Attendance figures audited by ABC have been confirmed for IFSEC 2005, with a record turnout of 31,774 total attendees at the NEC Birmingham for the 33rd edition of the world's leading security event.

Organisers, CMPi said visitor numbers exceeded last year's event by 26 per cent – the 2004 audited figure was 25,203 – with the show attracting specific interest from security professionals and end users as well as new visitor groups, including IT professionals, systems integrators, VARs and business managers, who witnessed first hand the convergence of the security and IT markets.

Exhibitor re-booking means that 80 per cent of next year's show is already sold out.

Mike Davies, Business Development Manager at Securec, said: "This is probably the busiest IFSEC I have attended. We have already made our money back after only one month."

Simon Parker, group director at organiser CMPi, said: "This year we witnessed the highest rise in visitor attendance in the history of IFSEC. Positive feedback from exhibitors and an unmistakable buzz in the halls made it clear IFSEC 2005 has performed remarkably well. Such an impressive rise in visitor footfall cements the dominant position of IFSEC as the definitive event for the entire security industry and beyond, present and future."

This year’s event featured 600-plus exhibitors from all over the world. IFSEC's IP and networks showcase Network Advantage again featured the HUB, which included a series of live demonstrations and seminars from IBM's business partners. The seminars catered for both IT and security professionals in all business types, covering distribution, retail banking and the public sector. They consistently drew an attentive audience which, said the organisers, demonstrated the impact this field has on the future of security.

IFSEC – Security Solutions and Network Advantage 2006 runs from May 8-11 at the NEC Birmingham as part of CMPi's May Series of events. The 2006 event will be expanding into Hall 8, featuring IFSEC Fire Solutions, a distinct area for companies involved in fire protection and a focal point for attendees who have an interest in fire safety in the year when International Fire Expo does not take place. (It returns to the NEC 21-24 May 2007.)

Source

Security Installer