The Security Event at the NEC Birmingham has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s leading gatherings for security professionals, bringing together manufacturers, integrators, consultants, and end users under one roof.
But beyond the scale, hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees, it’s the education programme and thought leadership sessions that provide the clearest signal of where the security industry is heading.
From modern security operations software, AI in access control and the modernisation of legacy systems, this year’s sessions revealed an industry in transition; balancing rapid technological change with the realities of risk, accountability, and operational complexity.
One of the most well-attended themes across the event was AI in security systems, particularly within access control and surveillance.
Unsurprisingly, the conversation quickly moved past hype.
Instead of grand promises around automation, panellists focused on practical applications of AI already delivering value today, including:
The consensus was clear:
AI is not replacing security teams; it’s augmenting them.
Rather than removing humans from the loop, AI is being used to guide operators, reduce cognitive load, and improve consistency in decision-making.
A recurring theme across multiple sessions was the issue of “noise” in security operations.
Modern systems generate vast amounts of data:
Despite advances in AI, one message came through consistently: Accountability still sits with people. While AI can:
…it cannot take responsibility.
Panellists emphasised that:
This is particularly important in high-risk scenarios, where context and nuance are critical.
Another key discussion point was the growing gap between technology capability and regulatory frameworks. AI adoption in security is accelerating rapidly, but:
This creates uncertainty for organisations trying to answer key questions:
What level of automation is acceptable?
Where should human oversight sit?
Who is responsible when something goes wrong?
It’s clear that policy and best practice will need to catch up quickly as adoption increases.
Beyond AI, the modernisation of security infrastructure was another major focus.
Rather than wholesale system replacement, discussions centred on how organisations can:
A key takeaway was that modernisation is no longer just about upgrading technology; it’s about building flexibility into systems.
With rapid innovation across cloud, AI, and IoT, organisations are prioritising platforms that can integrate easily with third-party systems, adapt to new requirements and avoid long-term vendor lock-in.
The concept of “open systems” in security came up repeatedly, but with some debate. While many vendors claim openness, definitions vary widely:
What’s clear is that openness is no longer a differentiator; it’s an expectation. For end users, this means placing greater emphasis on:
In a fragmented technology landscape, the ability for systems to work together seamlessly is becoming critical.
One of the more reflective themes to emerge from the sessions was the role of the security industry in shaping its own future.
Despite playing a critical role in areas such as public safety, critical infrastructure, and commercial real estate, the industry is not always present in the conversations where key decisions are made. Policy is often defined, standards are set, and regulations are shaped without direct input from those responsible for delivering security on the ground.
Several speakers pointed to the need for a more proactive stance. This includes greater collaboration across the industry, stronger engagement with regulators, and a more open approach to sharing knowledge and best practices. Without this shift, there is a growing risk that the industry becomes reactive—forced to adapt to external pressures rather than helping to define them.
The Security Event 2026 made one thing clear:
The security industry is undergoing a fundamental shift.
AI, cloud, and data are transforming how systems operate—but the real challenges lie in:
What stood out most wasn’t any single technology, but the conversations happening around them.
From seminar stages to conversations on the exhibition floor, there’s a clear recognition that security is no longer just about systems.
It’s about decisions, data, and responsibility.
