Interview with WM for a&s Adria

Mr Marzin, could you please introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Wolfgang Marzin and I have been President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Messe Frankfurt since 2010. I have worked in the fair and exhibition business for over 25 years, gathering experience at German exhibition centres in Munich and Leipzig, as well as in the USA at Messe Düsseldorf North America.

A big thing for Adriatic region security market happened last month – Adria Security Summit signed an agreement with Messe Frankfurt. It will from now on be powered by Intersec, one of the most visited security exhibitions in the world. Why did you choose Adria Security Summit to be a part of your security events portfolio? 

I am really pleased about the agreement with the organisers of Adria Security Summit, Global Security d.o.o., and am looking forward to our collaboration with great confidence. We are now the partner of a high-grade and well established event, which was, of course, very important for us. It is an attractive networking platform, at which players from the entire distribution chain for safety and security technology can meet and exchange ideas and information. Moreover, we were not represented by our events for the safety and security sector in Southeast Europe and, by taking this step, aim to reinforce our commitment for the sector in this region. In this connection, working with a professional and reliable partner in the region, such as ‘Global Security’, is the key to success.

What is your opinion on the Summit, what qualities does it have and how do you see its position, growth and regional character in Western Balkans?

The Summit concept is first class. Combined with a trade exhibition showing innovative products and solutions, the conference with top speakers offers participants a comprehensive overview of the latest trends in the sector. Executives from the sector’s key players are taking part, from, for example, Honeywell, Bosch and Sony, to mention but a few. Moreover, the event is a very good opportunity for networking. In my opinion, personally cultivating contacts and making new ones is becoming increasingly important in our digitalised world. Additionally, the fact that the Summit is held at different venues from year to year means that it covers several countries in the Western Balkans with the emphasis on the focus country of the year. This clear, regional focus is, I believe, a great advantage that perfectly supplements our generally internationally-oriented events.

What does this agreement include and how will it benefit both Adria Security Summit and Messe Frankfurt?

For the first time, we are supporting this September’s edition of the ‘Adria Security Summit’ in Sibenik, which will be known as the ‘Adria Security Summit powered by Intersec’ from then on. Accordingly, the Summit will be integrated into our worldwide safety, security & fire brand-communication activities, which will strengthen the level of awareness for this event. We will provide conceptual support and mutually advertise our events, so that both sides benefit. Specifically, we will have an information stand at the Summit and present our eleven safety and security technology events. Furthermore, we will hold a lecture at the conference.

For those who don’t know much about your company, tell us more about Messe Frankfurt, especially its business in security, accomplishments with Intersec, a&s Group, etc.?

Messe Frankfurt is the world’s biggest fair, congress and event organiser with its own fair and exhibition centre. The Security, Safety & Fire Business Unit plays a vital role in our company and is developing very rapidly. At present, we have a portfolio of eleven safety and security technology events with the well-known Intersec and Secutech trade-fair brands. We are represented around the world by our trade fairs and conferences: in Asia, in the Near and Middle East, in South America and in Europe. Intersec is the portfolio’s leading event. It has been held annually in Dubai since 1999 and has developed into the world’s leading trade show for security, safety, and fire protection. We also expanded our activities in the fair and publishing business for the safety and security sector with the purchase of Taiwan’s A&S fair and exhibition company in 2009 and the founding of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media. Naturally, our focus is always on growth markets and, together with our partners in the sector, we constantly evaluate the implementation of more new events – and the Adria Security Summit powered by Intersec is the latest example of this.

How do you see Adria Security Summit’s future, now being powered by Intersec?

I foresee a high-grade event with a firm regional base that has become indispensable for the sector. As important players on a regional and international plane, we and our partners hold events that benefit retailers, systems integrators, manufacturers and consumers in the safety and security industry. We want to reinforce the Summit’s position and further develop in the interests of the sector and our customers.

Anything you want to add, some message to our readers?

I am delighted that we are working with Global Security and very much hope to welcome readers of a&s Adria to Croatia in September. Or at one of our other events for the safety and security sector, for example, at Intersec in Dubai, which will be held from 21 to 23 January 2018. If you would like an overview of all our events for the safety and security sector, please take a look at our website: www.safety-security.messefrankfurt.com