Each month, The XForum will bring you industry insights and thought leadership from cybersecurity professionals on the front lines. Through expert analysis, event reflections, and strategic perspectives, this column offers a window into the conversations and developments shaping our field.
This month, Lee Odess reflects on his recent experience at The Security Event 2025, sharing observations from April's gathering of industry leaders and the key themes emerging in today's security landscape.
After The Security Event (TSE) 2024, I wrote about how it's a culture show versus being labeled as a security show. It resonated for some and others thought I was pandering. But I will say it again in 2025: TSE is a people and culture show that happens to showcase security products.
In 2023, after my first visit, I knew something about the show was different.
Among this year's esteemed list are people from organisations such as Google, Three Mobile, Sodexo, Electronic Arts, Pinterest, John Lewis, Sky and many others.
After attending it again this year and reflecting more about it with Hilary as it is her second time attending, it's become crystal clear what makes TSE stand out is the culture of it.
TSE prioritizes people first, then companies, and finally technology. This distinction is difficult for those who haven't invested time at TSE (or Europe in general), view all shows through a homogeneous lens, or think the job of a tradeshow booth is to focus on showcasing their products and because they did that, you, the attendee, must walk the aisles and see said products.
Those who prioritize the people, the culture, aspects of the show walk away with a strong opinion that the show is a smashing success year in and year out.
Those that prioritize the product and technology of the show waiting for the whale to enter the 10x10, walk away frustrated and disappointed.
It's a social show.
That's why drinks are flowing at 10 am.
That's why at the end there's a DJ creating a party atmosphere.
That's why people stop and engage in meaningful conversations.
That's why when the day ends, competitors are connecting with competitors.
That's why this show is different.
It's also an event that rewards those who invest time building relationships, consistently show up, and embrace the social aspects. As with any industry event, ROI matters, but if you approach TSE thinking you can adequately cover it by flying in your NY-based salesperson once a quarter, you're mistaken - it simply won't work.
If you believe you'll make a splash and people will care what you are showing just because you purchased a 10x10 booth, filled it with products and displays mounted on walls, you're equally mistaken - it won't work.
Invest in the people. Invest in the market. Invest in the culture. Invest in being social. Then reap the rewards.
The Access Control Collective will continue attending as long as the Nineteen Group will have us. The XForum has hit its stride not just because of our efforts, but because the people who organize, work, participate, and attend the show are behind it. Because we realized that it's about the people and the conversations the people want to have. It is not about the products and technology people explain.
I'm grateful to be part of this community. I look forward to Birmingham in 2026. We'll host the Night of Access again downtown - this time at 6 pm, but returning to The Botanist and it will be on Tuesday again. The event will be open to everyone who wishes to attend.
Why? Because that's what this show embodies. The people. The community.
