DSEI

About the event

Covid-19 Update

DSEI 2023 will occur between September 12th until September 15th, 2023. The event will take place at ExCeL London as a face-to-face event. Strict COVID-19 health and safety measures will be implemented at the venue. The measure will include several details such as:

• ExCeL London will have incorporated crowd density regulations. Attendees must uphold a specific social distance. For their ease, the exhibition areas will include wide aisles and one-way lanes. Furthermore, all areas will incorporate floor markings and signs. 
• Physical contact among attendants should be kept at a minimum. Such include for instance avoiding paper exchanges and handshakes when possible. 
• All indoor high-traffic areas will receive thorough disinfection during the event. The venue will additionally include dedicated teams that will disinfect high-touch zones. 
• ExCeL London will have hand sanitiser stations located in key areas. These will be for the convenience of attendants who need to disinfect their hands. 
• All attendees must wear certified face masks in the areas designated by signs. Among them are the exhibition halls, the waiting areas, and meeting rooms. 

Calling card

DSEI is a leading international trade show for the defence and security industry. It is the central hub for the premiering of novel systems and technologies. This allows military personnel and experts to experience the latest technological advances. DSEI provides information about the whole value chain. The event is based in London and operates out of ExCeL London once every two years. 

Business profile of the event

DSEI presents novelties from all links of the Defence & Security supply chain. Such include weapons, tactical equipment, ammunition, and first aid equipment. It also showcases infrared systems, emergency equipment, radar equipment and digital solutions. Because of its diversity, DSEI is the meeting location for senior attendees such as: 

• Tier 1 to 3 suppliers
• Defence ministers
• Service providers
• Pre-qualified industry visitors
• Main manufacturers
• International and UK delegation representatives such as members of NATO
• SMEs
• System integrators
• Subcontractors
• Senior procurement staff team members
• Prime contractors/OEMs
• Defence media

What is new for DSEI 2023?

DSEI 2023 will once again deliver valuable informational content. This will occur via its seminar and conference programme. Among the main hubs of information will be the Maritime Capability Conference. It will include topics involving the future operating environment. 

Did you know? 

DSEI allows members of the global Defence & Security sector to complete several goals. This includes meeting potential partners and buyers. Also, the fair allows professionals to gain recognition by introducing their innovative solutions. Furthermore, the fair provides opportunities for entering the supply chain and expanding operations. It also provides companies with increased brand awareness. DSEI also allows for expanding specialist knowledge and conducting business on site. 

The trade fair features a comprehensive support programme. Among the main events is the detailed exhibition. It is where over 1700 exhibitors including start-ups present their latest products. This includes all levels of the supply chain such as digital solutions and others. This allows companies and visitors to conduct business on site. It additionally enables start-ups to gain recognition. 

The exhibition grounds of the trade show contain several Zones and Hubs. Such divisions are necessary to make finding certain products and conferences easier. The Zones include Land, Naval, Security, Aerospace, and Joint. The Aerospace Zone gathers air force delegations, government officials and OEMs. It furthermore attracts system manufacturers, Prime Ministers, SMEs, and integrators. The Zone allows such attendants to showcase/examine products in over 100 categories. Such include:

• Fibre optics
• Artificial intelligence
• UAVs
• Stealth technology
• Avionics
• Flight simulators
• Missiles
• Airframes
• Paints and coatings
• Head-up displays
• Aircraft components
• Composites
• Airfields
• Electric motors
• Training
• Navigation
• Actuators
• Helicopters

The Land Zone is another exhibition zone. It is among the fastest-growing sectors as well as the largest. It features the latest equipment, weapons, and ammunition. Additionally, attendants can observe/showcase products in over 150 categories such as:

• Artillery
• EOD, Counter-IED, IEDD, Bomb Disposal
• Countermeasures
• Reconnaissance Systems
• Logistics & Integrated
• Weapons & Weapon Systems
• Armoured Vehicles
• Firearms
• Fuel Cells & Systems
• Body Armour
• Armour Systems & Materials
• Facilities Security
• Shelters
• Unmanned Ground Vehicles
• Intelligence Gathering
• Logistics Support

The Naval Zone presents the latest naval vessels and technology. It is where attendants include buyers, procurement managers, and R&D specialists. The Zone includes a dockside section for live demonstrations of maritime capabilities. It can also include interesting additions such as being able to visit warships. The Naval Zone is also the location to present or observe over 100 categories such as:

• Amphibious craft
• Underwater systems
• Submarines and submersibles
• Anti-submarine warfare capabilities
• Hover crafts
• Radar
• Shipyard technologies
• Naval simulations
• Missiles
• Life rafts and rescue boats
• Unmanned underwater crafts
• Electronic warfare

The Security Zone presents equipment, strategies, technologies, and systems for countering priority threats. Among such threats are cyber-attacks, terrorism, and hybrid warfare. It is where attendants can meet government and private sector security professionals. It features novelties from over 60 categories, including ones such as:

• Biometrics
• Reconnaissance Systems
• Firearms
• Counter-Surveillance
• Police and Dual-Use
• Communications
• Identification
• Ammunition
• UAS
• Night Vision
• Homeland Security
• Data Management
• Artificial Intelligence
• Body Armour
• Anti-Terrorism
• Robotics
• Intelligence Gathering
• Encryption
• Equipment
• Contraband detection
• Cybersecurity
• Armoured Vehicles

The Joint Zone is of high interest for many attendees. It presents products that can serve the entire Defence and Security Community. Such include sectors such as C4ISTAR, Communications, and Defence Infrastructure. It also presents Big Data and Information, Electronic Warfare, and Joint Enablers. Logistics, Medical, Robotics & Telemedicine novelties. Over 100 categories receive their presentation at the Zone, including:

• Cyber
• Defence Intelligence
• EW
• Information Systems
• Signals Intelligence

The exhibition ground also features several Hubs which serve as dedicated platforms. These include the Space Hub, which presents the latest communication and space technologies. Among them are novelties related to downstream and upstream capabilities. It is among the main visiting sites for the whole supply chain due to its increasing importance. Another Hub that receives high levels of visitors is the ‘Future Tech Hub’. It is the central hub that unites Innovation, Cyber and Communication. It serves as the defence community's meeting place for discussing important subjects. Among the topics are Digitalisation, Cybersecurity, Networks & Communications. AI, Big Data & Analytics, and IT Infrastructure developments are also frequent discussion subjects. The Hub also allows companies providing non-physical products/services to present their wares. Likewise, it permits non-conventional enterprises providing critical services to showcase their latest innovations. 

The Medical Hub is the showcasing location for defence medical research and simulations. It contains a series of interactive stands and a demonstration area. Attendants can earn awards at the demonstration area by showing their medical abilities. Attendants can find a range of services/products which address various challenges. Among them is supporting forward-deployed operations and operating during large scale pandemics. The Medical Hub is the main meeting location for military medical professionals. This includes senior commanders, policy advisers, planners, doctors, and medics. It is also where industry innovators present and discuss the newest live-saving technologies. 

The Manufacturing Hub is among the areas with high visitor numbers. It is where UK newcomer manufacturers can network with the industry. This includes meeting with prime contractors. Among the services which receive a presentation at the area are:

• Consultancy Services
• Turning, Milling and Machining
• CAD/CAM Software
• Hybrid Manufacturers
• Connectors and Cables
• Additive Manufacturing
• High Precision Press & Mould Tool Components
• Ceramics
• Composites
• Electronics
• Electronic Components

Each of the zones contains a sub-area dedicated to a specialist Forum. These include the Joint Forum, the Naval Forum, the Land Forum, and others. The Forums enable dialogues between attendees around the current edition's core themes. For instance, the 2021 editions of the Forums focused on:

• Industry Engagement and Acquisition
• Future Operational Requirements
• Obtaining and Retaining Skills
• Information Exploitation

Similarly, each Hub contains a specialised Theatre that focuses on the core themes. One of the specialised Theatres is the Manufacturing Theatre. It is the location for demonstrating the latest supply chain management developments. Such include novelties related to design, delivery, and production. At the Theatre, exhibitors can provide insight into their wares via live demonstrations. This can be quite valuable to start-ups as it allows them to gain recognition. 

The Medical Innovation Theatre is also a sub-area of interest. It features live demonstrations of the latest Operational Patient Care Pathway innovations. Such include learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic and new technology applications. This includes future requirements for modern military healthcare systems.

Each of the DSEI’s Editions operates under a special theme. For instance, the central theme for the 2021 edition was “Integrated Response to Future Threats”. This central theme influences the subjects selected for the Forums and the seminars. It is also the main topic discussed during keynote speeches. 

DSEI is a must-attend for all members of the Defence & Security industry. This includes:

• Tier 1 to 3 suppliers
• Defence ministers
• Service providers
• Pre-qualified industry visitors
• Main manufacturers
• International and UK delegation representatives such as members of NATO
• SMEs
• System integrators
• Subcontractors
• Senior procurement staff team members
• Prime contractors/OEMs
• Defence media

Your Hotel Room in London

Invest in your business trip with hotel accommodation selected for your specific need. Travel 2 Fairs Ltd works with you to send you hotels in London with an ideal location and price tag. This allows you to select the hotel offers that work best for you. Such as placing you near ExCeL London for a quicker commute. We have long worked with large groups, so you can query for parties of twenty people and more. The entire registration process takes up to a day, and you leave all details to us. Also, Travel 2 Fairs ltd assists with logistics as well. You can request a rent-a-car or an airport transfer in both directions, whether it is private or shared.

Logistics 

DSEI is a biannual trade fair that takes place at ExCeL London for 4 days. Clarion Events Ltd organises the event. Visiting hours tend to be between 9 am and 6 pm. 

ExCeL London is one of London’s premier venues. It is an exhibition centre with extensive public transport links to all areas of the UK’s capital. Due to these connections, it is easy to access the venue from the main transport hubs. For instance, London City Airport has a metro and bus line that allows you to reach ExCeL London. By using these links, you will access the site in 12-20 minutes. There are also connections between the St Pancras Station and the venue. Such include metro lines that enable reaching the exhibition grounds in 40-50 minutes. ExCeL London is within walking distance of locations such as the London City Airport. This enables accessing the venue from the airport in 18 minutes. 

The metropolis also has extensive public transport links to its districts. This enables travelling around the city in relative safety and to save time. You can opt to use buses, trains, metros, or a taxi. Costs for using the different modes can vary based on the used type of transport and the number of uses. For instance, buses and metros are among the most affordable via the Visitor Oyster Card. Taxis tend to save time when travelling in the city for the first time. 

London is a metropolis with ample dining and accommodation options. This allows you to choose dining and resting locations based on your needs. For instance, you can consider various hostels, guest houses, apartments, and hotels. Dining options include street vendors, bars, pubs, market stalls, clubs, and restaurants. When considering accommodation opt for Notting Hill, Angel, Brixton, and South Kensington. 

Audience and Statistics

DSEI is a high-profile event that receives over 35000 Defence & Security industry attendees. For instance, its 2019 edition featured over 1700 exhibitors and 36000 visitors. A total of 114 countries attended the rendition. Among them were Australia, Turkey, Finland, France, and the UK. The USA, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, and Latvia were also among the presented nations. The edition featured over 40 national pavilions and over 300 expert speakers. 

Past Editions

2019 edition

The 2019 edition of DSEI took place between 10.09-13.09.2019. It featured over 1700+ exhibitors, 400 of which were first-time attendants. It was the most successful and largest at the time. This was due to the rendition receiving 36 000 visitors, exceeding previous records. A total of 114 countries attended the fair. The edition featured 44 national pavilions. This included countries such as Australia, Turkey, Finland, and France, the UK, and the USA. Also included an increased Eastern European presence. This was due to pavilions dedicated to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Ukraine. DSEI’s editions often feature novel event additions. The 2019 edition, for instance, included the debut of the Space and Manufacturing Hubs. These triggered a strong engagement among SMEs by providing them with networking opportunities. The edition also included a significant number of conference and seminar speakers. Over 300 leading industry experts provided valuable information during the lectures. 

2021 Edition

The 2021 edition of DSEI was quite valuable for the global defence & security supply chain. It marked the successful restart of the face-to-face fairs for the sector and the UK. It also showed the importance of such formats. The 2021 edition of the event was in a hybrid format. It consisted of a face-to-face exhibition complemented by a digital platform. It took place at ExCeL London between 14.09.2021 and 17.09.2021. The Edition showcased a diverse range of innovations and featured new additions. Among them was the introduction of the ‘Future Tech Hub’. It was a dedicated hub that combined Innovation, Cyber and Communication. The hub allowed professionals to discuss and examine novelties related to several topics. Among them were digitalisation, cybersecurity, networks & communications. AI, Big Data & Analytics, and developments in IT Infrastructure were also presented. DSEI 2021 received 64 national and international delegations. Many of the delegations attended in person despite travel restrictions.