The Expo and educational programme at this unique event had proven so popular that Pablo Reyes, VP Operations, was forced reluctantly to close registrations two weeks prior to the event due to over subscription. “I was amazed, registrations just kept on coming and I was aware of the limitations at our chosen venue, we will certainly be looking for a larger alternative when we return to Mexico”.

Despite the torrential rain and Mexico City’s notorious traffic more than 120 of Mexico’s finest converged on the Galeria Plaza to experience the first event of this type in the country. Supported by media partners; Seguridad y Defensa Corp,  IPfocus International and Seguridad en América and featured in Ventas de Seguridad, the event was widely publicised across the region.

It was clear from the conversation during an interview between Paul Hennings, IP UserGroup President and  Seguridad y Defensa Editor, Andres Solis Alvarez, that Mexico has serious issues with security at technical, social and political levels and that the need for reliable and appropriate physical security solutions are high on the citizens’ agenda.

A Unique Opportunity for the Industry

The event comprised three main elements; The Table-top Expo area and workshops, the day-long Educational Programme and the Networking opportunities both delegate to exhibitor and delegate to delegate.

The informal atmosphere appeared to go down well with visitor and exhibitor alike and both seemed pleased that the IP UserGroup had chosen Mexico as one of the venues in the IP-in-Action LIVE road-show calendar.

Exhibiting Companies Included: Arecont Vision, Axis Communications (México, Centro América & Caribe), BOLIDE Technology, DIGIOP Technologies, eConnect Inc, Exacq Technologies, Milestone Systems, MOBOTIX AG, Pelco Inc, Scati Labs, SONY Latin America, Seguridad y Defensa Corp Editorial, IPfocus International Magazine and  Seguridad en América Magazine. All were busy throughout the day in the EXPO area which was adjacent to the seminar theatre which seated some 100 delegates.

There was ample time between seminars and during the lunch-time break for delegates to mingle amongst the exhibits, receiving demonstrations and expert advice from the technical representatives attending, but more important perhaps they had “quality time to spend with quality people”, exhibitors and colleagues alike.

It was also of particular importance that IP UserGroup Latin America Membership certificates were presented to latest Corporate Members, Axis Communications (Mexico, Central America & Caribbean) and Milestone systems.

Presenting the certificates, Pablo Reyes commented, “The presentation of these certificates further demonstrates the strength and commitment of the IP UserGroup and its supporters across South and Central America, our numbers are growing rapidly and the opportunities in Latin America along side the IP UserGroup Latino are huge, I would urge those who have not yet signed-up to do so without delay”.

In Conclusion:

Mexico City has its social problems as do most major international cities, but the attitude of both the security industry in general and the media in particular is that of open-minded and progressive commercial and technical interest. The audience for the seminars were transfixed by some of the presentations, illustrating the latest in electronic physical security technologies, demonstrated by both the technical and case study sessions.

It is clear that as the largest Spanish speaking security market in Latin America, there are opportunities for both the local industry and the major manufacturers to introduce IP networked physical security and safety solutions across the region.