The organiser of Counter Terror Expo (CTE) has claimed record attendance figures at this year’s show, driven by an increased focus on combating terrorism globally.
 
This year’s show at Olympia from 25 to 26 April attracted 8,519 attendees, up 10 per cent year-on-year. Highlights included 400 exhibitors, five conference streams and 12 workshops with 150 speakers, along with a host of demonstrations and showcases on debating and dealing with current and emerging terrorist security issues.
 
Speakers ranged from head of the Crime Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, Sue Hemming, to deputy assistant secretary general for NATO’s Emerging Security Challenges Division, Dr Jamie Shea. Another success this year was a VIP hosted delegation programme for more than 100 guests manned by admiral the Right Honourable Lord West of Spithead.
 
This year was the last time Niche Events managed the show after selling the event to Clarion Events in 2009 under a three-year handover deal. The pair claimed an 80 per cent rebooking rate for the 2012 edition.
 
“Threats to the safety of the public at large continue to threaten us and dominate the news headlines: From the Al Qaeda terrorist attacks in Syria this week, to the announcement that the ‘underwear bomber’ has been stopped, to Anders Breivik’s court case in Norway,” CTE event director Phil Hunter said.
 
“The analysis and prevention of these sorts of events is the entire raison d’etre behind Counter Terror Expo.”
 
CTE returns to Olympia from 24 to 25 April 2013 and will have a series of new features including cyber security, anti-piracy, integrated security and offshore oil and gas securing zones. Hunter said it also planned to build on the success of this year’s Improvised Explosive Device Disposal demonstration showcase and armoured vehicle area.
 
The BBC’s security correspondent Frank Gardner withdrew from participating in this year’s event and related awards night as claims emerged it could threaten the broadcaster’s impartiality.
 
 
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