Clarion competes for Middle East security crown

UAE - Clarion Events is launching its Counter Terror Expo brand in the United Arab Emirates this autumn.

Counter Terror Expo Arabia will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 31 October to 3 November 2011.

According to Joanna Edwards, conference director at Clarion partner Mecom Forums, the decision to launch so soon came as a result of competing shows taking place in 2012.

Epoc Messe Frankfurt recently announced it was looking to roll out its security trade show Intersec in Saudi Arabia, tapping into the lucrative Middle East security market.

“It’s going to be quite a quick launch for us, but we wanted to get something out into the market sooner rather than later,” she told EN.

The event will have a smaller exhibition element than its UK counterpart, but an expanded conference element.

“It’s a model that works well in the Middle East,” said Edwards, “and it enables us to offer something different to other things in the market.”

“There’s a lot of money being spent here in the UAE on homeland security technology, so it’s a good market in which to roll out our brand,” she added.

The launch follows the announcement of the show’s American launch, which will take place from 22 to 24 May 2012 at the Walter E Washington Convention Center in Washington DC.

“The launch of Counter Terror Expo in the United States will significantly expand Clarion Events’ position in the North American market, especially for our highly respected security and defence portfolio,” said Clarion Defence and Security MD Tim Porter.

“Our expo and conference will offer a central venue for attendees from Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, first responders and other government agencies to gain a greater understanding of emerging threats as well as the solutions available to detect and reduce future risks.”

Any exhibition-related news? Email exhibitionworld@mashmedia.net