Milipol’s Role in Advancing Security Aligns with Qatar’s Vision 2030

Anne Frayssinet, Milipol Network Director, shares her thoughts on the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry, highlighting how the Milipol shows play a key role in presenting the latest security innovations, fostering global collaboration, and paving the way for the future of homeland security in the Middle East and beyond

Under the high patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, the 15th edition of Milipol Qatar, the Global Event for Homeland Security and Safety, will be held under the theme “The technology in the service of security” from October 29-31, 2024, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Anne Frayssinet, Milipol Network Director, discusses the critical topics of innovation, global collaboration, and the evolving security landscape, as Milipol Qatar 2024 approaches.

Can you elaborate on the key factors behind Milipol’s enduring success and global recognition in the security sector?

Frayssinet: Milipol Paris is a premier event that gathers the entire internal security ecosystem, including buyers and solution providers. It serves as a hub where companies and exhibitors engage with market realities, discuss developments, and anticipate future trends. The global homeland security market is witnessing significant growth driven by increasing security challenges such as terrorism, cyber threats, and natural disasters. Advanced technologies and government initiatives are propelling the market towards substantial expansion. As technology evolves rapidly, information and communication systems become more interconnected and complex, necessitating state-of-the-art solutions to prevent system failures and malicious acts. Milipol Paris showcases the latest innovations that address current and future threats effectively.

Additionally, we have expanded Milipol events globally, including Qatar in 1996, Singapore in 2015, and New Delhi in October 2023, allowing companies to enhance their global market positions alongside leading contractors. The Milipol Network, with its numerous exhibitors, speakers, conference cycles, and workshops, offers comprehensive solutions to combat various forms of crime.

The recent Milipol Asia-Pacific was a significant event. What were some of the highlights and key takeaways from this year’s edition?

Frayssinet: This year’s major highlight was the collaboration between Milipol Asia-Pacific and HTX’s TechX Summit, showcasing the central role of science and technology in enhancing public safety and national security in the Asia Pacific. The trade exhibition featured the latest homeland security innovations, while the TechX Summit hosted high-level conferences with prominent government officials, industry leaders, and academia. Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs and Law, Mr. Kasiviswanathan Shanmugam, and France’s Minister of the Interior, Mr. Gérald Darmanin, were notable attendees.

The event, themed “Powering Innovation: A Safe & Secure Future,” is Asia Pacific’s flagship homeland security gathering both public and private sector security. Significant growth has been observed in homeland security technology, particularly in AI surveillance, airport infrastructure security, and cybersecurity. Milipol Asia-Pacific’s presence expanded by 30% this year, featuring 305 exhibitors from 31 countries across a 14,500 sqm exhibition space.

Notable global companies such as AREA S.p.A, ClearTrail Technologies, ESRI, Hikvision Technology, Innovatrix, Idemia, Microsoft, NUIX, Swissdrones, Thales Solution Asia, VMI Security, and WEY Singapore Technology participated, along with country pavilions from China, Italy, France, Germany, Hungary, Singapore, and the USA. The HTX Pavilion highlighted innovations from HTX and key industry partners, including ST Engineering, CISCO, DXC Technology, and Samsung.

Looking ahead to Milipol Qatar, what are some of the key preparations and priorities your team is focusing on?

Frayssinet: Our current focus includes organizing international pavilions, the conference program, the opening ceremony, the gala dinner for sponsors and exhibitors, and sending invitations to official delegations. We are also addressing all exhibitor inquiries to ensure their preparations for the show are seamless. Additionally, visitor registration is now open, allowing attendees to obtain their passes online.

What emerging trends and critical topics in security do you plan to highlight at Milipol Qatar?

Frayssinet: Milipol Qatar attracts the leading global public and industrial security players who showcase the latest security, safety, detection, and prevention equipment, systems, and services. The event aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, addressing the country’s growing security needs. The 15th edition of the show, scheduled for October 29-31, 2024, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, will build on the success of its previous edition, which featured 222 exhibitors from 22 countries, 11,500 visitors from 84 countries, 389 official delegates, and secured contracts worth 592 million QAR. The event seminars attracted over 500 attendees.

As head of Milipol events and the Milipol Network, what is your vision for the future of these events? How do you see them evolving in the next five to ten years?

Frayssinet: In an increasingly uncertain environment, protecting people and infrastructures requires constantly updated resources and solutions. Milipol events enable global security professionals, from both public and private sectors, to find the most suitable equipment and technologies for their needs by bringing together solution providers, manufacturers, and distributors. These events offer several advantages, including economic support for the security industry, strengthened bilateral cooperation between ministries of interior, and a unique platform for promoting exports from the security sector. I am confident that the Milipol Network will continue to be the world’s leading network of events dedicated to safety and homeland security, fostering innovation and collaboration in the industry.