20 Feb 11. DSEi unveils strategy for growth. More visitors from more countries – and more for them to see. Those are objectives set for DSEi by the organisers, Clarion Events, who have just unveiled their strategy for the 2011 show. DSEi, which takes place at ExCeL London from 13 – 16 September 2011, is recognised internationally as a market leading exhibition for land, sea and air applications of defence and security products, technology and services. The last DSEi in 2009 attracted 25,000 visitors from 98 different countries and this year’s event is on course to beat both targets.
DSEi Exhibition Director, Duncan Reid, said, “Our strategy for growth is based on three principles – content, contacts and the visitor experience. This year’s content reflects increasing global concern with a broad spectrum of threats, from cyber attacks to piracy. The latest developments in unmanned vehicles and national security will both be the subject of dedicated feature areas – the first time this has been done at DSEi.
“DSEi is a truly integrated event. Traditionally we have had very strong land and sea dimensions but this year increased air capabilities and a large security dimension will also be very much in evidence. We are fully aware that DSEi is a vital international marketing tool for our exhibitors and this expansion of content will further enhance its effectiveness as a showcase for the defence and security sectors.
“Contacts are, of course, of crucial importance to conducting business and DSEi is renowned as a networking forum. We are mounting our biggest ever visitor drive which will see an increased number of official delegations attending. We are doing this in conjunction with the UK Government and exhibitors of all nations are given ample opportunity to meet these visiting delegations. We are also expanding our own scheme to bring senior visitors to DSEi. This year we have an impressive array of organisations participating, including NAMSA, the US Department of Homeland Security and the UK Ministry of Defence.
“The third part of our strategy consists of a range of innovations to make a visit to DSEi not only as productive as possible, but also an enjoyable experience that will encourage visitors to spend as much time as possible at the event. Visitors will be able to access the show from the new East entrance. This, combined with an enhanced registration procedure, will ensure people can get onto the exhibition floor with minimum delay. Finally, a new visitor and business centre has been introduced to provide a single point of contact for meeting visitor and exhibitor needs, such as help with hotels, restaurants and transportation.”