International Cyber Expo 2024 sees 16% growth in visitors

137 exhibitors showcasing pioneering solutions and over 120 talks, demos, presentations, and CISO roundtable discussions once again delivered an unparalleled forum for industry leaders and experts. Central to this year’s discussions was the theme of resilience, a crucial topic influencing every corner of the sector, from geopolitics to emerging technologies.

Backed by strong support from leading government organisations, industry experts, and leading industry vendors, International Cyber Expo has once again firmly established itself as a must-attend event for cybersecurity professionals and thought leaders.

Tarquin Folliss, Vice Chairman of SASIG, said: “International Cyber Expo is unique as a cyber event co-located with the physical domain of the International Security Expo and carrying equal weight. We often talk about the convergence between physical and digital security.  This was convergence in action and it was great to see. This is the future. The theme for our Global Cyber Summit was resilience and our great speakers had a universal message:  we are in this together and we can only make ourselves safer by working together.”

Event highlights include:

Visit from Dan Jarvis, Minister of State at the Home Office - the UK and global security threats are growing more complex, with physical and cyber risks increasingly interconnected. As IoT devices become more common in both work and home settings, and digital features integrated into physical security systems, the line between the two is blurring, driving a clear convergence of physical and cyber security.

Speaking at the co-located International Security Expo on 25 September, Dan Jarvis, the UK Government’s Minister of State, emphasised that "the whole security ecosystem needs to work together" to tackle these evolving challenges.

Driving Resilience: The Global Cyber Summit opened with a keynote address by International Cyber Expo’s Advisory Council Chairman, Ciaran Martin, titled ‘Navigating the Future: Key Cybersecurity Trends Shaping Our Digital World’. Martin set the tone for the event, diving into six pivotal questions that will define cybersecurity in 2025.

As an Oxford University professor and former CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, Martin captivated the audience with sharp insights on the failures of current cyber deterrence, the urgent need for safer software, industry's role in supporting government security efforts, securing hardware in supply chains, and the looming threat of legacy technology.

Curated by experts from SASIG, the Global Cyber Summit gathered top minds from the public and private sectors to explore cybersecurity’s past, present, and future. Centred on resilience, discussions spanned crucial topics like the Secure by Design initiative, national readiness, and the timely issue of election cybersecurity amidst a year of global elections.

Talking Diversity and Skills: The brand-new Diversity and Skills Stage launched with an InClusive InCyber-led panel, hosted by LT Harper, exploring the value of risk-taking. Over two days of dynamic discussions, the stage became a hub for forward-thinking leaders eager to future-proof their organisations by championing their people. With a focus on tackling burnout and the skills gap, this year’s agenda featured some of the most innovative minds in the industry, driving the conversation towards a healthier, more inclusive future. The stage also saw the return of Assured’s ‘Grab The Mic’ session, chaired by renowned cyber journalist and Assured Co-Founder Eleanor Dallaway, tackling the bold question: Can (cyber) women really have it all?

Connecting International Audiences: International Cyber Expo delivered a tailored experience for security and cyber professionals from 85 countries worldwide. The International Delegations Program, supported by UK Defence & Security Exports, offered personalised tours and meetings, ensuring visitors quickly accessed the latest solutions. The Connect+ Live service further streamlined networking by facilitating targeted one-on-one introductions with pre-selected buyers and suppliers, helping attendees connect with leading vendors and address their specific needs across both days of the event.

Community Village: with the community at its core, International Cyber Expo hosted the dedicated Community Village, showcasing a range of not-for-profit and charity organisations committed to transforming the industry. With diverse missions, from promoting greater diversity through initiatives like WiTCH, SheCanCode, and WiCyS UK&I to empowering children with accessible technology via Every Child Online, these organisations are leading the charge towards a more inclusive and resilient future for all.

Cyber Wellbeing Corner - the award winning: Cyber Wellbeing Corner returned for 2024, this year with a nature theme. Visitors flocked to the stand for moments of relaxation, amidst the trees, nature sounds and woodland scents. Informed by scientific research, the team at The Zensory partnered with International Cyber Expo to bring the space to life, alongside a doodle wall and colouring in space. The Cyber Wellbeing Corner proved a welcome break for visitors and a refreshing sight amidst the fast-paced, forward-thinking nature of the cybersecurity industry and the buzzing show floor.

Tech Hub Stage: visitors had the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge innovations on the Tech Hub Stage, interacting directly with the creators behind the technology. This unique platform allowed attendees to explore the real-world applications of today’s and tomorrow’s leading tech. Highlight sessions featured insights such as Elliott Wilkes, CTO at Advanced Cyber Defence Systems (ACDS), who discussed strategies for thinking like a hacker to strengthen cybersecurity posture. Daniel Kendall, Principal Systems Engineer at the show’s founding partner Fortinet, presented on combating AI-driven advanced persistent threats, while Melissa Chambers, CEO and Co-Founder of Sitehop, delved into the future of encryption.

Pavilions of Plenty: a diverse range of pavilions showcased esteemed organisations such as IASME, CREST, TechUK, ADS, and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology. These dedicated spaces provided members the opportunity to convene and spotlight the dynamic cybersecurity communities they actively support and contribute to.

"With a record number of cybersecurity leaders in attendance, this year's International Cyber Expo was remarkable. We proudly introduced highlights like the inaugural Diversity and Skills Stage, the Global Cyber Summit with SASIG, and immersive live demonstrations. There was a wealth of insightful sessions and engaging discussions at every turn, where visitors could discover groundbreaking technology and gain valuable knowledge about the latest trends shaping the future of the industry. The brilliant DJ sets from Cyber House Party added to the networking and relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience for all," comments Rachael Shattock, Event Director - International Cyber Expo.

Dates for next year’s event will be 30 September 2025 - 1 October 2025. To register your interest in attending, visit: https://www.internationalcyberexpo.com/visit/register-interest