Dubai, UAE: Intersec, the world’s leading security, safety, and fire protection trade fair, will open doors early next year in Dubai, with organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East providing a safe and vital environment to reconnect and restart business in 2021.
The 23rd edition will take place from 24-26 January 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), as global players look to get the New Year off to a bright start and re-establish strong business networks.
Intersec 2021 will also signify an important milestone; it will be the first major international security, safety, and fire exhibition to take place since covid-19 forced countries to shut their borders and impose nationwide lock-downs, leading to the postponement of live events worldwide.
Now, global travel restrictions are easing, and events have ‘relaunched’, both internationally, and in the UAE, which in July 2020 hosted the AI Everything Conference at DWTC, the first physical event at the venue since March 2020.
Intersec’s Patron His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum offered a heartfelt message for participants to the annual three-day event: “For more than 20 years, Intersec has played a pivotal role in the development of the international security, safety, and fire protection industries, and its relevance only grows stronger as we together chart a course toward a post-pandemic world.
“We welcome attendees from across the globe to Intersec’s 23rd edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where they can reconnect and position themselves for a commercially successful start to the year.
“Dubai is Safe, Dubai is Secure, Dubai is Open, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to their second home in January 2021,” said His Highness Sheikh Mansoor.
Big names confirm their participation
At the forefront of returning exhibitors to Intersec 2021 are its key government partners and supporters the Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Police, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), Dubai Police Academy, and Dubai Municipality.
“We also have a great mix of returning brands and quite a few new brands next year,” said Alexandria Robinson, Intersec’s Show Director.
“NAFFCO from the UAE, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of top-tier firefighting equipment, fire protection equipment, security and safety engineering systems, spearheads our Fire & Rescue exhibitors along with Draeger, Honeywell, and Hochiki.
“Many of the world’s biggest security brands are also back including Hikvision, Dahua, Pelco, IDIS, and Mobotix, Seagate, Bodet and Infiniteplay. While leading Perimeter and Physical Security players Gunnebo, HS Security, and Arma Kontrol will also be present.
“The key Safety & Health brands on board include Carrington Textiles, 3M, Jutec, Giasco, and Cofra. And with Homeland Security & Policing there’s names such as Adani, Comelit Group, and Gatekeeper.”
IDIS, a Korean manufacturer of end-to-end solutions in video surveillance technology is a regular Intersec exhibitor, and will target projects in resilient Middle East market sectors – including banking, grocery retail, and education – early next year.
“The IDIS team is already looking ahead to Intersec 2021 with great anticipation and excitement,” said Jamil Al Asfar, Senior Regional Sales Manager for IDIS Middle East and Africa.
“We have some innovative and industry-leading accurate new deep learning functions and appliances due to launch at the end of this year and early 2021.
“This means Intersec will provide us with the perfect platform to unveil these for the first time and provide visitors with first-hand demonstrations.
“The show never fails to create a buzz by bringing the entire Middle East security buying chain under one roof and draws local and worldwide media attention, making it the perfect platform to launch new products and technology,” added Mr. Al Asfar.
New hybrid model with best of both worlds
Intersec will have a fresh look to it next year, with a number of new developments. First, the event will adopt a hybrid format in 2021, meaning visitors and exhibitors can participate physically or virtually.
“Events have had to make a fundamental shift from what we have known and traditionally delivered each year,” added Ms. Robinson. “We have learnt a huge amount over the past few months and it’s very exciting to see that put into action with the first Intersec hybrid in January 2021.
“By introducing virtual elements to the event – live streaming conferences with full two way interaction – we know that we can serve a valuable and enjoyable experience to an even larger audience. And most importantly those visitors whom cannot physically get to the venue.
“An important part of the hybrid offering is an AI-powered matchmaking app using behaviours as well as interests to match suppliers and buyers together, whom can then go on to a one to one communications platform for further discussion.”
Health and Safety, PPE top of mind
Ms. Robinson said Health and Safety has been top of mind in recent months due to covid-19, and she expects to see more exhibitors displaying Personal Protective Equipment and other safety clothing. “Working with some recognised designers, we are keen to see how we can turn PPE into being stylish and safe,” she added.
“Whilst not new – the drone display is highly relevant today – with governments across the globe using drones to disinfect, sterilise, assess and patrol cities. They have played a pivotal role in control and prevention. We will see the very latest technological developments and what the next step is.”
Co-location offers 360 degree integration
Rounding off the new advances for Intersec 2021 will be its co-location with three other Messe Frankfurt Middle East-organised shows: Light Middle East, the region’s dedicated exhibition for lighting design and technology; Intelligent Buildings; and Middle East Cleaning Technology Week, an exhibition for the commercial cleaning and hygiene industries.
Ms. Robinson said this was a strategic move to maximise the synergies between the four shows as they share a similar visitor appeal around the ‘smart city’ built environment.
“At a time when changing workplace demographics come with increasing occupant expectations of modern and flexible space design, improved comfort and hygiene, productivity, and pervasive connectivity, asset owners stand to benefit greatly from the use of building intelligence in order to meet space optimization, energy efficiency, safety, security, and connectivity challenges.”
“The co-location of these four important events, will provide the first trade platform where systems integration of Security, Lighting, AV, Fire and Safety and Cleaning Technology is at the core.
“These shows together will provide developers, architects, system integrators, facility and building operators, managers and owners everything they need to create Smart, Safe, Secure, Connected and Sustainable buildings and infrastructure.”
Revamped conference format with multiple tracks
Intersec’s revamped conference line-up includes the technical Fire Summit, which has been created to not only cover a wider range of essential topics including passive fire learnings, but also to allow professionals to delve deeper into industry specific fire challenges and trends such as the energy and utilities industries.
“The Future Security Summit this year returns afresh with a different module format targeting different groups of security professionals from task force to c-level,” concluded Ms. Robinson.
“And a very exciting development is our much expanded focus on cyber security following the increasing attacks and challenges faced by all sectors and all organisations on a daily basis. Delegates will be able to learn how to secure their assets and limit their digital vulnerabilities with experts on hand to share practical and manageable advice.
“The complete content programme is put together in consultation with the industry and our advisory boards who are essential to ensuring we keep Intersec valid and relevant for our audiences.”
Intersec 2021 is set to feature close to 1,000 exhibitors from 50-plus countries at the Dubai World Trade Centre, and will take place with all the appropriate health and safety measures in place to keep attendees safe. More information is available at: www.intersecexpo.com.