The security industry has an ironic dual nature to it: keeping things safely guarded and locked down is the heart of what we do, but being open and willing to share ideas is what grows our profession and leads to innovation. And a balance of both is necessary to create trust.

In my experience as a Gallagher Sales Manager for the Upper North Island, I've found that on a one-to-one basis, security professionals are passionate about their work and are more than happy to share their expertise with those looking to learn. I've seen it among my colleagues, with our Channel Partners, and end-users alike: once people are in a room together, the conversation seems to naturally steer toward sharing. From the outside, it might just look like a lot of tech talk, but what I see is people making connections and progressing our industry.

After all, innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum. Each new technology, feature, integration, and benefit introduced to the market propels the entire security industry forward. We observe, we learn, and then we turn inward to our own products and services and ask ourselves, "how can we do better?" Those who recognise that sharing – both directly and indirectly – holds this power are the true industry leaders, and their willingness to step forward challenges the industry at large to rise to the occasion.

We believe in the mission of the security industry: protection and creating peace of mind. When we share knowledge freely, we make it possible for everyone to achieve that goal.

And talk to any salesperson, and you'll find that sharing isn't just an ideal – often, it's just good business sense. That's because sharing knowledge freely builds trust, and with trust comes the kind of connections that build long-lasting business relationships. From networking and building out your contacts list to signing an NDA or securing a contract, making connections with other security professionals is the unspoken foundation we all operate upon. We learn from each other, but more importantly, we spark new ideas and gain inspiration. I know that, personally, when I walk away from a trade show, presentation, or even just the conversations that happen in between, I find new motivation to take back to my work.

Without the openness of thought leaders, mentors, colleagues, and even competitors, none of us would grow, and the industry would suffer.

So, when the opportunity for sharing and making connections arises, all of us in the security industry should participate. It's an investment in our own professional development, but more importantly, it's paving the way for better ideas, creativity, and development yet to come.

Join us at the Gallagher Security Showcase on 16 March at Eden Park in Auckland for a day of sharing, product demonstrations, and networking.