Messe Essen GmbH/Security - Experts & Thought Leaders

Security Essen is once again providing strong momentum for the security industry – not only through innovative products and technologies, but also with a high-calibre supporting program. From 22 to 25 September, the trade fair for civil security will place current challenges and future-oriented topics centre stage through conferences, expert forums and themed days. Whether talent development, cybersecurity, drone technology or the protection of critical infrastructure, the program at Messe Essen combines knowledge transfer, networking and practical insights at the highest level. Best of all, most events are freely accessible and already included in the trade fair ticket. Cross-organizational cooperation A key focus is on attracting young talent: the Training and Further Education Day will take place on 22 September. Companies, educational institutions and associations will provide information on career paths, qualification opportunities and prospects within the security industry. Young people will gain practical insights into a wide range of professions and have the opportunity to speak directly with potential employers. Also on 22 September, the Emergency Services Day will be held. Representatives of the police, fire services, anbulance services and other emergency response organizations will learn about current operational scenarios, new technologies and cross-organizational cooperation. Practice-oriented presentations Cybersecurity and knowledge transfer at the highest level Running in parallel, the DNS Digital Networking Security Conference will begin on 22 September and continue until 23 September, highlighting the latest developments in digital security. Experts from industry, research and public authorities will discuss current threat scenarios and strategies for a secure digital future. Topics will include cyber defense, network security and artificial intelligence, as well as insights into the dark web and phenomena such as doxing. Continuous knowledge transfer will also be provided by the Security Experts Forum, which will take place throughout all four days of the exhibition. In practice-oriented presentations, specialists will showcase trends, solutions and best practices from all areas of the security industry. Future technologies and the protection of critical infrastructure Another highlight will be the European Drone Conference, taking place on 23 and 24 September. The event focuses on the opportunities and challenges of unmanned systems in the security sector. Growing security requirements International experts will provide insights into current applications and future developments in this technology, which is becoming increasingly The Banks and Savings Banks Day on 24 September is specifically aimed at security professionals in the financial sector. The focus is on current requirements for the protection of branches, cash machines and safe deposit facilities. In light of rising threats and growing security requirements, the event offers valuable insights for banks, savings banks and financial service providers. Tickets available online Tickets for Security Essen 2026 are available online. A day ticket costs 49 euros. The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Important note: A separate exhibition ticket is required for EUDEX, the international defense industry trade fair taking place at the same time.

The evolving security landscape is increasingly shaping industrial development in Germany. The war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and a growing focus on civil protection are having a noticeable impact on markets, business models, and investment decisions. This is precisely where the EURO DEFENSE EXPO comes in. The new international trade fair for the defense industry will make its debut at Messe Essen from 22 to 25 September. Around 250 exhibitors are expected. For Messe Essen CEO Oliver P. Kuhrt, the economic implications of these developments are clear. Profound industrial shift “Germany still tends to discuss defense primarily in political terms – but in reality, we are currently witnessing a profound industrial shift,” says Kuhrt. “Anyone talking about the future of industry today cannot ignore this topic. Behind it lies enormous momentum for innovation, investment, and employment.” The figures underline this trend: the German defense sector employs well over 100,000 people. At the same time, military spending in Germany rose to more than €97 billion in 2025 – an increase of 24 percent compared to the previous year. Traditional defense companies Oliver P. Kuhrt adds: “Demand for security and defense technologies is growing faster than it has for years. This is no longer benefiting only traditional defense companies – SMEs and technology providers are also opening up new markets.” Dual-use technologies are gaining in importance At the same time, a structural transformation is taking place: an increasing number of companies from traditional industries are entering security related business fields. “Automotive suppliers, mechanical engineering firms and technology companies are developing solutions for drone defense, reconnaissance, and the protection of critical infrastructure,” explains Kuhrt. Civilian disaster response “The area of dual-use technologies, in particular, is currently experiencing very dynamic growth.” This development will be clearly visible at the EURO DEFENSE EXPO. Companies such as AIRSENSE Analytics, analyticon instruments and ARX Robotics exemplify technologies that can be used both in civilian disaster response and in military operations. Established industrial companies such as BINDER, Bernd Siegmund and Alexander Binzel Schweisstechnik are also increasingly applying their expertise to security-related applications. At the same time, leading players are using the event as a platform: KNDS Deutschland Tracks, a key European provider of military land systems, will be present, as will Heckler & Koch, one of the most recognized manufacturers in the field of infantry weapons. Civil security solutions Military and civil security together for the first time Kuhrt concludes: “For companies today, the key question is no longer whether they engage with security, but how strategically they do so. The EURO DEFENSE EXPO makes this transformation visible and brings together the key stakeholders.” Representatives from industry, the military, politics, security authorities and research are expected at Messe Essen from 22 to 25 September. A particular highlight: Security Essen – one of the leading trade fairs for civil security – will take place at the same time as the EURO DEFENSE EXPO. “For the first time, Messe Essen will bring together military and civil security solutions in one place, becoming a central meeting point for the security-related industries,” says Kuhrt.

The security industry is positioning itself: months ahead of the event, Security Essen 2026 is already seeing strong demand from companies and a correspondingly high level of exhibitor participation. From 22 to 25 September at Messe Essen, trade visitors can look forward to a comprehensive market overview, a wealth of innovation and excellent opportunities for networking and business development. The ticket shop is now open; tickets for the trade fair are available at the Security Essen website. A wide range of companies have secured their participation in Security Essen at an early stage, sending a clear signal of their commitment to market presence and customer proximity. Specialized product manufacturers Exhibitors include major system providers as well as specialized product manufacturers, start-ups, associations and organizations. Together, they represent the full spectrum of the security sector – from mechanical security systems, access control and video surveillance to fire protection and alarm technology, as well as cybersecurity, integrated security solutions and services. Hall 7, dedicated to fire protection, intrusion prevention and security systems, is already fully booked. Only a limited amount of space remains available in Hall 6, which focuses on mechatronics, mechanics and system solutions. Addressing current challenges “The exceptionally high demand underlines the importance of personal interaction and technological innovation for the industry,” says Julia Jacob, Head of Project. Alongside the trade fair, Security Essen offers a high-calibre supporting program addressing current challenges and trends in the security sector: Day of training and further education (22 September) Emergency services day (22 September) DNS Digital Networking Security Conference (22 and 23 September) European drone conference (23 and 24 September) Day of banks and saving banks (24 September) Operators of critical infrastructure This creates targeted touchpoints for all key audiences – from security service providers and industry to public authorities and operators of critical infrastructure. Security Essen and EUDEX held in parallel for the first time In 2026, Security Essen will also set an important strategic milestone: for the first time, the Euro Defense Expo (EUDEX) will take place concurrently at Messe Essen. This new trade fair is aimed at stakeholders in the defense industry and highlights the growing importance of security policy issues in Europe. An exhibition area dedicated to civil protection and resilience will provide a thematic link between the two events. This creates new interfaces between civil security, defense, public authorities and armed forces – offering an expanded network for decision-makers across both domains. Additional international attention The venue will receive additional international attention from the annual conference of the NATO Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC), which is taking place at the same time and is expected to attract high ranking military representatives. Tickets now available Tickets for Security Essen 2026 are available online now. A day ticket costs €49. The exhibition will be open Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please note: a separate ticket is required for EUDEX.

Newly modernized halls with lots of daylight will house hundreds of exhibitions and conference events at the upcoming Security Essen 2018 at Messe Essen, Germany. A new layout and hall numbering system will be unfamiliar to past attendees but promises to simplify the experience as it brings together attendees and exhibitors. European Physical Security Market Security Essen is an international trade fair, but the emphasis is more on German, Austrian and Swiss companies. In all, Security Essen will feature 1,000 exhibitors from 40 nations. The trade fair has more of a continental European “flavor” compared to IFSEC, which focuses more on the U.K market. At the last Security Essen in 2016, organizers reported about 40,000 visitors including conference participants, VIP guests, members of various delegations and journalists. Security Essen 2018 has more of a continental European “flavor” compared to IFSEC, which focuses more on the U.K market  “This year, we have sharpened the profile of Security Essen,” says Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, a trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. “The trade fair has become considerably more digital, more modern and more interactive. Due to the optimized hall layout, we are offering our exhibitors and visitors the best possible experience with short paths and direct communication.” Newly Modernized Messe Essen The newly modernised site of Security Essen will encompass eight halls, newly renumbered and with the subject areas reorganised, too. Visitors will find Services in Hall 1; Access, Mechanatronics, Mechanics and Systems in Halls 2 and 3 and the Galeria; Perimeter Protection in Hall 3; Video in Halls 5 and 7; and Fire, Intrusion and Systems in Halls 6 and 7. A helpful smart phone app, downloadable free from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS), will be available two weeks before the event and include a show floor plan; the exhibitor list with booth numbers and contact information; and an overview of the supporting program. A separate hall – Hall 8 – will house new Cyber Security and Economic Security categories. Cyber Security Conference At the new Cyber Security Conference, located prominently at the new East Entrance, experts will share their knowledge about the more pressing challenges and potential of cybersecurity. The program opens and closes on 25 and 28 September with the main topic “Opportunities and Risks of Cyber Security”. On 26 September, discussions and lectures will center on “Entry, Admission, Access: Identification Options”.A helpful smart phone app, downloadable free will be available two weeks before the event and include a show floor plan On 27 September, the topic will be smart homes and focus on “Connected Building, Security in the Buildings of the Future”. Speakers will include the president of Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security, who will address cybersecurity as a challenge for politics, business and society. The fair organises the conference in cooperation with the BHE Federal Association of Security Technology and the technical support of the Federal Office for Information Security. In Hall 8, a new Public Security Forum will enable visitors to experience digital security technologies for public spaces from the areas of sensors/IoT, cyber security and surveillance. The products and solutions will be installed in four different building scenarios (town hall, school, hospital and library) and it will be possible to test them extensively. The forum, including lectures and discussions, will target municipal decision makers and planners of public spaces. Comprehensive Program A Security Expert Forum in Hall 2 will present a continuous program with more than 90 presentations during the period of the fair. Visitors will obtain information and solution ideas about all six subject areas covered at the fair, and the program will begin with a keynote lecture each morning and finish with a live demonstration in the evening. On the first day of the fair (25 September), Security Essen’s Career Forum will introduce retrainees, students, trainees and graduates to companies from the security industry. Targeted and professional communication will be established between companies and job applicants to facilitate making contacts, developing networks, and filling actual vacancies. Thursday (27 September) will be observed as Fire Prevention Day, and a Drone Course will be provided each day in Hall 7. One day admission to Security Essen is €41; a four-day ticket is €105. Advance sale tickets are discounted.

There’s a new international company in the security market this week with the acquisition of Siemens’ Security Products business in Europe by Vanderbilt Industries, a new U.S. company that rebranded the Schlage Security Management Systems (SMS) product line after acquiring it from Ingersoll Rand in August 2012. The European arm of the new global player will be called Vanderbilt International, based out of Germany and led by Managing Director Joseph Grillo, who many remember from his days at HID and later ASSA ABLOY. The newest acquisition suggests plenty of interesting opportunities, and some questions. An immediate European and global footprint is great, but how might the newly acquired parts of this growing company work together to form a cohesive whole? While separate operations on either side of the Atlantic are nicely complementary from a market share perspective, is it enough for the two businesses just to coexist? To coalesce strategically as a company, don’t they also need to reinforce each other? Siemens’ Security Products business, part of the Building Technologies Division, includes well-known and established brands such as Bewator and Cotag in access control and Alarmcom and Europlex in the intrusion alarm sector. The products are sold in Europe through an established installed base of customers and loyal resellers. (The business is completely separate from the Siemens Building Technologies fire safety and security business familiar in the United States.) Siemens has been an aggressive and ambitious player in the European security market. At the recent Essen trade showin Germany, for example, Siemens introduced the new Aliro access control system with clearly structured system architecture for easy planning and configuration and with Web-based remote monitoring and configuration. Acquiring a new startup here or a non-core business unit there is a great way to build a business quickly over time. Some acquisitions are strategic; others based on opportunity The acquisition both expands the global reach of Vanderbilt’s parent company, ACRE Ltd., and greatly enhances its technology capabilities and product portfolio. ACRE was formed in 2012 by Grillo, a 30-year veteran of the electronic security and identification industries, and Will West, HID’s former global chief financial officer (CFO), as a platform to initiate acquisitions in the security market, focusing on access control. The first acquisition in 2012 was the Schlage SMS business, which began under the name of Geoffrey in 1989 before being sold to Ingersoll Rand in 2003. ACRE also acquired Mercury Security’s open platform access control panel business in May 2013. An advantage of our fragmented market is the abundance of opportunities for mergers and acquisitions. One can always find a target if he or she has the money (or financing). Acquiring a new startup here or a non-core business unit there is a great way to build a business quickly over time. Some acquisitions are strategic; others based on opportunity. In every case, the hope is that the business will perform better under a new owner and contribute positively to the acquiring company’s overall success. Ideally, companies that are built like this wind up being greater than the sum of their parts. Creating the company you want at the back end requires picking and choosing the right acquisition targets, and shaping an overarching company culture that allows all the parts to succeed as a unified whole. It’s more an art than a science. It’s great to see access control guys like Joe Grillo still making things happen. If you don’t see a career fit with any of the existing companies in the market, what do you do? Easy, just build your own company, block by block and acquisition by acquisition. Grillo makes it look easy – and fun to watch. Could there be more to come?

Just days before the ASIS International conference and exhibits in Atlanta, the global security market's attention last week has been focused on the big Security Essen 2014 trade show in Germany. With more floor space, exhibitors and attendees than ASIS, Security Essen highlights a wealth of technology resources to an eager international audience every two years. Several SourceSecurity.com staff members attended Security Essen last week, and my colleagues reported that the well-attended show reflects dynamic changes happening in the world market for physical security.Throughout Security Essen was evidence of security’s evolution into a truly high-tech sector. The impact of information technology (IT) improvements, such as more powerful and economical processors, was reflected in a multitude of products offering more intelligence and capabilities. Generally speaking, security products today can collect more data, evaluate it in a rapid and intelligent way, and distribute it wherever it’s needed throughout a network. More intelligent systems, in effect, can shield the end user from unnecessary data and alert him or her only when involvement or response is imperative.Cameras that use the new 4K high-definition (HD) standard of 3,840x2,160 pixels were in evidence at Security Essen, but one of my colleagues was surprised by how little hype surrounded the new cameras. There were some press releases and product announcements but nowhere near the level of buzz some had expected. We’ll see whether 4K hype is more dominant at ASIS next week in the United States. In any case, higher-resolution cameras that provide greater details, in various lighting conditions and even at great distances, continue to flourish. Video analytics are also better than ever. Chinese manufacturers, especially Hikvision and Dahua, were a dominant presence at Security Essen this year, with fellow exhibitors commented on their presence and giant status as market leaders Chinese manufacturers, especially Hikvision and Dahua, were a dominant presence at Security Essen this year, and even fellow exhibitors commented on their presence and giant status as market leaders. Also highly visible at Security Essen: Apps for smart phones or tablets that are evolving from an add-on feature to indispensable tools and critical system components. It was clear at Essen that most Internet-capable systems now offer apps for common mobile device platforms, whether to provide system status, occurrence reports, alarm alerts or real-time video surveillance. Apps can also now replace physical credentials for door control, time recording and admission checking, used in lieu of keys or access control cards to prove authorization. Mobile devices using apps can provide live documentation of operations or control of deployments to security personnel on patrol, adding new efficiencies to security services. Smart phone applications are also a central constituent in the transition to cloud-based systems, which was another trend evident at Security Essen. Another theme resonating at the big German show was how systems are becoming more ergonomic. Beyond the expected user-friendliness, newer systems are also more installation- and maintenance-friendly. Systems are more adaptable to a variety of utilization scenarios, more modular, and more easily retrofitted. Systems can also be addressed using a variety of modern communication channels, from LAN or WLAN to mobile phone communications, including RFID, Bluetooth and near-field communication (NFC). The timing of Essen was a challenge this year, with two big trade shows happening only a week yet thousands of miles apart Concern about cybersecurity threats to IP-based physical security systems was addressed at Security Essen, including an emphasis on encryption of data transmission. “Live Hacking Sessions” highlighted how easy it is for cyber-criminals to sabotage poorly protected information. There was also focus on particular protective measures for access to cameras or stored video recordings. A broader focus on cybersecurity, spying and Internet crime included a section at the Essen fair, featuring nearly 50 related companies and initiatives. Exhibitors and attendees at Security Essen seemed prone to compare the show with the IFSEC event held in London last May. Some were more enthusiastic about Essen, saying it might be the most important trade show in Europe. Others preferred IFSEC, complaining that Essen is “too disjointed” and almost too big and offers too much to see. Travel to Germany can be a challenge, too, with fewer direct flights, and there were complaints about transportation to and from Essen. Finally, the timing of Essen was a challenge this year, with two big trade shows happening only a week yet thousands of miles apart. More than one exhibitor complained about two weeks on the road and needing to catch a plane from Germany to the United States for ASIS as soon as the show closed. For all the complaints, however, many exhibitors were enthusiastic because the show went well. Now, it’s on to ASIS!