Global Defense Insight: Can you share with us your overall experience as the chief organizer of LAAD 2024? What were some highlights and challenges you encountered during the event?
Sergio Jardim: The main challenge was holding a fair that was suspended for 2 years due to the pandemic. The last one happened in 2018.
“The fair greatly surpassed the 2018 numbers in its indicators.”
Global Defense Insight: Could you provide some insights into the scale of this year’s event? How many companies exhibited, and from which sectors?
Sergio Jardim: There were 84 exhibiting companies from 12 countries. We were visited by 15,500 total visitors.
Global Defense Insight: What specific initiatives or features were introduced in LAAD 2024 that set it apart from previous editions?
Sergio Jardim: New and more modern visual and construction standards in the areas provided by the organization to the authorities. The digitalization of the fair was expanded with the use of modern LED structures. Creation of a specific area to highlight technological advances called Future Tech Hub.
Global Defense Insight: Collaboration and networking are essential aspects of events like LAAD. How successful were the networking opportunities at LAAD 2024, especially considering the challenges posed by the global pandemic?
Sergio Jardim: The official delegate program was a great success, bringing 69 delegations from 36 countries to the fair, far exceeding the numbers of the previous edition in 2018, as well as the Public Security Business Round, which brought police logistics professionals into contact and companies was especially useful for promoting networking and presented higher numbers than the previous edition.
Global Defense Insight: Looking ahead, what are your expectations for LAAD 2025? Are there any new strategies or enhancements planned to further elevate the event’s impact and relevance in the security and defense industry?
Sergio Jardim: The expectation for LAAD 2025 is new growth in the fair’s main indicators compared to the previous edition. There are several improvements planned to take effect in 2025, highlighting greater efforts to communicate the event and the networking possibilities that will be available.
Global Defense Insight: How do you envision the future growth and evolution of LAAD, considering the changing dynamics in the security and defense sector, both regionally and globally?
Sergio Jardim: We consider the consistent consolidation of LAAD as the largest and most important defense and security event in Latin America.
Global Defense Insight: Could you highlight any significant trends or innovations showcased at LAAD 2024 that you believe will shape the future of the security and defense industry?
Sergio Jardim: The Future Tech Hub, which was highlighted in 2024, tends to consolidate itself as a unique opportunity to present technologies and innovations.
Global Defense Insight: LAAD plays a crucial role in fostering partnerships and business opportunities within the security and defense ecosystem. Can you share any success stories or notable collaborations that emerged from previous editions of the event?
Sergio Jardim: LAAD has been the stage for bilateral meetings between countries, missions carried out during the fair always focus on meetings with progress on joint projects. We highlight that the project for the 4 Brazilian Navy Frigates was presented and signed at LAAD.
Global Defense Insight: In what ways does LAAD contribute to promoting technological advancement and knowledge exchange within the security and defense community, particularly in Latin America?
Sergio Jardim: The International Military Logistics Symposium has the power to bring officers of the Brazilian Armed Forces closer to the most modern technologies presented by international experts. Additionally, the LAAD Security Seminar features prominent speakers from the Brazilian Police and Military Forces, as well as from the private sector.
Global Defense Insight: Finally, reflecting on your experience with LAAD 2024, what would you say sets this event apart and makes it a must-attend for professionals and organizations in the security and defense sector?
Sergio Jardim: LAAD has a dedicated team of professionals, committed to providing a fruitful and high-quality environment.
Global Defense Insight: Before we conclude, Mr. Jardim, we’d love to hear your personal feedback on Global Defense Insight’s role as a media partner for LAAD 2024. How would you describe your experience working with us and the impact of our coverage on the success of the event?
Sergio Jardim: Global Defense Insight was an invaluable partner, actively spreading our information to authorities, exhibitors and event visitors. We intend to continue expanding our professional contact for the next editions of LAAD.
Source: Global Defense Insight
