Industry leaders, frontline professionals and emerging talent come together for a day of expert insight, innovative breakout sessions and discussions shaping the future of security.
The Security Institute welcomed security professionals, industry leaders and emerging talent to The Minster Building, London, on Thursday 15 October for its Annual Conference 2026, delivering a programme of expert insight, professional development and collaboration.
Under the theme ‘Influential Security: Less Noise. More Influence.’, the conference explored how security professionals can strengthen their credibility, demonstrate their value and ensure their expertise contributes meaningfully to organisational and strategic decision-making.
The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback from delegates, speakers and supporters, reflecting the success of a programme designed to encourage greater participation, challenge established thinking and strengthen connections across the profession.
Industry leaders explore the power of influence
Hosted by The Security Institute Director Matthew Seel CSyP FSyI, the conference opened with an address from Lord Evans of Weardale KCB DL, followed by aJoint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) briefing examining the current threat landscape.
Throughout the day, delegates heard from leading voices across the profession, including Teresa Quinn, Head of Global Security at TUI Group, who explored credibility, influence and culture in ‘Leading Security from the Outside In’, and Julia Pendry MVO CSyP, whose session, ‘Steal My Idea: The Art of Making People Think It Was Theirs’, challenged conventional approaches to communication and influencing decisions.
Greg Webb MSyI, Director of conference Gold Sponsor MS Webb, shared insights into building a security business grounded in professional standards, credibility and trust.
A further highlight was the discussion between Government Chief Security Officer Vincent Devine and our Director, Dr Rachel Webb CSyP FSyI, titled ‘Influential Security: Clear, Credible, Consequential’, examining how security professionals can communicate their value and strengthen their influence at senior decision-making levels.
The programme also welcomed Dean Wormleighton MSyI, Founder of Squaddie Box CIC, who highlighted the importance of supporting those who have served through the work of Squaddie Box and Blue Light Box.
New breakout sessions bring fresh perspectives to the forefront
One of the most significant developments for the 2026 conference was the introduction of three dedicated breakout sessions, designed to create a more interactive and inclusive experience and encourage meaningful discussion across different areas of the profession.
The Intelligence breakout, led by Joey Hills, Director of Intelligence & Operations at Mitie Security, explored the effective use of intelligence to shape and influence decision-makers.
The Frontline Security breakout, facilitated by Chris Middleton CSyP MSyI, Security Institute Director, and Darcy Fletcher, Learning and Development Manager at Assist Security Group, focused on the influence frontline professionals have in shaping perceptions, strengthening standards and contributing to organisational success.
The Early Careers breakout, led by Raegan Moss MSc MSyI, Chair of the Institute’s Early Careers Network, explored ‘The Influence Map’, encouraging emerging professionals to recognise their potential to influence decisions and contribute to the future of security.
The response to the new format was particularly encouraging, with delegates welcoming opportunities for focused discussion, shared experiences and practical insights.
The importance of these conversations was reinforced during the closing panel, ‘Beyond the Conference: Building Influence Where It Matters’, which brought together Joey Hills, Chris Middleton, Darcy Fletcher and Raegan Moss to reflect on the discussions and their wider implications for the profession.
Shaping the future of the profession
The conference also provided an opportunity for The Security Institute’s CEO, Sarah Austerberry CSyP FSyI, and Special Projects Adviser Anthony Seale to outline the organisation’s future direction.
Their discussion highlighted the Institute’s ambition to strengthen professional recognition, support career development and create greater connections between its membership, specialist activities and wider industry engagement.
Looking ahead to 2027, resilience was identified as an important area of focus, examining how everyday security practices contribute to wider organisational and societal preparedness.
Sarah Austerberry CSyP FSyI, CEO of The Security Institute, commented:
“The overwhelmingly positive response to this year’s Annual Conference has been incredibly encouraging. Our ambition was to create an event that not only delivered valuable professional development but also encouraged meaningful conversations about the future of our profession.
“Seeing that vision come to life, particularly through our new breakout sessions, was a real highlight. The diversity of experience and perspectives represented throughout the day demonstrated the strength of our professional community and the importance of creating opportunities for every voice to be heard.
“Our sincere thanks go to everyone who contributed to making this year’s conference such a success. We look forward to building on the ideas, connections and conversations established throughout the day.”
Supporting charitable causes
Alongside its professional development programme, the conference raised £1,000 through its charity raffle, supporting the Institute’s two chosen charities for 2026: Squaddie Box CIC and Nuneaton and Bedworth Doorway.
Squaddie Box CIC supports veterans and emergency services personnel experiencing homelessness or hardship, while Doorway provides practical assistance and guidance to young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The fundraising total was achieved through the generosity of delegates, supporters and prize donors, including an additional contribution that helped boost the final amount.
The Institute extends its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this achievement.
Recognising the organisations behind the event
The success of the Annual Conference was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, exhibitors and industry partners.
Particular thanks go to Gold Sponsor MS Webb, whose contribution included the sponsorship of 20 conference tickets for frontline security professionals, helping to widen access to professional development opportunities.
The Institute also thanks 365 Group, sponsor of the conference’s networking drinks reception, which provided an opportunity for delegates to continue discussions and strengthen professional connections following the day’s programme.
Further thanks are extended to the event’s supporting sponsors:
ATG Access, Mitie, TORO Solutions, Ward Security, Mercury Training, Surelock McGill and Third Millennium Systems.
The Institute also recognises its exhibitors, including PerpetuityARC, Mitie, ATG Access, MS Webb, Ward Security, Mercury Training and Surelock McGill, alongside the Institute’s own membership and Chartered Security Professional teams.
Sincere thanks are extended to all speakers, panellists, facilitators, delegates, the Board of Directors and the Head Office Team for their contributions to delivering a successful event.
The conference concluded with remarks from The Security Institute Chair, Chris Stevens CSyP FSyI, reinforcing the importance of continued professional engagement and collaboration.
As the Institute reflects on the success of its 2026 Annual Conference, the central message remains clear: meaningful influence is built through credibility, collaboration and the ability to turn professional expertise into positive action.
The Security Institute looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to champion a more connected, recognised and influential security profession.
Access the Full Gallery >> HERE
