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.