Behind the scenes: Creating a security conference

Building a security conference from the ground up demands unwavering commitment, countless hours of effort, and the right factors aligning perfectly, not to mention a touch of luck. In this behind-the-scenes article, we will take an in-depth look at the creation of the Security Middle East Conference 2025. We will outline four essential elements that are crucial for a successful security conference, introduce the key individuals driving this initiative, and outline potential discussions that will take place. Furthermore, you will find a registration link at the end for access to the Security Middle East Conference 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an important event in the security landscape.

The Place

To successfully organize a security conference—or any event—it’s essential to establish a clear and compelling vision right from the beginning. Start by bringing together company directors to define this vision collaboratively, ensuring that every team member fully understands their objectives. Determine your target audience and clarify the purpose of the event. Furthermore, proactively identify the resources and strategies required to not only meet but surpass the goals and expectations for a truly outstanding event.

Once this vision is formed, the question must be asked: What space is required to accommodate a security conference of this nature? 

In 2023, we at Security Middle East targeted a smaller number of delegates, focused on the concept of creating a bespoke space for the very top of the security industry in the Middle East, to accommodate this space, we headed to the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace hotel, and booked out a luxurious meeting hall, granting us the freedom to place stands, pop-ups, banners, chairs and more. The conference also had a separate space for food and further networking – through the hard efforts of everyone involved at the Crowne Plaza, the security conference was able to develop a comfortable space which opened the door to more networking.

Looking to further step up the calibre of our conference, in 2024 – we moved the conference to the InterContinental Riyadh Hotel, allowing for an exhibition area to be attached to the conference, letting sponsors build their own spaces and have more face-to-face time with attendees of the conference.

The stunning large roofs, and incredible Saudi Arabian architecture, combined with top-class hospitality, allowed the event to stand out. Surrounding the conference hall, were several breakout rooms, granting individuals the ability to sit down and observe presentations appropriate to their own agendas.

In 2025, the Security Middle East Conference will move to a brand new location, featuring an even larger exhibition area, more access to breakout rooms and prayer rooms, and a layout that allows us to grow the conference year-on-year. We have several other surprises to announce – stay tuned for these!

The People

A vision and a location that allows for it to be executed are necessary for a security conference, however, it is the experience of key members that determines the quality of the event and ensures delegates are excited to sit down and be invested. Without the right people curating the experience, the conference can stretch on – or miss the mark about its content. Through the curation of an effective advisory board, we have been able to devise an agenda, and create the kind of conversations that pique interest and connect with everyone from the security end-user to the security c-suite decision maker.

For 2025, our advisory board consists of industry-leading influences such as:

Tawfeeq Alsadoon – Group Head of Security, Red Sea Global
Meshal Aljohani – Security Group Supervisor, Aramco
Sami Althowaini – Director of Security, Safety and Transport, KAPSARC (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center)
Turki Alshalhoub – Senior Manager of Safety and Security, Diriyah Company
Luke Bencie – Managing Director, Security Management International
Daniel Norman – Middle East Regional Director, Information Security Forum (ISF)
Nadeem Iqbal – Middle East Regional Director, International Foundation for Protection Officers
Cora Lydon – Editor, Security Middle East

The Plan

With the right people, and the location set for a particular date – we end up with one year, to unite security professionals, and stand out in a crowded field of security events. For our security conference to be a success, we must develop a week-by-week plan to bring sponsors on board, build the interest of speakers from across the security concert, and develop an agenda that elevates the event.

Each team member is brought into the vision and understands how this security conference matters.

Join the Security Middle East Conference as a delegate now – Get involved today at: https://securitymiddleeastconference.com/register/.

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