SICUR 2026 announces a program aligned with the major challenges of comprehensive security

The International Security Fair, SICUR, organized by IFEMA MADRID from 24 to 27 February, presents a high-level program that consolidates the fair as the main international meeting point for analysis, debate, and knowledge generation around the key challenges of public and private security.

Through different forums and auditoriums, the programme will address technological innovation, European cooperation, sustainability, emergency management, critical infrastructure protection, occupational risk prevention and talent in a cross-cutting manner. Thus, SICUR 2026 will provide strategic responses to an increasingly complex risk scenario and the keys to face the global transformation of security will be given by leading experts in their fields.

European innovation and cooperation in civil security

The first day, 24 February, in Pavilion 10, will focus on innovation and European cooperation as key pillars for addressing current and future security challenges. The program will begin with a session organised by CDTI and Fundación Madrid+D dedicated to Horizon Europe Cluster 3 ‘Civil Security for Society’ 2026, in which institutional leaders, European experts, and National Contact Points from various countries will analyze the strategic priorities of the 2026 work program. After this introductory session, participants will hold 20-minute strategic meetings under the umbrella of Brokerage Event SICUR 2026, providing a unique opportunity to generate new strategic contacts and foster technological cooperation in security and civil protection at an international level.

In the afternoon, in collaboration with Tecnifuego, the focus will be on Fire Receiving Centre (CRI) services generated through the remote management of fire control centres, an activity that has experienced significant growth in recent years. Experts will analyse the technical, operational, and regulatory challenges posed by this model, highlighting the urgent need for its organisation and regulation to ensure safety, service quality, and effective response in emergency situations, benefiting both users and the agencies involved.

Security, industry, people and work in a changing environment

The second day of SICUR 2026 will focus on security as a strategic industry, capable of anticipating risks, ensuring the continuity of essential services, and protecting critical infrastructure and public spaces in a European context marked by uncertainty and complexity.

Under the motto “AES, since 1981 energising the security industry,” the historical and current role of the Spanish Association of Security Companies (AES) as a driver of the sector will be highlighted. The program will examine some of the most sensitive areas for contemporary security, such as road transport, the protection of public events, and the contribution of private security to the resilience of infrastructures and shared spaces. The debate will emphasise the need to strengthen cooperation between companies, associations and administrations to address increasingly cross-cutting threats from a European perspective.

The day will continue with a second major focus led by the Women and Security Observatory, positioning SICUR 2026 as a reference platform for reflection on leadership, talent, and diversity in the sector. Under the title 'Women who inspire: present and future of security', the conclusions of the 5th Women and Security Study and the results of the mentoring program for female leadership will be presented, showing the evolution of the role of women in a traditionally masculinised field.

The sessions will also explore how digitalisation and comprehensive security are opening the door to new female professional profiles, expanding development opportunities and bringing a more diverse and innovative perspective to security management. The program will also include recognition of established careers and the appointment of a godmother for the Observatory.

In parallel, in the South Auditorium, a dedicated space will be held on “Occupational Risk Prevention in Light of New Labour Market Perspectives” in collaboration with Fundación Mapfre and INSST. Experts will address the transformation of the world of work The evolution of workplace accidents, regulatory adaptation to new labour scenarios, and the impact of emerging technologies on improving occupational safety and health will be analysed, with a practical approach focused on real business contexts.

Sustainability, fires and major emergencies

26 February will focus on emergency management and the new challenges arising from sustainability. Through a session coordinated by APTB and ASELF, the current framework for civil protection and emergency management will be analysed, with a focus on adverse weather events and energy shortages.

In collaboration with Tecnifuego and APICI, the day will also address challenges in building safety and the management of new technologies. International specialists in lithium-ion batteries and renewable energy will explore solutions to mitigate fire risks in solar installations and transport stations. Finally, coordinated by Cepreven, the day will conclude with a roundtable on the new challenges in sustainable construction and its impact on fire safety.

With this program preview, SICUR 2026 reinforces its role as a reference platform for anticipating risks, sharing knowledge, and building collective responses to security challenges in an increasingly complex, interconnected and demanding environment.