The diverse, complex and constantly evolving safety and security markets mean that senior security professionals and decision makers need to ensure they remain that one step ahead of the game. Continuous industry changes and best practice methods are not to be taken for granted, as the consequences could be devastating. As such, the opportunity to embrace and explore unrivalled, innovative, security solutions on an international scale, is one not to be missed. Two of the shows related to Safety and Security, Ifsec and International Firex open their doors from May 16-19. Safety & Health Expo 2011 is open from 17-19 May.

Ifsec 2011
Ifsec 2011, the world's largest annual security event incorporating a broad spectrum of security products and services, is returning to the Birmingham NEC.

As the must attend event for visitors from all disciplines within the security sector and across the globe, security professionals are invited to take advantage of free educational content, network with leading experts and share industry knowledge at Ifsec this year. Illustrative of Ifsec's 38 year history, educational content is a vital aspect of the Ifsec 2011 event. The varied and interactive Ifsec Conference, which takes place during the first two days of Ifsec, includes a number of experienced practitioners and distinguished security industry figures delivering a comprehensive and business-critical educational programme.

The Conference Programme
Comprised of totally-revamped series of modular sessions the Ifsec Conference seminar schedule is designed to encourage networking and engagement in thought provoking debate throughout the three-day conference programme. Each session is chaired by a leading security figure such as Brian Sims, Editor at Security Management Today Online; Mike Hurst, Vice Chairman-Strategy at Asis UK and Andrew Mason, Head of Business Continuity at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Additional contributions from key industry speakers will ensure that delegates come away from the event having learnt about the advances in security technology and how it's being applied in practice. The sessions have been re-organised into a new modular programme incorporating the four selected vertical modules - retail, financial services, utilities and transport.

The Conference programme will feature:
Overarching focus on technology - IP-based security, CCTV, thermal imaging, converged systems
Cyber-terrorism - what it means for businesses and how to make cost-effective plans
Addressing the convergence of physical security and IT security

The Big Debate, hosted by Brian Sims, will consist of a high level keynote panel discussing the regulation of the industry in a post-SIA world. Issues such as: What can or will replace the SIA? and Can the industry police itself? - will be among the questions raised.

The Big Debate panel members include: James Kelly, BSIA Chief Executive and Chairman of the Security Alliance; Mike Bluestone, Chair of The Security Institute; Patrick Toyne-Sewell, Corporate Affairs Director at G4S and Stephen McCormick, Director of Service Delivery, Security Industry Authority (SIA). The extensive programme also covers Corporate Crime, Cyber terrorism, Retail Security, IP-based Technologies, Security in the finance sector, IT Security, Business Continuity Management, Transport Security and the latest on CCTV & Video Surveillance.

Exhibition and Pavilions
Running alongside the Ifsec Conference, the Ifsec exhibition is just as extensive. Packed full of international exhibitors, the Ifsec exhibition will be divided into six product area categories: Access Control; CCTV; Intruder Alarms; Integrated Security/ IP & Network Security; Public Security and

Security Solutions.
Key exhibition features include the Intelligent Integration Zone and the international pavilions.
The Integration Zone returns to Ifsec 2011 following its successful introduction last year. Sponsored by Integrated Security Manufacturing Ltd (ISM), specialists in the manufacture and development of graphical security control management systems, the Intelligent Integration Zone is a must for any security professional responsible for handling the security of an organisation. ISM together with its six zone partners will be demonstrating how Genesys, its own integration software, integrates perimeter protection, video surveillance, digital CCTV recording, access control, intruder alarms and alarm/call strips.

In conjunction with the Ifsec exhibition, the Ifsec 2011 Security Industry Awards promise to be the key social event in the security industry calendar this year. The Awards acknowledge the people, products and technological advancements that have played a major part in the security industry over the past year.

The winners will be announced at a black-tie gala dinner in the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Monday 16 May 2011.
The international feel of Ifsec is compounded throughout the international pavilions where Spain and Belgium (returning for their second year at Ifsec) China, France, Italy, Korea, Taiwan and the USA will be showcasing a variety of the latest industry products and developments from across the globe.

During the four days of Ifsec security apprentices will be showcasing their skills by taking part in the Engineers of Tomorrow - UK Apprentice Skills Challenge. Furthermore, new for 2011, The Future of Security Competition, run in association with Global Security Challenge, will aim to find the next generation security innovations.

International Firex
International Firex, one of the largest dedicated fire safety events in the world, will take place alongside Ifsec 2011 and are free to attend for all pre-registered visitors. Showcasing products and services from over 150 exhibitors, and featuring a full, free seminar programme on legislation, standards and best practice, it is a must for anyone involved in any aspect of fire safety. International Firex provides one of the few opportunities to actually see and compare such a wide range of fire safety products and solutions. It is also an ideal opportunity to network with experts from all aspects of fire safety.

ASFP Passive Fire Protection Zone
New for 2011 is a combined hospitality and free seminar area hosted by the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP). This brand new feature will focus on products, services and best practice on ‘passive' or ‘built-in' fire protection. With a strong emphasis on professional expertise and the requirements for approved installers and contractors, the Passive Protection Zone will provide visitors with exclusive access to industry experts and knowledge on how to make their buildings intrinsically safe from fire, using the right materials and approaches to fire safety.

A key feature of the zone will be the Passive Protection Module, a specially-built construction graphically demonstrating the importance of correctly designed and installed fire protection in buildings. The passive protection zone includes also a theatre given over to a series of free seminars from specialists in the passive protection field. Each 20-minute presentation is designed to inform visitors about responsibilities with which they may be unfamiliar, and to offer practical solutions.

Safety & Health Expo 2011
Firmly established as Europe's leading annual event for the health and safety industry, Safety & Health Expo 2011 promises to be more innovative and informative than ever before. The show will welcome a wide variety of senior professionals looking to source new suppliers, network with colleagues and hear leading industry speakers discuss the most pressing issues of the day.
Packed full of the industry's leading manufacturers, distributors and suppliers showcasing their latest innovations, Safety & Health Expo is an importnat event for the industry. Here are the highlights of 2011:

SHP Legal Arena sponsored by The HSE Recruitment Network: Legislation and regulation are the main drivers of health and safety in the UK and keeping up-to-date on developments is a vital part of the practitioner's role. Across the three days of the show, the SHP Legal Arena sponsored by The HSE Recruitment Network, visitors will receive advice on the most recent key legal developments, as well as analysis of some of the biggest cases and decisions in health and safety and related law.

Occupational Health Theatre sponsored by Posturite: This brand new feature for 2011 will focus on health in the work place. The theatre will be focusing on topics such as stress management, ergonomics, behavioural safety, equality and diversity and other core topics which help promote a better quality of life in the work place.

Product & Innovation Hub sponsored by Arco: At the Product & Innovation Hub sponsored by Arco, key organisations deliver vibrant, forward-thinking presentations. Over the three days visitors will have the opportunity to explore and interact with cutting edge products and technologies within the Hub, making this the ideal place to find new solutions to meet your needs.
IOSH stand theatre: Taking place on the IOSH stand, the information presentations allow visitors to keep up-to-date with all the latest developments.

Explosive Substances Live presented by Denios: You'll be aware of the many risks associated with handling flammable materials, however you may not realise that even the smallest quantities can prove deadly. Come and witness Denios' informative, lively and thoroughly entertaining experimental lecture. Using graphic demonstrations Denios highlighted what consequences can arise when flammable materials are incorrectly handled.