High proportion of decision-makers and positive prospects for post-show business
Security Essen continues on its growth trajectory: More than 30,000 trade visitors, including 8,000 participants at EURO DEFENCE EXPO, came to Messe Essen from 22 to 25 September – ten per cent more than at the previous event. A total of 522 exhibitors from 41 countries presented the latest solutions for the security industry. Particularly strong interest centred on interconnected security technology, artificial intelligence and the protection of critical infrastructure. “The increase in visitor numbers is a strong signal for the industry,” said Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. “But who attends is equally crucial to the success of a trade fair: 76 per cent of our trade visitors are involved in purchasing and procurement decisions. Accordingly, many of our exhibitors expect strong post-show business.”
The rise in visitor numbers at Security Essen reflects the industry’s period of growth. In 2025, the German security industry generated turnover of €34.84 billion in the sectors represented at Security Essen – 5.9 per cent more than in the previous year. At the same time, individual areas of security technology are becoming increasingly integrated. This trend also shaped the offering at Security Essen: many exhibitors showcased systems that intelligently link video surveillance, access control, fire protection and intrusion detection.
Artificial intelligence plays a central role in this development. For example, it helps control centres analyse large volumes of data, identify anomalies more quickly and assess incidents. Innovations presented at Messe Essen included AI agents for control centres, new interfaces for security and incident management systems, and solutions enabling different access technologies to be administered centrally.
Klaus Hirzel, Managing Director Sales DACH, Honeywell Technologies, said: “Security Essen has once again demonstrated how important connected solutions are to our customers. For us, it sends a strong signal that fire and life safety, security and access solutions, and building automation should be considered together and presented as a fully integrated offering.” Stefanie Goetz, Managing Director Sales DACH, Honeywell Technologies, added: “The many positive discussions at Security Essen have shown that connected building automation solutions remain important to our customers – from fire detection and alarm systems to access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection and building automation. That is why it is particularly important for us to take an integrated approach to these areas and present them as joined-up solutions.”
Protection of critical infrastructure grows in importance
Another key focus of the trade fair was the protection of critical infrastructure. The need for action was highlighted by the Germany Security Monitor, published to coincide with Security Essen. For this joint study by the VDMA Security Systems Association, VdS Schadenverhütung and Messe Essen, 4,000 members of the public and 1,000 company representatives were surveyed. Sixty per cent of private individuals rated the protection of critical infrastructure against exceptional crises as fairly or very poor. Around half of companies also identified shortcomings or areas for improvement.
The range of solutions for operators of critical infrastructure and businesses with particularly demanding security requirements was correspondingly broad. Exhibitors presented solutions for access control and identification, video and perimeter security, intrusion protection, alarm systems and security management. Examples included enhanced biometric identification technologies, high-performance photoelectric barriers for perimeter protection and centralised alerting solutions. The protection and resilience of critical infrastructure were also the focus of the KRITIS Forum on the Friday of the fair.
Security Essen showcases drone innovations
Drones are a major topic not only for the protection of critical infrastructure but also for security service providers and transport companies. Security Essen demonstrated the extent to which unmanned aerial vehicles are shaping the industry. They can be deployed for surveillance and inspection; at the same time, there is growing demand for the early detection and interception of unauthorised drones. Exhibitors showcased both professional solutions for aerial surveillance and inspection flights and interceptor drones capable of physically capturing smaller drones.
Further impetus came from the European Drone Conference at Security Essen, organised by the Drone Committee of the German Federal Association of the Security Industry (BDSW) and CoESS – the Confederation of European Security Services. Experts discussed new applications, including in transport, legal frameworks and protection against unauthorised drones.
Supporting programme addresses current challenges
Numerous other formats provided opportunities for professional exchange and continuing development. The DNS Conference explored issues relating to digital and connected security. At the Security Experts Forum and Protect and Prevent Forum, experts discussed current challenges, developments and solutions for the security industry.
Other events were aimed specifically at individual professional and user groups. The Banks and Savings Banks Day, which addressed current security issues in the financial sector, proved particularly popular. The Emergency Services Forum brought together representatives of the police, fire and rescue services and other emergency response organisations. The Education and Training Day focused on career paths and the demand for skilled professionals in the security industry. The specialist programme thus brought manufacturers, users, authorities and industry associations together for discussions beyond the exhibition stands.
Visitors and exhibitors satisfied with their participation
The positive response to Security Essen is likely to benefit many companies well beyond the end of the event. Exhibitors praised the high calibre of trade visitors. Nine out of ten companies expect strong post-show business. Likewise, nine out of ten visitors were satisfied with their visit, would recommend the fair and intend to attend the next event.
Markus Kock, Dipl.-Ing., Managing Director of WAGNER Deutschland GmbH, said: “Security 2026 provided us with a good platform for engaging with customers and prospective clients. Our attractive stand location and the high level of visitor traffic enabled us to hold numerous productive discussions. The presentation of our new TITANUS REX® aspirating smoke detector attracted particular attention. The response to our solutions for fire prevention, fire suppression and hazard management showed that these topics are highly relevant to many visitors. Overall, we are very pleased with our participation in the trade fair.”
The figures in detail
In total, more than 30,000 visitors attended Security Essen 2026, including 8,000 participants at EUDEX. The extensive supporting programmes also attracted international participants, guests of honour, members of the press and influencers, local authority representatives and sponsors.
Next trade fair dates: 19–22 September 2028
The next Security Essen will take place at Messe Essen from 19 to 22 September 2028.
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