The Security Event Birmingham NEC: Where the Industry Connects, Evolves, and Moves Forward

There’s something refreshing about walking into a space where people understand the industry you’re in. Conversations feel natural and to the point, which really set the tone at The Security Event at the NEC in Birmingham.

Held alongside the Health and Safety Event and The Fire Safety Event, it brought together multiple areas of the wider protection and risk landscape under one roof which added to the overall feel of the day.

It didn’t feel like just another expo either. It gave a clear snapshot of where the security industry is right now, and where things seem to be heading.

From live demonstrations to insightful talks and genuine conversations, this was one of those events where you walk in curious and leave with clarity.

🏆 Recognising Excellence: Security & Safety Entrepreneur Awards 2026

One of the standout elements tied to the wider event ecosystem was the Security and Safety Entrepreneur Awards 2026.

These awards shine a light on individuals and companies pushing boundaries within the security and safety space. What stood out wasn’t just the recognition itself,

but what it represents a shift towards innovation, leadership, and forward thinking in an industry that is constantly evolving.

You start to see a pattern across the board. The people and businesses being recognised aren’t just doing security the traditional way. They’re adapting, modernising, and in many cases redefining what security actually looks like in today’s environment. Special shout out to Ethan Girling of Protekta Security winning Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Darrell Gilmour of Skills on Demand – Skills for Security.

🤝 A Meaningful Connection: Meeting Daniel Garnham

One of the more personal highlights for me was finally meeting Daniel Garnham in person.

We had previously connected and spoken in relation to a blog article, so putting a face to the name at an event like this adds a different layer. Conversations move quicker, ideas land better, and there’s a level of mutual understanding that you don’t always get online.

Daniel is connected to Security Industry Federation and also involved with ProtectCard, both of which are playing a role in shaping structure and standards within the industry.

Moments like that are a reminder that while tech and innovation are key, the industry still runs on relationships.

🎤 Industry Voices That Stood Out

There were a number of talks and sessions across the event. While I won’t pretend I remember every detail word for word, a few stood out enough to leave a lasting impression.

🧠 The Evolution of the Modern Security Integrator

James Shannon, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Essensys, delivered a perspective that felt very relevant to where things are heading.

The focus was on how the role of the traditional security integrator is changing.

Instead of just installing systems and moving on, there’s a clear shift towards:

• Platform first solutions

• Ongoing service models

• Integrated ecosystems rather than standalone systems

It wasn’t just theory either. The message was clear that companies embracing this model are the ones driving transformation within the industry.

That idea alone tells you where the next few years are heading.

🗣️ Inside the Mind of a Negotiator

The session titled Inside the Mind of a Negotiator brought a different kind of energy.

Featuring:

• Katey Martin

• Becks Cant

• Marie Tyler from Girls Who Dare

This wasn’t just about negotiation tactics in a textbook sense. It was more grounded in real world experience, confidence, communication, and knowing how to hold your position in high pressure environments.

It added a different dimension to the event, stepping slightly outside of pure tech and hardware, and focusing more on the human side of the industry.

🧱 Live Demonstrations: Seeing Security in Action

One of the most engaging parts of the event was the live demonstrations, especially from SecuriClad.

Seeing:

• Security fencing systems

• Secure walling

• Doorsets

…in a real, physical environment makes a difference.

You can read specs all day, but when you actually see the build quality, the structure, and how it all comes together, it clicks properly.

It also highlights how much demand there is for physical security solutions, not just digital or surveillance based systems.

🤖 The Tech on Display

If there’s one thing you couldn’t ignore, it was the level of technology on show.

Across the floor, there was a clear focus on:

• AI driven surveillance systems

• Advanced access control

• Integrated monitoring platforms

• Crowd management technology

• Perimeter detection systems

What stood out wasn’t just individual products, but how everything is starting to connect.

Security is no longer isolated systems operating independently. It’s becoming:

One connected ecosystem where data, monitoring, and response all work together.

That shift is where real efficiency and effectiveness comes from.

🌐 More Than an Expo

What makes an event like this valuable isn’t just the stands or the speakers.

It’s the conversations in between.

Quick chats, shared experiences, people recognising your platform, or even just nodding in agreement when certain topics come up. That’s where the real value sits.

And from a Risk Averse Connections perspective, it reinforces exactly why building a resource hub matters.

You’re not just building a platform. You’re building something that fits into a wider industry conversation.

🤝 Final Thoughts

Overall, The Security Event delivered on all fronts.

Insight, innovation, networking, and a genuine look at where the industry is heading.

I didn’t get the chance to meet everyone I’ve connected with across social media, which is always the case at events like this. But if anything, that just sets up the next opportunity.

Because in this industry, there’s always another event, another conversation, and another chance to connect.

And I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot more familiar faces at the next one.