Security Essen is far more than a product showcase: From 22 to 25 September 2026, Messe Essen will once again become the central meeting point for the international security industry. More than 500 exhibitors from over 40 countries will present their innovations and solutions at the leading trade fair for security. The offering is complemented by an extensive supporting programme addressing current issues, providing first-hand knowledge and offering numerous opportunities for professional exchange.
From cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to drones, the protection of critical infrastructure and career opportunities in the security industry: conferences, forums and themed days provide visitors with additional inspiration throughout all four days of the trade fair.
Cybersecurity meets physical security
The close link between digital and physical security is demonstrated by the DNS – Digital Networking Security Conference on 22 and 23 September in Hall 7. Experts will examine current cyberattacks, the use of AI in cybersecurity, regulatory requirements, digital sovereignty and the interface between physical security and cyber resilience. The conference is free of charge for Security Essen visitors.
Details and full programme:
DNS Conference
Specialist knowledge throughout the trade fair
Two forums provide continuous knowledge transfer throughout the event. At the security experts forum in Hall 7, exhibitors present innovations, solution approaches and practical experience. The programme covers topics ranging from access control and fire protection to AI, cybersecurity and modern security concepts.
Details and full programme:
security experts forum
The Protect and Prevent Forum in Hall 5 also addresses current challenges facing the security industry. Key topics include video security, critical infrastructure, resilience, e-mobility and the use of artificial intelligence in physical security.
Details and full programme:
Protect and Prevent Forum
Careers and young talent in focus
On 22 September, the Day of Training and Further Education, organised jointly by Security Essen and the BDSW, is aimed particularly at trainees, students and people retraining for a career in the security industry. In addition to specialist presentations and a visit to the trade fair, the programme includes an awards ceremony for the best trainees. The day also gives emerging talent in the industry an opportunity to get to know companies and potential future fields of work and to make contacts.
Details and full programme:
Day of Training and Further Education
Emergency Services Forum makes its debut
Also on 22 September, the Emergency Services Forum will make its debut at Security Essen. The new format in Hall 5 brings together public safety authorities and organisations (BOS), the security industry and public authorities. Key topics include protecting BOS facilities, emerging threat scenarios, drones and autonomous systems, civil protection, and cooperation between civilian and military stakeholders.
Details and full programme:
Emergency Services Forum
Drones and robotics as technologies of the future
The opportunities and risks that drones and robotics present for the private and public security sectors will be explored at the European Drone Conference on 23 and 24 September in Hall 7. The focus will be on technological developments and potential applications, as well as emerging threat scenarios and requirements for security concepts.
Details and full programme:
European Drone Conference
Security for banks and savings banks
On 24 September, Banks and Savings Banks Day in Hall 7 is aimed specifically at security professionals from the financial sector. Experts will discuss current challenges and solutions for financial institutions – for example, protecting cash machines and safe-deposit box systems, as well as other aspects of preventive security technology.
Details and full programme:
Banks and Savings Banks Day
New forum for critical infrastructure
On the final day of the trade fair, 25 September, the new KRITIS Forum in Hall 5 will focus on protecting critical infrastructure. Operators, public authorities, regulators and solution providers will discuss how physical security, cybersecurity and operational technology (OT) can be addressed as an integrated whole. Other topics include NIS2 and the German KRITIS Umbrella Act, crisis management, control centres and strategies for greater resilience.
Details and full programme:
KRITIS Forum
Plan your trade fair visit effectively
In addition to presentations from around 500 exhibitors, Security Essen thus offers visitors a comprehensive programme of knowledge-sharing and networking activities throughout all four days of the trade fair. Those wishing to plan their visit in advance can find up-to-date dates, times, speakers and further information on the individual events online.
Full supporting programme at a glance:
Security Essen 2026 programme
Plan your visit to the trade fair!
