In conversation with.. Sven Smit

In conversation with...

Sven Smit

Portfolio Director of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery (Securex SA)

With plans already well underway for Securex SA 2020 (2 – 4 June 2020 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng), Sven Smit’s work diary is full. We were lucky to catch up with him over an early morning cup of coffee before he jetted off to China.

The path to Securex SA Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Sven matriculated from Carter High School in 2004. He then moved to Durban in 2004 to study marketing, a career choice that resonated with his passion for meeting people from all walks of life, and travel.

With an IMM (International Marketing Management) diploma behind him and having completed a project management course through the London School of Business and Finance, he applied for – and was appointed to - the position of Securex sales executive in 2013.

In 2018, he was promoted to his current position, that of Event Director, which includes managing the development of the exhibition.

Tell us about your first show… It was in 2013, just after I’d joined the Securex South Africa team, and it was a bit nerve-wracking with all the latest technologies, but I’ve fallen in love with the industry and its possibilities.

What’s involved in getting Securex SA from concept to reality every year? Getting Securex SA ready annually takes a village. We have an amazing team across different disciplines, with members who work together and strategise to make sure that we’re delivering a quality exhibition. In the same vein, we consult with all the leading trade associations, our exhibitors and our visitors to ensure that we deliver a trade show that talks to the needs of the industry.

Why is Securex important? Securex SA is not only the country’s leading security and fire trade exhibition but also the only show of its kind in southern Africa. It brings together stakeholders on an annual basis and provides content on the hottest topics, as well as networking opportunities with industry leaders. It’s a showcase of the latest innovations from local and international exhibitors and an excellent platform for them to build their brands, allowing them to connect face-toface with a target market of thousands of visitors over a short time period.

For visitors, it’s an opportunity for them to keep their fingers on the pulse of what’s happening in the local security sector. From the latest trends and new offerings in the marketplace to being able to compare products, services and prices, it’s where they can come to engage with the relevant associations in one place, at one time.

Are you seeing any trends? Our exhibitors are always evolving on the back of changing technology and legislation but that said, many return to Securex SA time and time again for the constants that include sharing, learning, networking and marketing their products to a targeted audience.

What about the public? Although there is some debate around whether South Africa’s crime statistics are improving or not, physical security continues to be a top concern here.

Our local cybersecurity figures have continued on a steep upward trend.

Malware attacks in South Africa increased by 22 percent in the first quarter of 2019, equating to around 13 842 attempted cyberattacks per day, just under 577 attempted attacks per hour, or nine per second.

In addition, our local Android mobile phones are the second most targeted in the world in terms of banking malware, after only Russia. There has also been an increase in attempted cyberattacks on industrial control systems such as nuclear, dam control, electricity and water treatment facilities.

At a local level, according to PwC, economic crime is at its highest level of the past decade, with 77 percent of South African organisations having experienced some or other form of economic crime. This highlights the critical importance of training, whether it be related to avoiding phishing attacks or recognising and reporting fraud, one of the many reasons for our excellent public attendance.

Your take on the local security industry right now? The local private security sector faces many challenges. We’re becoming increasingly reliant on security as individuals and private businesses as a result of crime.

This is underscored by the industry’s growing contribution to the country’s GDP and supported by the shortage of SAPS staff.

These herald growth for the sector. But at the same time, the industry continues to be beleaguered by ongoing wage negotiations and disputes. What’s needed is a collaborative approach by all parties as well as greater regulation to ensure its long-term stability and growth.

What’s a typical work day for you? At the office, it always starts with a strong cup of coffee. Then it’s spent talking to industry stakeholders and making sure our teams are abreast of all the latest news and changes within the marketplace.

We’re always looking at new ways to improve on what we deliver. When we’re at Securex, we’re on the floor, constantly talking to exhibitors, visitors and security stakeholders.

Anything new planned for Securex 2020? We’re looking at three major additions, which is very exciting.

Firstly, we’re growing the focus on Facilities Management and really delivering a 360-degree view of the safety, security and building management spectrum. It will run concurrently with both the security and occupational health components of Securex SA, under one roof and over the same three days.

We’re also looking at a first-ever drone demonstration stand. Drones are becoming increasingly important for information gathering and surveillance as well as providing additional support to existing security measures.

Then we’re considering a new co-located fire exhibition to run alongside Securex SA. Fire protection and detection is a key part of security because having the correct detection and prevention systems in place can mitigate potential risks to people and property.

Your hobbies and interests? Spending time with family, friends and my three fur children.

On your bucket list? To visit more countries and expose myself to new places and cultures. I also want to learn more foreign languages – having completed my A1 German with Goethe-Institut, I’m now in the process of completing my A2.

Your hopes for SA? South Africa is home to so many different cultures, and I hope that we can unite and be seen as one. We’ve seen some positive movement in this direction recently, which is heartening.

And your concerns? That we continue to act as individuals and not as one nation.

Last word We invite the industry to engage and work with us to make sure we deliver a trade exhibition of which it can be extremely proud.