Clarion Events
DSEi opened on September 13th. But arms fairs don't organise themselves - a lot of work goes into inviting the right mix of despots and dealers. Who are Clarion Events, and what do they do?
In 2007 DSEi's former owners Reed Elsevier finally announced it would sell DSEi after a successful public campaign forced it to admit that "defence shows are no longer compatible" with its position. But despite the continuing public condemnation, a buyer finally came forward in the shape of Clarion Events, who bought DSEi and two other arms fairs in May 2008.
Clarion Events was new to the arms business, with its exhibition portfolio focusing on consumer and business - to - business trade shows, including the Baby Show, The Travel Show and The Spirit of Christmas. Clarion seems to have developed an appetite for arms fairs - it has bought six more in the space of four years. In a clear statement of intent, Clarion has even become a member of the Aerospace, Defence and Security group - the industry body for the arms trade- and set up a special company called Clarion Defence and Security to manage their collection of arms fairs.
Clarion Events in the Middle East
Clarion are keen to make money from the arms trade. As well as running DSEi, this autumn Clarion will launch its creation 'The Counter Terror Expo' in the United Arab Emirates. According to Clarion's Joanna Edwards,
It's a model that works well in the Middle East...There's a lot of money being spent here in the UAE on homeland security technology, so it's a good market in which to roll out our brand.
Exhibition News, 27/04/2011
Clarion are quick to point out that the profits it makes from hosting arms fairs are pocketed with government support and approval. But with the UK supplying arms to some of the worst human rights abusers, including Colonel Gaddafi's regime, this defence is wearing thin. Clarion's invite list for DSEi 2011 sported an all - star cast of tyrants, despots, and human rights abusers.
CAAT's Campaign
Unsurprisingly, Clarion has been hit with criticism from all sides. From direct actions at its arms fairs to keeping customers at Clarion's other events well informed of its penchant for weaponry, campaigners have mounted a serious challenge to the company. In fact, the campaign against Clarion has been so effective it had to hire a PR firm with a "very proactive" approach. Luther Pendragon monitor “web - based interest” in Clarion, and “monitor and respond to any direct action”. Probably thanks to Luther Pendragon, Clarion produced a website warning against the “incorrect information, and deliberate misinformation, about DSEi” which is “disseminated via a small number of people whose ultimate objective is to stop the production of any kind of arms or defence equipment”. We'll take that as a compliment...
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