Countering global threats - Security & Counter Terror Expo returns to London next May bringing security professionals from across the world to the UK 

Following the Bastille Day attack in Nice and the series of bomb attacks in New York and New Jersey, national security remains in the spotlight. Factor in high profile events such as recent shopping centre shootings across the US, and it’s clear those tasked with protecting nations, assets and people face a multitude of threats.

In May 2017 Security & Counter Terror Expo (SCTX), the UK’s leading national security event for private and public sector security professionals, will return with a comprehensive programme designed to keep attendees one step ahead of those intent on carrying out attacks. Alongside its exhibition, experts from across the globe, including representatives from NATO, Europol and Metropolitan Police, will explore the latest strategies to prevent, protect and prepare for future attacks.

Bob Broadhurst, former Gold Command for the Metropolitan Police Service during the London Olympic Games, continues in his role as a special adviser to the event. He commented: “The threat of terror attacks being carried out is high and will remain so for the foreseeable future. ISIS continues to be a huge issue globally and we’ve seen first-hand the danger it poses, particularly in mainland Europe. Importantly, the nature of these potential acts is constantly changing and we are seeing more ‘lone wolf’ incidents, which are incredibly hard to prevent.

“SCTX is an invaluable platform that helps security professionals prepare for and counter future attacks. The innovations on display, be it drones, surveillance or CBRN technology, coupled with the strategy sessions, make it a must attend event for anyone who has a vested interest in protecting civilians, businesses or assets.”

Taking place at Olympia, London from 3-4 May 2017, SCTX remains the only event that unites security professionals from all four corners of the world. Working in partnership with the Department for International Trade (formerly UKTI), the event is expected to welcome a record number of international delegations, building upon the 10,000-plus visitors who attended in 2016 from more than 100 countries – including France, Germany, Japan, Spain,Italy, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico, UAE, Canada and the US.

The two-day event, aligned with the Home Office’s seven security capabilities, will showcase the latest innovations from more than 350 global specialists. Visitors to SCTX 2017 will find a plethora of new technologies, equipment and services designed to assist critical national infrastructure protection, border control, cyber security, major events, offender management, policing and counter terrorism, and the emergency services.

Alongside the established World Counter Terror Congress, Critical National Infrastructure & Business Resilience and Cyber Threat Intelligence conference streams, the hugely popular Advanced Technologies Live demonstration area will return, while the Policing Zone will provide law enforcement professionals with a one-stop-shop of new solutions.

New to the 2017 event will be a closed-door Military & Special Ops Conference. Supported by the internationally renowned Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) event, this new area is expected to bring together hundreds of military and homeland security professionals from around the world. Attendees will be presented with the latest developments in national security and the capabilities needed to protect against them.

With security becoming a pivotal part of new design projects, architects, project managers, developers, system integrators and installers will benefit from SCTX’s new Security Design Conference. Highlighting best practice from a number of leading businesses and new innovations, the sessions will explore how security can become more integrated at the design stage of major projects.

Commenting on the event’s conference sessions, SCTX Special Advisor and former Head of Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) at New Scotland Yard, Richard Walton said: “In the face of increasing threats and terrorism it is vital that security professionals have the most up-to-date intelligence and mitigation strategies. The conference programme at SCTX combines high-level expert knowledge with practical advice, this is crucial, as it allows attendees to implement what they have heard in their own operations. The SCTX educational programme is essential for security professionals looking to grow their knowledge and learn from renowned experts.”.

David Thompson, Event Director, concluded: “Attacks are being carried out in countries across the world in transport hubs, shopping malls and in our cities streets. The methods deployed by those that seek to do us harm are becoming increasingly diverse and well planned.

“However, it’s not just groups like ISIS that are cause for concern. Gangs across Europe are carrying out armed attacks on high profile targets, while border issues in Eastern Europe and closer to home in Calais present huge challenges. SCTX is the only event in the UK that enables international security professionals to source the latest technology, discuss issues that matter most and hear from the leading voices in security and counter terror policy.”

Security & Counter Terror Expo 2017 will be co-located with Ambition – the EPRR Expo – and Forensics Europe Expo. To register to attend the event or for further information, please visit http://www.counterterrorexpo.com/