Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser behind global safety and technology powerhouses Intersec and Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, has appointed Nathan Waugh as Portfolio Director. In his new role, Waugh will drive the continued growth of both flagship events, which have solidified their positions as leading platforms within the safety, security, fire protection, and intelligent building technology sectors.
Waugh brings over two decades of experience in the events and exhibitions industry across the UAE and the UK. Most recently, he served as Portfolio Director at Capital Events, part of the ADNEC Group, where he managed 12 exhibitions across diverse industry verticals, including security.
The appointment follows the record-breaking 2025 editions of both events—Intersec, which hosted 1,209 exhibitors and 47,300 visitors, and Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, which saw a 10% increase in attendance, reaching 15,948 visitors. Waugh’s leadership is expected to further elevate the global relevance and strategic growth of both platforms.
Ted Bloom, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Nathan to our team. His deep expertise across the safety and technology landscape, combined with a proven ability to lead and grow major exhibitions, will be crucial as we build on the momentum of Intersec and Light + Intelligent Building Middle East.”
Nathan Waugh, now heading the Security, Technology, and Production portfolio, expressed his enthusiasm:
“Joining Messe Frankfurt Middle East is a fantastic opportunity. Intersec and Light + Intelligent Building Middle East are globally respected for innovation and impact. I look forward to working with the talented team to enhance our offerings, drive meaningful industry progress, and deliver exceptional value to all our stakeholders.”
The 27th edition of Intersec will return from 12–14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of HH Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, once again convening global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of safety and security.
Co-located once more, Light + Intelligent Building Middle East 2026 will showcase the latest advancements in lighting and smart building technologies through cutting-edge exhibits, workshops, and conferences, uniting global manufacturers and decision-makers under one roof.
