I am delighted to welcome you to the first SDSC at the NEC!
Why the move to the NEC?
The priorities in terms of venue have always been -
Geography -Keeping the event in the Midlands, distinct from other London events and with its own unique character, has always been important. Many found Telford too remote from this objective.
Infrastructure to support the event but also satellite activity for our participators.
Security, given the nature of the event and the challenge of protesters.
Room for growth, as we continue our journey from regional to national to transatlantic to international.
Cost, to ensure that the event remains affordable for SMEs, consistent with our original mission as well as our agreement with MoD.
A short history
In 2014 a small group of defence SMEs in Hereford approached us, to seek support to establish a trade association for businesses in the sector.
Hereford Security and Defence Group organised the first Expo at the Courtyard Theatre in Hereford held on 1 February 2017, comprising 30 exhibitors and 400 delegates, including procurement personnel from Hereford garrison. Those personnel requested participation in future events, which enabled the move to the Three Counties Showground in 2018.
We were asked by MoD (UK Strategic Command – Capability, Special Projects) to host the MoD industry day from 2019 onwards.
The 2020 event included delegates from US DOD, with several teams from the US military supporting the event from 2021 onwards.
The need to provide a secure venue led to our move to Telford International Centre in 2023. However we continued a conversation with the NEC, seen as a better venue for the event if all the necessary terms could be agreed.
What does the NEC offer?
The central location adjoining an international airport and rail station, and at the centre of the nation’s motorway network, provides excellent connectivity as well as a venue at the heart of our core constituency. The irony in 2023 and 2024 was numerous US delegates flying into Birmingham and then having to arrange transfers from Birmingham to Telford. London is less that 1½ hours away by rail and road.
The NEC have provided excellent exhibition space which provides scope for continued growth, and is quarantined from other event activity in a secure part of the estate.
Also importantly, we are aware of the need for surrounding infrastructure to enable our participators to socialise and network after exhibition days. The NEC estate has numerous hotels, bars, and other facilities.
Conclusion
We see this move as bringing the event home to the central Midlands, and enhancing the ability of both UK industry and international delegations to participate. I am sure that you will enjoy the new facilities, and benefit from the controlled growth of the event.
In addition to the MoD Industry Day programme on Day 1, we are hosting a significant Day 2 conference programme including a presentation by Digital Targeting Web, a Panel Session (Realising the ambition of the Defence Industrial Strategy for SMEs) and presentation by Cyber Sy Management. We also have US personnel participating in a Meet the Buyer event (desk officers from all services plus SOCOM, Defense Innovation Unit, Mission Acceleration Center, and consultants). We are also very pleased to welcome Col Vitalii Hutsuliak, Military Attache at the Ukraine Embassy in London.
We hope you enjoy the event.