22 Jul 15. Clarion Events announced the further expansion of its global portfolio of defence and security events with the acquisition of Border Security Expo and the US/Canada Border Conference. The acquisition is effective from 22 July 2015. Border Security Expo is the only major conference and expo fully addressing border security, and has become a landmark event for federal and state governments and law enforcement operatives. The event will next be staged in San Antonio, Texas, on 13 – 14 April 2016. The US/Canada Border Conference builds on the joint US/Canada declaration – Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. The declaration – and the event itself – articulates the shared approach to security threats as well as expediting lawful trade and travel. The event takes place 27 – 28 October 2015 in Detroit, Michigan.
Clarion Events stages influential defence and security conferences and exhibitions in major markets around the world. The company’s portfolio, which includes Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) in London and LAAD in Rio de Janeiro, enables high level government officials and senior military and security personnel to meet with leading global equipment and services providers to share ideas, conduct business, develop partnerships and network for future growth. Clarion’s relationships and skills have already been evident in the US where their management, along with event partner Navy League of the US, has led their show, Sea-Air-Space to a Trade Show Executive Fastest 50 Award.
Tim Porter, Managing Director, Clarion Defence & Security, said, “In recent years Clarion has become a major player in the increasingly integrated spheres of defence and security. This acquisition is another significant step in our development programme, not least because of the importance of the US market. We are looking forward to further developing these highly successful events as part of our global portfolio”.
22 Jul 15. Minister for Defence Procurement encourages Parliamentarians to attend DSEI, a “magnificent exhibition.” Philip Dunne MP, Minister of State for Defence Procurement, addressed MPs and members of the defence community at a parliamentary reception hosted by Jack Lopresti MP in support of Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) last Wednesday. Mr Dunne encouraged all MPs to talk to the defence industry and to visit the exhibition, as the UK is one of the world leaders in defence exports. The minister has also confirmed that he will be attending DSEI and delivering a keynote speech during the event, which takes place from 15 – 18 September at ExCeL, London. Mr Dunne described the extensive remit of his role, which he has held since 2012, as “both the defence industry’s biggest customer and also its biggest supporter”. He stressed that with the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) underway and fresh causes of instability, such as Russian aggression, ISIS, and terror attacks in Paris, there is an increasing need for defence. He also lauded the UK defence industry for its wide-ranging, cutting-edge capabilities, and DSEI for providing a global platform to showcase them. Other attendees at the DSEI reception included Dr Julian Lewis, Defence Select Committee Chair; Sir Gerald Howarth, MP for Aldershot; Vernon Coaker, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, and Stephen Phipson, Head of UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO), as well as several new MPs interested in learning more about defence. There will be strong support from UK Government and military at DSEI 2015, including the Secretary of State for Defence and four UK MOD service chiefs, who are confirmed to speak over the four days of the exhibition. DSEI is a world-leading defence and security event and is expected to welcome more than 1500 exhibitors and over 32,000 visitors from around 120 countries, including 150 delegations.