Trends, technologies and meeting places for the global security industry

The year 2026 promises to be a high-calibre trade fair year for the security industry. From physical access solutions to cybersecurity and smart building technologies to disaster control and artificial intelligence in the security environment – new standards are being set worldwide. The following overview shows the most important security-related trade fairs in 2026, broken down by thematic focus and industry trends.

1. Start of the year with a focus on digitalisation, smart buildings and access systems

The trade fair year gets off to a strong start in January with a surge of innovation. The International CES (6–9 January, Las Vegas) sets the tone with the latest developments in artificial intelligence, networked building technology and digital security. At the same time, Intersec (12–14 January, Dubai), the leading platform for security, fire protection and cybersecurity in the Middle East, will focus on integrated security. Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, which combines smart building solutions with security and energy management systems, will also take place in Dubai at the same time.

Polyclose (14–16 January , Ghent), a trade fair will follow in Europe that addresses physical security aspects such as access technology, door and window systems, and façade protection – topics that are increasingly merging with digital access control and IoT solutions.

2. Spring phase: networking, mobility and protection infrastructure

European security trade fairs dominate in February and March. Enforce Tac (23–25 February, Nuremberg) focuses on public security, defence and operational technology. At the same time, Sicur (24–27 February, Madrid) offers a broad platform for fire protection, occupational safety and security technology.

In March, the topic of ‘Smart Mobility & Critical Infrastructure’ gains momentum. Light + Building (8–13 March, Frankfurt) sets standards in integrated building security and sustainable energy efficiency. In addition, IT-TRANS (3–5 March, Karlsruhe) and INTERTRAFFIC (10–13 March, Amsterdam) address security in public transport and urban mobility.

The Tokyo Security Show (3–6 March) is considered Asia’s leading trade fair for electronic security solutions, while Robotics, Automation and Drones (11–13 March, Odense) shows how autonomous systems are revolutionising security in industry and public spaces.

3. Spring: Cybersecurity, national resilience and Industry 4.0

Between April and May, the focus shifts to digital security, critical infrastructure and industrial resilience. IN CYBER Le Forum (31 March–2 April, Lille) and INFOSECURITY Europe (2–4 April, London) set trends in IT and network security.

In the industrial sector, HANNOVER MESSE (20–24 April) combines automation, AI and OT security to create a holistic vision of the future of networked production. At the same time, Securex and SAWO (14–16 April, Poznań) and Secutech (22–24 April, Taipei) will showcase new approaches to physical and digital security in the corporate environment.

The global dimension of the security industry will be reflected at the end of April in events such as Milipol Asia-Pacific (28–30 April, Singapore), The Security Event (Birmingham) and INFOPOL XPO112 (Kortrijk), which will focus on police, disaster and crisis management issues.

4. Early summer: Fire services, civil protection and holistic security strategies

June 2026 will be dominated by emergency services and hazard prevention. INTERSCHUTZ (1–6 June, Hanover) – the world’s leading trade fair for fire services, rescue services and civil protection – will become a global meeting place for emergency and security management. In addition, SECUREX South Africa (2–4 June, Johannesburg) and FeuerTrutz (24–25 June, Nuremberg) will showcase the latest developments in fire protection and hazard prevention.

Cybersecurity also remains a hot topic: Cybersec Europe (20–21 May, Brussels) and Cybersec Netherlands (9–10 September, Utrecht) bring together European experts on topics such as cloud security, digital sovereignty and resilience in the public sector.

5. Autumn: Holistic security, AI and smart cities

In autumn, the focus shifts to holistic security concepts, smart cities and AI-supported systems. As the leading trade fair, security essen (22–25 September, Essen) marks the highlight of the year in the field of integrated security solutions – from video surveillance and access control to cyber-physical security.

At the same time, DroneX (29–30 September, London) and the International Security Expo (London) will focus on the use of unmanned systems and hybrid security strategies.

October and November are all about global cooperation. Milipol Qatar (20–22 October), SKYDD (Stockholm) and EXPOPROTECTION (3–5 November, Paris) bring together decision-makers from government, industry and research to present solutions to security challenges in urban, industrial and national contexts.

The Smart City Expo World Congress (November, Barcelona) provides a visionary conclusion, treating security as an integral part of urban strategies for the future – from data and network protection to resilience in urban spaces.

Conclusion: security is becoming more networked, digital and sustainable

The 2026 trade fair year makes it clear that security is no longer an isolated issue, but rather a cross-cutting function of modern societies and economic systems. The boundaries between physical and digital security are becoming increasingly blurred. Artificial intelligence, networked building technology, cloud-based access systems and resilience strategies are shaping the agenda.

Whether it’s Intersec in Dubai, security essen in Germany or INTERSCHUTZ in Hanover – the global security trade fairs in 2026 show a clear trend: security is being thought of in an integrative way, controlled intelligently and implemented sustainably.

Security Trade Fairs 2026 – Overview