With less than a week to go until IFSEC International 2012 – taking place at Birmingham’s NEC between 14th and 17th May – the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is giving an exclusive preview of what delegates can expect from the UK security industry’s trade association at this year’s event.
Relationship building, education and technical updates are key elements of the show for the BSIA, with many members of Association staff taking part in this year’s new education initiatives, including IFSEC Centre Stage, which expands upon the traditional conference format to make educational seminars more accessible and tailored more specifically to delegates’ needs.
Particularly relevant this summer is the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, which provides a unique opportunity for the UK’s security industry to showcase its range of talent and innovation. David Evans, the BSIA’s Project Director – 2012, will be giving two presentations at IFSEC, focusing on the impact of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the security industry. These take place at IFSEC International Centre Stage in Hall 5 at 11am on both Monday 14th and Wednesday 16th May.
For the technically-minded, the imminent changeover from old to new versions of the PD6662 scheme is a key issue affecting manufacturers and installers of intruder and hold-up alarm systems, and will form the basis of a series of drop-in surgeries taking place on the BSIA’s stand at IFSEC, throughout the duration of the show.
To spread this message even further, the BSIA’s Technical Manager, David Wilkinson, will be delivering a series of seminars in Hall 5, explaining the differences between the old scheme and the new, and providing last-minute advice to installers still unsure as to how the changeover will affect them.
Finally, the introduction of a dedicated Lone Worker Protection Product Area at this year’s IFSEC has provided a valuable opportunity for the BSIA’s Lone Worker Steering Group to promote their products and services in a specialist setting. With more than six million people in the UK working alone or without direct supervision, it’s essential for employers to understand their responsibilities and get to grips with the many products and service solutions available.
To provide an insight into the importance of BS8484 – the standard applying to lone worker systems – the BSIA’s Technical Director, Alex Carmichael, will be delivering two presentations in IFSEC’s dedicated Lone Worker Education Theatre in Hall 3A, on Monday 14th and Thursday 17th May, at 10:45am and 12:30pm respectively.
James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA, is a keen supporter of the event, commenting: “Attending IFSEC International is a natural synergy for the BSIA, as the trade association representing over 70% of this vibrant, diverse industry. For the BSIA, IFSEC International provides a unique opportunity for us to engage with our three main target audiences – existing Association members, potential members, and end-users – all at once. As an annual focal point for our industry, IFSEC and the IFSEC Security Industry Awards – which the BSIA is also proud to support – enable us to join together in celebrating our industry’s diversity and capability.”
For buyers of security products and services, the BSIA’s stand (Hall 4, C130) is a great place to start the search for a reputable, quality security provider. Many BSIA members will also be on hand at the show, so pick up a members’ directory at the BSIA stand to make sure you know which companies to look out for.
For existing BSIA members, or security companies interested in finding out more about the benefits of BSIA membership, the Association is hosting a networking luncheon on its stand at 12:30pm on Wednesday, 16th May, to which all are welcome.
Subscribe to the BSIA’s Twitter feed for regular updates of the Association’s activity at IFSEC, or to download a full list of BSIA activities including networking, official launches and whisky tasting, click here.