnsto the NEC, Birmingham from 12-15 May2008 - we are, of course, talking aboutIFSEC 2008. The show is celebrating its35th anniversary this year, and havingspent so long at the heart of thesecurity industry, IFSEC has changeddramatically over the years.IFSEC’s humble beginnings commenced in thebasement of the Royal Lancaster Hotel in 1973,under the name “ISEC” (International SecurityExhibition & Conference). With just over 60exhibitors largely from the intruders alarms sector,the inaugural show turned out to be a huge successand became a biennial exhibition from them on.35 years later, the exhibition is still going fromstrength to strength, with the launch of 2 newproduct areas for 2008, along with the return of the8 already well-established product areas.The first new feature is Counter Terror at IFSEC, theperfect forum for visitors from government agencies,emergency services, customs and excise office,immigration services, police forces and lawenforcement services to meet suppliers and learnabout new solutions.Highlights will include a product demonstration areawhere the latest technologies will be put to the test,including conflict management, drug and bombdetection, and concealed weapons. There will alsobe a strategic conference programme dedicated tothe issues of border, port and transportation security,IFSEC 2008 returns to the NEC12-15 May 2008give case studies on the successful implementationof new schemes and how to avoid common pitfalls,share best practice and learn of the latest industrytrends. Companies already signed up to exhibitinclude Deister, Salto, Idesco, Card PersonalisationSolutions.Security Guarding & Support Services is an areadedicated to the remit of the security guarding sectorand is planned with the full support of the SIA, ASISInternational, BSIA and The Security Institute. It willrepresent the full range of people-based securityand training solutions, including front of house, backoffice, patrolling, electronic, remote monitoring,covert and specialist services.“Security guarding companies are now being askedby their clients to provide staff with a wider skill setthan previously needed. Due to this new integratedapproach, the security guarding sector is becominglarger and more diverse than ever before and we willbe striving to cater for every element,” commentsJames Blue, IFSEC’s Event Director.IP & Networks will return this year, following steadygrowth of the electronic security market in the UKover the past year. For the first time IP & Networkswill feature an interactive demonstration area,showcasing the latest in IP technologies and howthey can work together. Exhibitors will includeSeagate, Simons Voss, March Networks, TEB,Milestone Systems, S2 and AlwaysOn.On 12 May, the IFSEC 2008 Security IndustryAwards will be presented at a glittering receptionduring the IFSEC opening night party at the Nationalsecurity: IFSECMotorcycle Museum, Birmingham.The categories for this year are:CCTV Product of the YearIntruder Alarm Product of the YearPhysical Security Product of the YearAccess Control Product of the YearCommunication Product of the YearBest Security Project or InstallationGuarding Service Delivery to CustomerTo book your tickets to the industry event of theyear, please contact Katherine Mannix on +44 (0) 207234 8729 or email kmannix@cmpi.biz. Alternativelyplease visit www.ifsec.co.uk/awards.Apprentice installers will once again have theopportunity to pit their skills against each other inreturn for fantastic prizes and industry acclaim atThe IFSEC Apprentice Skills Challenge. Inassociation with Skills for Security, SSAIB and theNSI, the challenge will require participants to carryout a fault finding exercise prior to re-commissioningan existing system in line with EN standards.David Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BSIA,comments: “In its 35 years, IFSEC has become anintegral part of the security industry’s calendar. It hasoffered the opportunity for security companies toshowcase the very best it has to offer - exciting newtechnologies, innovative products, and recently, thevery best in security guarding services.The BSIA has been involved with IFSEC from thevery first show and is extremely proud of its role asan official partner. It has allowed us to raise theprofile of our membership considerably and toprovide information and guidance to the manyIFSEC visitors that attend the event. I look forwardto another successful 35 years of IFSEC.”IFSEC 2008 is part of CMP Information’s Protection& Management Series which includes the eventsSafety & Health Expo 2008 and The Facilities Show2008 running from 12/13-15 May 2008 at theBirmingham NEC, UK. For further information on theevents, or to register for free entry please visitwww.ifsec.co.uk. Companies interested in exhibitingat IFSEC 2008 should contact Charlie Cracknell on+44(0)20 7921 8069 or ccracknell@cmpi.biz.surveillance and protection, major incidentmanagement and response.Filled with companies showcasing dynamic newsecurity solutions and technological innovations,exhibiting companies include counter terrorismspecialists Audax, Concept Smoke Screen, FrontierPitts, Rapiscan, Scanna MSC, Thales.Featuring leading systems integrators, card and chipsuppliers, software providers and consultants, RFID& Smartcards at IFSEC is also a new area for 2008.It will feature an interactive demonstration areashowcasing the technology in action across a rangeof applications including healthcare, retail,government, universities and transport.Led by industry pioneers, an interactive seminartheatre will cover the latest topical issues as well as57