The organisers of IFSEC are confident the switch to London from next year onwards will provide the complete package the security industry desires.
UBM Live confirmed this week that IFSEC will change homes in 2014 after 20 years in Birmingham, moving from the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) to the capital’s ExCel Centre.
The UK-based Protection & Management Series – which comprises IFSEC International, FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo and Facilities Show – will be held from June 17-19 2014.
As first reported by SecurityNewsDesk in January, UBM embarked on a 12-month consultation period with exhibitors and other stakeholders regarding switching the exhibition from Birmingham to London.
The research concluded that re-location allows the exhibition to benefit from the capital’s leading status as a global business, entertainment and travel destination, and provide customers with a memorable experience.
Simon Mills, Portfolio Director at UBM, told SecurityNewsDesk there was an “overwhelming” response from the research that respondents wanted a show that had a “complete blend” of national and international exhibitors, aimed at both trade and end user.
He also moved to allay potential fears of alienating some traditional attendees; outlining two-thirds have tended to travel from London, the south and international destinations, and will therefore find ExCel more convenient than Birmingham.
Overall, UBM hope London’s ability to offer superior corporate hospitality opportunities and entertainment selections, together with its world-renowned status as a travel hub for road, rail and air, can attract high numbers of both international and UK visitors.
Leading industry names from across all four events – such as the British Security Industry Association, Institution of Occupational Safety & Health, Fire Industry Association and British Institute of Facilities Management – have already confirmed their support for IFSEC’s move south.
