SIR - I much enjoyed The SMT forum held at Total Workplace Management last October, and was reminded of it when I read Ruben Wegman's article in your February edition (‘Generation game',).

The Forum - which concentrated on the ‘hot topic' of security and IT coming ever-closer together as disciplines - was both interesting and relevant for security managers. The only thing that let it down was the ‘open air'-style Seminar Theatre and, thus, the rather distracting noise from surrounding stands.

Why don't you try a new venue for The SMT Forum? How about 30 St Mary Axe, the home of Swiss Re and which you covered in an excellent feature back in October 2004 (‘Reach for the Sky', pp18-26)? I realise that this type of corporate setting is different from the traditional ‘Expo' backdrop, but I would take the view that, in order to move forward, such events must take place in the domain of the end user. In the heart of Corporate Britain.

As for the subject matter, as you know I'm passionate about the evolution of security from being seen as an industry to being viewed as a profession, so how about the following title: ‘Security: The Road to Professionalism'?

Malcolm Cheshire RMN CPNCert SBCI Executive Principal The Arkwood Centre

The Editor replies:

Thank You for the kind words, Malcolm. You'll be pleased to know that The SMT Forum will reconvene on 9 May at the IFSEC Exhibition in Birmingham. This time, an assembled panel of industry professionals will discuss and debate security's present procurement model, and whether it is still relevant and practical in today's fast-paced business environment.

Are traditional methods for buying guarding and systems solutions still acceptable in this day and age? Perhaps e-tendering is the way forward? What role should security consultants play post-regulation? Following systems installation, should end users now begin to rely more on the manufacturer for advice than their installer? All of these issues will be discussed in depth.

In addition, the seminars being run by The Security Institute at IFSEC will focus on the exact area you suggested (ie professionalism in corporate security). For full details log on at: www.ifsec.co.uk Look out for our ‘Professionalism in Corporate Security' Supplement in May.

Source

SMT