Making the Most of a Show

The Security Event 2024 is taking place from 30^th April to 2^nd May, so all eyes will be on the NEC Birmingham as a showcase for the latest and best security systems. TDSi is a keen supporter and one of the original founding partners of the event since it was launched in 2019 and we are proud to have supported its growth ever since. As one of the key international security shows, The Security Event is a great example of an ideal opportunity to peruse security providers, speak to experts, and get the answers to your specific security needs!  

Whilst big trade shows are a great opportunity to see products up close  and to meet manufacturers, expert installers and integrators. To to make the most of your visit, and ensure you find what you need for your security requirements, it is worth having a plan.

Understand what you need

If you are looking for expert advice at a trade show, then it is worth considering what your security needs are, and the type of solution that will best meet these. If you are visiting the TDSi stand at The Security Event for example (which we hope you will!) then we have the latest GARDiS Integrated Access Control solutions (including access control readers and powerful GARDiS software). We are also being joined by our fellow Vitaprotech Group member, Perimeter Intrusion Detection manufacturer Harper Chalice, on the stand too. If you visit Stand 5/G60 you can speak to both our teams about access control and perimeter protection individually, as well as how they can be combined and even augmented with integrations to market leading VMS, Video Analytic, and PSIM products to offer a truly connected approach to securing your facilities.

Elsewhere in the exhibition hall, if you are looking at solutions, why not check out ASSA Abloy and Simons Voss’ wireless locking solutions, Hikvision’s ANPR cameras, Suprema’s Biometric Readers or CCTV and VMS platforms from the likes of Milestone, Pelco and Hanwha Vision – all of which expertly integrate with TDSi’s GARDiS access control solutions to deliver a network of security components that (when combined) offer much greater scope for your security.

Expert advice

Once you understand your security needs you must then find potential providers that meet your requirements and budget, so you can speak to their expert teams. At a good show such as The Security Event, the stands can become quite busy, so it may be worth contacting the provider beforehand to arrange a dedicated time to meet up for a consultation discussion or to have a demonstration to ensure your time is well spent. (if you would like to arrange a time to meet our team on the TDSi stand please contact us on 01202 723535 or by emailing our Sales Team – sales@tdsi.co.uk)

Integrated security systems can be complex, so speaking to expert installers and manufacturers about your needs, all in one place, is very important if you are looking for the most suitable solution. Shows like The Security Event are the perfect opportunity to delve into a comprehensive knowledge base and get a fantastic insight into what is on offer for you. Equally, if you have legacy security investments you can explore how these might be incorporated with new technology to stretch your security spend, without compromising on efficiency, functionality, or usability.

Be prepared

Like a Boy Scout, being prepared will always help you achieve more when you visit a trade show. Make sure you research the suppliers you want to visit and decide on the relevant questions that will help you get the information you need. This could include factors such as system features, scalability, integration capabilities, pricing models, and customer support. You could even create a checklist or criteria sheet to help you evaluate and compare different products and services.

On a more basic level, you should allocate enough time to explore the trade show thoroughly. As these shows can be quite large, you will want scope to engage with exhibitors, attend presentations, and network with industry professionals. You are there to learn as much as to get advice, so it makes sense to invest enough time – even if that means going on multiple days to cover all your objectives.

Even in the digital age, it is worth taking your business cards, a notebook or electronic device for taking notes, a map of the trade show floor, and a bag for collecting brochures and other materials. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged for taking pictures and notes. I also say this from experience, make sure you wear comfortable shoes as you are likely to be on your feet for some time!

Follow Up

After a busy day(s) at a trade event, you will probably feel quite weary – it’s even more the case if you have been exhibiting, trust me! After the trade show, follow up with the providers that offer interesting solutions or information. Review your notes and the materials you collected to make informed decisions about which security systems best meet your needs and, if required, speak again to the contacts you made or their colleagues. Any good security provider will be more than willing to have further dialogue to ensure you get what you need.

If you ensure you are well prepared and prioritise what you need from a trade show, it can be a highly beneficial and even fun experience. It’s a two-way street too – when you speak to security providers we get better insights into what buyers need and want, which helps to direct product development and steer R&D to produce the products and services that will help you in the future.

If you are attending The Security Event at the NEC Birmingham between 30^th April to 2^nd May, do make sure you visit us on the TDSi Stand 5/G60 – we are always happy to share advice on our access control products!