BATTLESPACE Editor Julian Nettlefold recently met up with Grant Burgham, Director of DSEI and AVM (ret’d) Gary Waterfall, Senior Defence Adviser, DSEI.
“How is DSEI Progressing for 2023?” the Editor asked.
“With six months to go, we are in a healthy position and almost sold out.” Grant Burgham said. “We have learnt lessons from DSEI 2021 and have reached our 2019 pre-pandemic level. A number of exhibitors said that DSEI 2021 was the best they had attended as they had more time with their key clients and a more focussed visitor profile. In addition, given the pandemic restrictions, there was more space available as fewer companies exhibited. We intend to bring these benefits to DSEI 2023 to create a better exhibitor and visitor experience.”
“Is the exhibitor profile the same as 2021?”
“The top twenty accounts are now confirmed. Among the 800 companies currently confirmed, we have 275 new exhibitors mainly from the UK, Europe and the USA- testament to the continuing appeal that DSEI has for those looking to work in or grow their business in Defence”. DE&S has a stand for the first time along with the Army’s Future Technology Team. 26 countries have confirmed including 74% of the priority countries; we have new Pavilions from Japan and Estonia. The U.S. Pavilion, managed by Kallman, is the largest ever seen at DSEI. We are very much focused on high technology and have a new Group of 78 non-defence companies exhibiting in their own Future Tech area.”
“Is the Conference Programme similar to DSEI 2021?”
“The theme for DSEI 2023 is Achieving an Integrated Force; to that end we have involved Strategic Command as a strategic partner, providing the vital international flavour to the Conference Programme.” Gary Waterfall said. “The key to modern warfare is the ability to deploy National and International coalition forces, as we did in both Gulf Wars and Iraq. The key enabler for the successful deployment of these forces is the ability to communicate seamlessly not only across the battlefield but also back to Headquarters. An up-to-date real time battlefield picture using advanced, sea and land-based C4I and surveillance systems, as seen in today’s Ukraine war, is vital to achieve battlefield superiority. That will be one of the main themes of the Conference.”
DSEI Future Tech Hub
DSEI’s Future Tech Hub is the largest and fastest-growing area of the show, having tripled in size since the 2021 show. The Hub supports exhibitors looking to break into the defence sector, with the aim of strengthening their relationships with MoD stakeholders; which includes UK Strategic Command, DASA, Dstl, Defence Equipment & Support. The Future Tech Hub showcases exhibiting companies and organisations not seen at any other shows.
Through the presence of the DSEI Keynote theatre where the UK Minister of Defence Procurement and other high-level speakers present, exhibitors will benefit from increased footfall throughout the Hub. There is also a dedicated Cyber Security Theatre where exhibitors can showcase their products and innovation through sponsored panels throughout the show.
DSEI Forums
The DSEI Forums are free to attend for all visitors and run for the duration of the show. Featuring panel debates and keynote speeches from national and international thought leaders, they explore the current strategic-level challenges faced by the global Defence industry and provide a platform for sharing valuable ideas.
Although the five main forums are divided into five operational domains, all the theatres will play host to cross-Force discussions and welcome input from audience members with different perspectives.
DSEI 2023 – POWERING PROGRESS, DEFINING YOUR FUTURE
DSEI connects governments, national armed forces, industry thought leaders and the entire defence & security supply chain on a global scale. With a range of valuable opportunities for networking, a platform for business, access to relevant content and live-action demonstrations, the DSEI community can strengthen relationships, share knowledge and engage in the latest capabilities across the exhibition’s Aerospace, Land, Naval, Security & Joint zones.