Across 371 exhibitors, 122 speakers and 84 sessions, this year's event provided a snapshot of the technologies, operational challenges and wider priorities shaping the security sector. From AI and connected security systems to public safety, Martyn's Law and frontline skills, the programme reflected an industry navigating both technological change and evolving security demands.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. The sessions attracting the strongest audiences also offered an insight into the questions security professionals are looking to address.
The Security Event 2026 welcomed:
The three-day event brought together security professionals, manufacturers, integrators, consultants and end users to explore the latest developments across the sector.
The most-visited session of the 2026 event was Building Organisational Resilience Through Connected Safety Ecosystems and Private & Public Collaboration, presented by Daniel Frith and Andy Massey and hosted by Axon. It attracted just under 100 attendees.
The session examined how organisations can strengthen resilience through connected safety ecosystems, bringing together people, technology and real-time intelligence. Discussions covered proactive risk management, AI-driven insights, situational awareness and the growing role of integrated security platforms across public safety and enterprise environments.
Other sessions highlighted the breadth of issues facing the industry.
Women Leading Change: Building a Modern, Inclusive Security Sector explored representation, leadership and the development of a stronger talent pipeline, while Martyn's Law, Reflections from Eurovision and the Security of Shared Spaces considered public safety, collaboration and preparations for the new legislation.
On the Professional Security Officer Live stage, Inside the Mind of a Negotiator: A Live Q&A Session offered insight into the psychology of hostage and crisis negotiation, including communication, rapport-building and decision-making under pressure.
Together, these discussions demonstrated the importance of combining technological development with practical operational knowledge and the people responsible for delivering security.
Several themes ran throughout the conference programme.
AI, intelligence and connected security systems: The use of AI, data and integrated platforms featured in discussions about improving situational awareness, monitoring and organisational resilience.
Public safety and Martyn's Law preparedness: The protection of shared spaces, risk management and collaboration between public and private organisations remained important areas of focus, particularly as organisations prepare for the requirements of Martyn's Law.
Leadership, inclusion and future talent: Sessions also addressed the people and skills needed to support the industry's future, from more inclusive leadership to professional development and recruitment.
Frontline skills and human decision-making: Alongside advances in technology, the programme highlighted the continued importance of communication, judgement and practical skills among frontline security professionals.
Physical security and crime prevention: Access control, hostile attack mitigation, product testing and designing out crime all featured in conversations about protecting people, places and assets.
The scale and breadth of The Security Event 2026 form part of a wider period of growth for the event.
The announcement marks the next stage in the event's development, with a greater focus on welcoming European integrators, consultants, specifiers and end users.
Importantly, the move does not mean relocating the event. The Security Event Europe will remain at the NEC Birmingham, with the UK security industry continuing to sit at the heart of its future plans.
The ambition is to build on the show's established UK audience while creating more opportunities for international visitors, exhibitors and partners to connect.
For the wider security industry, this means a growing platform for sharing expertise, exploring new technologies and building connections across markets.
The Security Event Europe will return to the NEC Birmingham from 27–29 April 2027, bringing together the security community for another three days of industry insight, networking and product discovery.
The 2026 figures offer a measure of the event's scale, while the programme highlights the issues and opportunities that continue to shape the sector.
As the event develops its European presence, its focus remains on bringing the industry together and providing a place to explore the challenges, technologies and ideas influencing the future of security.
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