Messe Essen GmbH/Security - Experts & Thought Leaders

The countdown to Euro Defense Expo (EUDEX) is on: from 22 to 25 September 2026, the new international trade fair for the defense industry will make its debut at Messe Essen. With one year still to go, more than 80 exhibitors from twelve countries have already registered, including Belgium, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine, and the USA. In addition, there will be several joint stands with regional and thematic focuses that promote exchange and networking within the industry. Important step for EUDEX and its exhibitors Vital step for EUDEX and its exhibitors, as political honor at the federal level greatly enhances its appeal Additional tailwind is coming from Berlin: the Federal Ministry of Defense is open to the new trade fair and will be providing high-level support. This is an important step for EUDEX and its exhibitors, as political recognition at the federal level significantly enhances its appeal for decision-makers from both the military and government. "We are delighted by this strong signal, which represents fundamental legitimization. It reinforces our conviction that EUDEX makes an important contribution to strengthening Germany's military capabilities within the framework of its alliance systems," explains Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. Unique worldwide: EUDEX connects military and civil security What sets Euro Defense Expo apart is its integration of military and civil security aspects. Running in parallel at Messe Essen will be Security Essen, the pioneering trade fair for civil security, with more than 500 exhibitors attending the last event. EUDEX, thus, pursues a holistic approach, bringing together and presenting all relevant security aspects in one place at the same time. Direct engagement with key decision-makers At the same time, the prestigious annual conference of NATO’s Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) will also be held at Messe Essen. This event brings together more than 400 senior military representatives, experts, and decision-makers from 32 NATO member nations, offering a unique platform for strategic dialog.  The close alignment of these events will create valuable synergies between industry and military, enabling direct engagement with key decision-makers. The accompanying specialist conference, organized by CPM-Verlag, featuring numerous experts from industry, politics, and the armed forces, offers further added value. Online registration for exhibitors Interested exhibitors can register for EUDEX online on the website. The trade fair not only offers attractive exhibition space in the halls, but also outdoor areas and opportunities for live demonstrations.

Euro Defense Expo (EUDEX) is making its debut with its own stand at Rü.Net. On 3 and 4 September, the exhibition team will be on hand at the Defense Users Forum to provide information about this new international trade fair for the defense industry. Stand 5 A, located directly at the entrance to the Rhein-Mosel-Halle in Koblenz, will serve as a central point of contact for anyone wishing to find out more about EUDEX. Future trends in the defense industry "This partnership highlights the close collaboration between two strong partners. CPM-Verlag, the organizer of Rü.Net, is an official partner of Euro Defense Expo. Together, we are creating an environment where innovation, exchange, and future trends in the defense industry come together," says Julia Jacob, Project Manager of EUDEX, which will take place at Messe Essen from 22 to 25 September 2026. Security and defense community The team behind the new defense trade fair has a special bonus in store for Rü.Net exhibitors The team behind the new defense trade fair has a special bonus in store for Rü.Net exhibitors: they will receive a 15 percent discount on EUDEX stand rental.  This will enable them to significantly increase their visibility and reach within the security and defense community. global platform for innovation, networking, and visibility For project manager Julia Jacob and her team, RÜ.NET is the ideal opportunity to present the new defense exhibition directly to the relevant decision-makers. The topics of the Users Forum closely align with the content of the exhibition. Euro Defense Expo offers experts, decision-makers, and innovators valuable contacts and the opportunity to exchange ideas. Synergies with high-profile parallel events, such as the NATO-JAPCC Conference, the CPM Conference, and the Security Essen trade fair will create a unique meeting place for the international defense industry at Messe Essen next year.

Highly satisfied visitors, a significant 25 percent increase in exhibitors, and countless successful discussions at the trade fair stand: After four intensive days, the pioneering trade fair for the security industry, Security Essen, has come to a successful close. With more than 500 exhibitors from 36 nations and over 20,000 trade visitors - an increase of 17 percent - from 86 nations, the trade fair offered a comprehensive platform for innovations and future trends relating to security solutions for companies, private households, and public spaces. Security Essen 2024 “This strong response impressively underscores the importance of Security Essen as an indispensable platform for the international security industry,” says Oliver P.Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. “This is particularly evident from the fact that decision-makers were here on site. Three out of four visitors are significantly involved in procurement and purchasing decisions in their company - a high-caliber target group.” The exhibitors The demand for security solutions is constantly increasing, which was felt in the exhibition halls The exhibitors – ranging from global market pioneers, niche players, hidden champions, associations, and institutions to start-ups - reported excellent conversations and high-quality contacts at their exhibition stands. The demand for security solutions is constantly increasing, which was felt in the exhibition halls. This also reflects the sector's growing economic significance. In Germany alone, turnover in the security industry has grown by over nine percent more than 31 billion euros within a year. Cloud-based access solutions “We noticed this drive at our stand - especially with the Salto world premiere for cloud-based access solutions,” says Axel Schmidt, Chairman of the Security Essen Advisory Board, Managing Director of Salto Systems, and Chairman of the Board of the BHE Federal Association for Security Technology. “In its 50thanniversary year, Security Essen has once again reaffirmed its position as the pioneering trade fair. Whether it's access control, perimeter protection, video surveillance, or burglary protection: all exhibition areas showcased trends in system integration and AI support.” Stand-alone solutions AI provides support in data analysis, but also in security - for example during patrols Stand-alone solutions are evolving into open products with many interfaces for integrating additional technologies such as alarm systems, and video or fire alarm systems. AI provides support in data analysis, but also in security - for example during patrols. Robot dogs that can also record images, detect gases, or find holes in fences were on display. The focus also extended to personal protection. For example, exhibitors showed personal protective equipment, including discreet sweaters that can withstand knife attacks. Visitors praised the innovations and the supporting program  The majority of visitors at Security Essen came from installation companies, security services, and industry, but also from the construction industry and public authorities. They were primarily interested in solutions relating to access control, video surveillance, intrusion, security services, access and entry barriers, and mechanical security technology. Trade visitors were highly satisfied with the innovations on display and the supporting program. With numerous events, the trade fair offered them real added value: Drones are becoming increasingly important in the security industry. At the first European Drone Conference, experts discussed innovative applications and safety aspects of drone technology. Spectacular explosive attacks on financial institutions have made headlines in the past. The New Banks and Savings Banks Day showed how the institutions can protect themselves. There were over 400 registrations for the training and further education day organized by the BDSW Federal Association of the Security Industry. Pupils, students, trainees, and retrainees came to find out about career opportunities in the security industry. The DNS Digital Networking Security Conference focussed on pressing digital security issues. The presentation by intelligence and crime analyst Mark T. Hofmann, who provided insights into the psychology of cybercrime, was particularly well attended. Exhibitors and their products took center stage at the security experts' forum. The Outstanding Security Performance Awards OSPAs honored particularly outstanding achievements for the security industry.  Already strong interest in Security Essen 2026 Already, nine out of ten visitors and 86 percent of exhibitors have confirmed their participation 91 percent of visitors praised their visit to the trade fair and recommended pioneering trade fairs for the security industry to others. Already, nine out of ten visitors and 86 percent of exhibitors have confirmed their participation in the next Security Essen, which will take place from September 22 to 25, 2026, at Messe Essen.  Company participation “These figures are a compliment, confirmation, and order for us at the same time,” says Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. “We are delighted that during the ongoing trade fair, companies such as Hekatron, NSCSicherheitstechnik, Advancis Software & Services, Deister Electronic, ABI-Sicherheitssysteme, Rohde & Schwarz, and Ajax Systems have already confirmed their participation for Security Essen 2026.” “The industry needs Security Essen” Uli Schunk, Head of Marketing at Advancis, “Our conclusion is very positive, we had many great conversations and more visitors at our stand than last time." "There were many concrete project inquiries - not only from Germany but also from other European countries. We experienced the fair as consistently well-attended, and the atmosphere was excellent.” Scope of Security Essen Thomas Taferner, Head of Sales and Marketing at Telenot Electronic, “The industry needs Security Essen - both now and in the future. It is the only trade fair where the full range of security technology can be experienced." "We are very satisfied with the number of visitors this year and the response to our presence at the fair. Our stand was almost always full and the trade audience was highly qualified." Great feedback "We had many visitors from installation companies, but also large corporations, authorities, and municipalities, including many international representatives. We are looking forward to Security Essen 2026 and have already booked our booth space again.” Andreas Diekmann, CEO of NSC Sicherheitstechnik GmbH, "We are very satisfied with our presence, received great feedback on our booth and had many high-quality conversations. Our booth party was fantastic! We thank all our guests and look forward to Security 2026!”

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!