The security industry is undergoing profound change. Artificial intelligence is driving rapid innovation, and the protection of critical infrastructure is becoming increasingly important in the face of growing cyber threats and geopolitical developments. At the same time, there is a growing need for companies, public authorities and operators to adopt a holistic approach to physical and digital security. Security Essen, taking place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at Messe Essen, will demonstrate how this development is reshaping the sector and which solutions will shape the market in the future. As the leading international trade fair for the security industry, it brings together around 500 exhibitors from 40 countries and offers trade visitors a comprehensive overview of the latest technologies, innovations and trends.
Once again, the trade fair will showcase the full spectrum of modern security solutions. The range on offer extends from access control, mechatronics and mechanical security systems, through fire and burglary protection, perimeter security and video surveillance, to services, special protection vehicles and solutions for civil protection and civil defence.
One trend is particularly evident here: the boundaries between the individual areas are becoming increasingly blurred. Modern risk management systems integrate video technology, access control and intruder detection technology on a single platform. Artificial intelligence helps security managers to identify risks more quickly and assess incidents more efficiently. Cloud-based applications enable the cross-site management of complex security infrastructures, whilst intelligent sensor technology and automation are setting new standards in prevention and response times.
This trend is also reflected at Security Essen. Companies such as Advancis and Milestone are showcasing solutions for modern security and risk management. ASSA ABLOY, dormakaba, Salto and Telenot are presenting innovations in access control and building security. In the field of intelligent video and perimeter security, exhibitors include Axis Communications, Dallmeier and Strops, amongst others. The line-up is complemented by numerous other market leaders, specialists, innovative companies and start-ups from all sectors of the security industry. Trade visitors will thus gain a concise overview of the technologies and solutions that will shape the security industry in the coming years.
Julia Jacob, Project Manager for Security Essen: “The security industry is becoming more closely integrated today than ever before. At Security Essen, we demonstrate how artificial intelligence, digital connectivity and innovative technologies are coming together to form comprehensive security solutions – and we bring together precisely those manufacturers, users, planners and decision-makers who are actively shaping this development.”
Knowledge transfer as an integral part of the trade fair
The exchange between the various stakeholders in the security industry does not take place solely at the exhibition stands. With its extensive supporting programme, Security Essen creates additional platforms for knowledge transfer, discussions and networking between manufacturers, end-users, academia, associations and public authorities.
The programme kicks off on 22 September with the Training and Further Education Day, organised by the BDSW (Federal Association of the Security Industry) in collaboration with Messe Essen, and the Emergency Services Day, organised by Ebner Verlag. Also on the first day of the fair, the DNS Digital Networking Security Conference, organised in partnership with Datakontext, will begin; on 22 and 23 September, it will address the latest developments in cybersecurity, digital resilience and networked security solutions.
The European Drone Congress, taking place on 23 and 24 September and organised by the BDSW, will shine a spotlight on a field of technology that is becoming increasingly important both for civil security applications and for public authorities and organisations with security responsibilities.
Another highlight of the programme is Banks and Savings Banks Day on 24 September, which will examine current challenges and solutions for the protection of financial institutions. This event is organised by the European Security Systems Association (ESSA) e. V.
On 25 September, the KRITIS Spotlight event in the Forum in Hall 7 will focus on the protection of critical infrastructure. The event will centre on the implications of the KRITIS framework law and the requirements that KRITIS operators will face in future. Specialist presentations and discussions will provide practical insights and highlight potential solutions for implementing the new requirements.
Throughout the exhibition, the Security Experts Forum will also be hosting practical specialist presentations and discussions. There, exhibitors will showcase their innovations and provide insights into the latest developments, best practices and new technologies.
New synergies from the parallel EUDEX
For the first time, Security Essen is taking place alongside EUDEX – Euro Defence Expo. The new trade fair for the defence industry complements Security Essen with topics that are gaining in importance in light of current developments in security policy.
The protection of critical infrastructure, civil protection, crisis preparedness and resilient security concepts can now only be envisaged through collaboration between the private sector, public authorities and the armed forces. Holding both events in parallel creates new opportunities for professional exchange and cooperation between the civilian security sector and the defence industry.
This will particularly benefit trade visitors who are engaged in holistic security strategies and wish to focus on the interfaces between physical security, cyber security, civil protection and defence. The combination of both trade fairs thus creates a unique platform for innovation, knowledge transfer and networking.
Book tickets online
Security Essen will take place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at Messe Essen. The exhibition is open from 9 am to 6 pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and from 9 am to 4 pm on Friday. Day tickets cost 49 euros and are available online. To visit the Euro Defence Expo, a separate EUDEX exhibition ticket is required, subject to prior registration.
Further information on Security Essen, the supporting programme and tickets is available at www.security-essen.de.
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