Adria Security Summit: Uniting East and West in Pursuit of Security Excellence

Adria Security Summit 2024 cemented its reputation as a premier international security event, attracting over 3,200 attendees from more than 40 countries, including Turkey and the UAE – a staggering 714% increase in visitor numbers since its inaugural edition. By fostering unprecedented collaboration between Middle Eastern and European security leaders, the Summit solidified the Adria region’s strategic role in driving global innovation and knowledge exchange.

By: Mirza Bahic
E-mail: mirza.bahic@asmideast.com

Let’s sum things up from the outset: Adria Security Summit 2024, held from October 9 to 10 in Sarajevo, not only cemented its role as the premier security industry event in Southeastern Europe but also positioned the Adria region as a bridge between East and West, merging global expertise with regional insights. This gathering once again underscored the Adria region’s strategic role by attracting participants from over 40 countries—Turkey and the UAE among them—bringing both regional and international voices together to share innovations, forge partnerships, and discuss security trends at the crossroads of key industry regions

714% Increase in Visitors and 608% Rise in Exhibitors

What began as a test of confidence for a small team that launched it in 2015 at a time when even veteran competitors such as Essen and London struggled to maintain their stature, Adria Security Summit has blossomed into a multifaceted event that managed to push the envelope once more. Returning to its roots in Sarajevo, the Adria Security Summit reached unprecedented attendance levels, with close to 3,200 visitors and 170 exhibitors and sponsors. This represents a 714% increase in visitor numbers and a 608% rise in exhibitors since its inception. The event fostered new distribution agreements, partnerships, and discussions on future projects, with 43.7% of attendees arriving from outside the Adriatic region—a record-breaking statistic that aligns with the Summit’s expanding international reputation. Mahir Hodžić, the Summit’s General Manager, highlighted this global impact by noting, “We promoted the entire region equally from Seoul, Tokyo, and Hong Kong to London and other European cities. In the same way, we are bringing the security industry to the region.”

The event recorded a 714% increase in visitor numbers and a 608% rise in exhibitors since its inception

170 Exhibitors, Expanded Cybersecurity Focus, and Enhanced Networking

A record 170 exhibitors graced the Summit’s exhibition hall, featuring prominent global players from the Security 50 list and leading regional companies. Diamond and platinum sponsors, including Alarm Automatika, Konica Minolta, ACS, and Bosch, headlined the exhibition. The buyer delegation program introduced this year further elevated the event’s networking opportunities. Over 150 end-users actively engaged with exhibitors, supported by a dedicated VIP lounge and thematic zones for specialized exhibitors, including police equipment and cybersecurity.

The Summit’s expansion mirrors industry developments, particularly with cybersecurity representation more than doubling this year, reflecting the growing concern over cyber threats. Cybersecurity providers now account for 22.35% of exhibitors, while IT and ICT fields comprise an additional 11.36%, collectively making up a third of participants. This shift reflects the deepening convergence of physical and cyber security. Video surveillance remains the most represented segment, with emerging innovations displayed alongside this technology, integral to today’s security frameworks.

This gathering once again underscored the Adria region’s strategic role by attracting participants from over 40 countries—Turkey and the UAE among them

Honoring Excellence: Inaugural a&s Adria Awards

The Summit also saw the debut of the a&s Adria Awards, honoring innovation in ten categories: Access Control Solutions, Video Surveillance Technology, Intrusion Detection Systems, Fire Alarm Innovations, Public Address/Voice Alarm (PA/VA) Systems, Security Software Solutions, Cybersecurity Innovations, Best Case Study Presentation, Most Innovative Product/Solution, and Security Manager of the Year. Avigilon took top awards for video surveillance and access control, while Alarm Automatika, Honeywell, and ARMADA were also among the winners. The awards were determined by an international jury and audience votes, reflecting the Summit’s status as a barometer of industry trends.

Exploring AI, Cybersecurity, and Smart Cities

With an extensive conference program, the Summit offered thought-provoking presentations addressing current security challenges and future trends. Opening keynote speaker Jacek Weglarz of Konica Minolta underscored AI’s potential in analyzing security data, a field where Adria Security Summit plays a leading role in knowledge dissemination.

The second day of the Summit began with a thought-provoking lecture by Boris Goncharov from AMATAS, who warned of the surging threat of cybercrime, declaring it as “the third strongest economy in the world, right behind the USA and China.” His insights underscored the pervasive and growing influence of cybercrime in the global economy.

A panel on facial recognition explored the application and privacy challenges of this technology. Industry experts Hilmija Arnautović from Hikvision, Vito Lalić from Konica Minolta, and Marijo Kolovrat from Avigilon discussed its expanding use in public spaces and the necessity for transparent regulations around biometric data.

A separate panel addressed the Zero Trust approach in securing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Attending experts emphasized essential security steps like network segmentation and multi-factor authentication.

The topic of critical infrastructure protection also drew significant interest, focusing on EU regulations CER and NIS2, while the “Smart City Is a Safe City” panel highlighted digital innovations for safer urban environments. Georgi Krastev from Milestone Systems shared insights from Poland, where their platform helped lower crime rates, while Tiberiu-Cristian Nicolae from Bosch emphasized eco-friendly, security-enhancing solutions that improve urban quality of life.

We promoted the entire region equally from Seoul, Tokyo, and Hong Kong to London and other European cities

Adria Region as a Global Security Hub

The Adria Security Summit 2024 successfully positioned itself as a vital link between Eastern and Western security markets, championing collaboration and innovation in security. With a record-breaking turnout of over 3,200 attendees from more than 40 countries, the Summit demonstrated the region’s growing influence in the global security arena. From critical discussions on cybersecurity and infrastructure protection to pioneering solutions for smart cities and biometrics, the Summit provided a robust platform for knowledge exchange and showcased groundbreaking technologies. Today, this annual event not only strengthens ties across borders but also highlights the Adria region as a driving force in addressing global security needs through strategic partnership and thought leadership.